No Locking Rear, Head to the Dealership?

[DougH]

No Locking Rear Diff, Head to the Dealership?

So I got myself a '97 3.4V6 and it doesn't have the locking rear diff option. I don't plan on doing much off-roading (maybe a bit) but I will spending a LOT of time on cold snowy roads this winter.

Should I head to the dealer for the hook up or should I just get the TRD L.S.D. from Performance Products?

Is this even right part should I go that route?
http://www.performanceproducts.com/productpage.aspx?pid=110696&name=TRD+Limited+Slip+Differential

 

[KyleT]

the dealer will rip you off. try to look for a used e-locker or an arb if you want a selectable.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

You don't want to use a diff lock on snowy roads or you'll just end up backwards. The Diff lock is for getting unstuck only or for off road only. It's not worth the trouble unless you off road since it'll cost you probably a couple grand and more from a dealer.
If you really got to have one then it's best and cheapest to do a swap from a donor 4runner.

yotatech has the info on swaps and such and several members have done it properly.

 

[gapboi210]

The item in that link says it is a limited slip. Isn't that what 4Runners already have?

 

[DougH]

I don't THINK they're LSD's. Anyone know for sure?

I'm leaning more towards the LSD for when the roads get icy since I won't be doing any serious or regular off-road driving.

Lots of newbie questions :
-Will the item in the link above fit my truck? On that link, do I just need the ring gear or do I need the installation kit too? Do I need any other parts for the install or is it simply a one item swap out?
-Anyone know of other options for LSD's, either better price or performance?
-Are there aftermarket parts to make the front diff an LSD too? Should I bother?

Help a newb out with his first ever traction mod.

 

[RunnerUp]

96-994runners dont have LSD. the 00-02 do but you would need alot more than just the differential.

i didnt look at your link so i cant answer if that is the right one, but chances are that you dont want to try to install it yourself (unless you are capable of something like that)

since this is your first "traction" mod, i suggest different tires. LSD's will just click and make alot of noise with bald tires. you would be surprised at your 4runner with some good tires on it.

go to yotatech and search the forums over there, it has been covered many many times over there.

 

[DougH]

Thanks for the heads up! Just read a thread there that said the performance products page I linked above is plain wrong and the part won't actually fit my truck.

You just saved me a shitload of hassle.

 

[gapboi210]

How can I tell what kind of rear end i have?

 

[DougH]

Here's a handy site I found:

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

 

[Elton]

i have a e-locker on mine and it really never gets used ..... i drove my works car a 04 jeep liberty im guessing it has posi trac talk about a nightmare when it rains just slides all over the place not really safe

 

[lee]

since this is your first "traction" mod, i suggest different tires.

........yes and no. the tires would help, esp if he isnt wheeling it, but if he is, then a locker beats all.

i mean assuming he has SOME tread, he'll be ok. i know people who wheeled hard with 31", low tread tires and a locker and did great

 

[RunnerUp]

ill agree with that, ive seen some bald tires and a locker take people places i cant go. im just glad i dont have to deal with snow on a regular basis!!