Little info about myself before I get to my questions. Name is Brad. I owned a 91 4Runner back in the mid 90's. Put a 4" Lift and 33's on it with some custom tube bumpers and had fun with it all through college. Eventually the IFS front end got old so I sold it for a built 93 SR5 4Runner on 35's with the Solid Axle conversion. The axle was from a 93 FJ80. I wheeled that all over the SoCal mtns and desert and loved it. Eventually I got married and kids started rolling in so I picked up a 95 FJ80 (with 3rd row) to replace the smaller 4Runner. Lifted and built it and used it for my trail rig for a few years. Eventually I wanted something newer so I picked up a 97 Lexus LX450. I put a 4" lift, sliders, bumpers and 35's (37's on the way) and have been wheelin it up until now. There is also a pile of Jeeps mixed in their over the years but I wont go there since this is a yota crowd. I love my toyotas and I love to beat on them. During my last wheelin trip I came across a guy on the trail with a 2010 4Runner trail edition on 35's. Not sure the height of the lift or how much had been done to get it to that point. He had a factory rear locker and some type of factory limited slip up front. It handled well on the rocks considering it had the IFS up front. After my cousin (who was sitting shot gun) saw it perform he decided he wanted one just like it. I may pick one up as well. here's where the questions begin. Feel free to try to answer one or two or all of them.
What packages offer a rear locker?
Do any packeges offer front and rear lockers? If not, what's the next best thing for the front from the factory?
Who makes aftermarket lockers for the front?
Is the factory rear locker controlled electronically by a button?
These come from the factory with the straight axle rear suspension correct?
Which 4x4 option is best for offroading?
Any tcase options that allow for manual shifting into 4x4 and 4 lo?
Any options come in All Wheel drive? If so, can the AWD be be controlled by a button, lever, etc.?
What amount of lift is needed to clear 35's? What is a good lift for this setup? (assume aftermarket bumpers front and rear)
What amount of lift is needed to clear 33's? What is a good lift for this setup? (assume aftermarket bumpers front and rear)
Can 33's be ran with the stock gears without issue?
My budget will be tight so I will have to take cost heavily into cosideration. (think. spacer lift, stock gears and axles, and 33's)
My cousins budget will be much bigger. He will be looking for top of the line. (think 35's with gearing to match, lockers front and rear and armour everywhere). I have no need for a rig like that since my LX450 meets those needs. My cousin justs wants something that can keep up with my Locked LX on 35's.
What packages offer a rear locker?
Do any packeges offer front and rear lockers? If not, what's the next best thing for the front from the factory?
Who makes aftermarket lockers for the front?
Is the factory rear locker controlled electronically by a button?
These come from the factory with the straight axle rear suspension correct?
Which 4x4 option is best for offroading?
Any tcase options that allow for manual shifting into 4x4 and 4 lo?
Any options come in All Wheel drive? If so, can the AWD be be controlled by a button, lever, etc.?
What amount of lift is needed to clear 35's? What is a good lift for this setup? (assume aftermarket bumpers front and rear)
What amount of lift is needed to clear 33's? What is a good lift for this setup? (assume aftermarket bumpers front and rear)
Can 33's be ran with the stock gears without issue?
My budget will be tight so I will have to take cost heavily into cosideration. (think. spacer lift, stock gears and axles, and 33's)
My cousins budget will be much bigger. He will be looking for top of the line. (think 35's with gearing to match, lockers front and rear and armour everywhere). I have no need for a rig like that since my LX450 meets those needs. My cousin justs wants something that can keep up with my Locked LX on 35's.
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