Rear E-Locker - Leaving Engaged While Offroad

[Koko4]

So I've heard people say both things, but I want to be sure. Is it alright to leave my rear differential locked while I am offroading? I don't want to tear it up prematurely, but I love the feel of having it locked and not worrying about climbing up the next hill / uneven patch.

Keep in mind, this is only on dirt / offroad conditions, and NEVER on pavement. Thanks for the help..and sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[shootmymime]

i think you will notice too much bad steering with it locked. i only use mine when im climbing something that im slipping too much in 4 high or 4 low. then i lock it.

just my personal driving i wouldn't keep it locked

 

[thebrandon]

I used to keep it on all the time off-road but now I only use it when I need it. Lockers create a lot of stress on your drive train whether they are factory or not. It's no inconvenience to me to push a button when I need it anyway lol.

 

[GhostRing]

Since it won't disengage off-throttle like a traditional locker, I tend to leave it unlocked until needed.

 

[Park]

I love my locker especially after the blue wire mod. Typically I only leave my locker engaged on sandy or muddy surfaces. If your tires are not slipping than you don't have any reason to be locked. Just my .02

 

[Koko4]

Alright - so I guess I should leave it unlocked until needed...? I don't mind how it feels driving around when it's locked, though. Does that risk damaging it or stressing it out unnecessarily? Or is it just personal preference at that point?

I guess I could hit it on / off, but a lot of times it's obstacle after obstacle, and I can actually feel the locker helping me push those rear tires up..makes all the difference in the world.

 

[AZ4Running]

I dont have a locker wish I did, the factory e locker is a great addition to the 4runner. Personally if I had one I would only use when needed, slipping conditions. There is no need to have it engaged if your rear tires are not slipping. Plus I think Toyota says not to use it over 15mph and I do 20-30mph in the many washes and trails in my area.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Alright - so I guess I should leave it unlocked until needed...? I don't mind how it feels driving around when it's locked, though. Does that risk damaging it or stressing it out unnecessarily? Or is it just personal preference at that point?

I guess I could hit it on / off, but a lot of times it's obstacle after obstacle, and I can actually feel the locker helping me push those rear tires up..makes all the difference in the world.

Your tires will bear the majority of the brunt however if your tires are getting very good grip....something else will give.....

 

[Park]

Alright - so I guess I should leave it unlocked until needed...? I don't mind how it feels driving around when it's locked, though. Does that risk damaging it or stressing it out unnecessarily? Or is it just personal preference at that point?

I guess I could hit it on / off, but a lot of times it's obstacle after obstacle, and I can actually feel the locker helping me push those rear tires up..makes all the difference in the world.

At the end of the day, just be conscious of where your driving with your rear locked. It will cause more stress on the differential, but in must cases that stress wont cause any problems. You should be the most weary on high grip surfaces like packed dirt or rock. With great locka-bility comes great responsibility. LOCK ON BRAH

 

[KidVermicious]

Alright - so I guess I should leave it unlocked until needed...? I don't mind how it feels driving around when it's locked, though. Does that risk damaging it or stressing it out unnecessarily? Or is it just personal preference at that point?

I guess I could hit it on / off, but a lot of times it's obstacle after obstacle, and I can actually feel the locker helping me push those rear tires up..makes all the difference in the world.

If you're wheeling hard enough to need it, absolutely leave it on. Having the locker on will provide better traction and actually reduce the chance of breaking something because you'll thrash around less as you climb.

BUT - if you don't absolutely need it, having it on will handicap you, and some day it won't work and you won't know how to drive without it and you'll be stuck and needing a strap. I say leave it off unless you absolutely need it and learn to pick better lines with an open diff. That'll reduce the amount of thrashing you do on an obstacle too :thumb:.

 

[steezemcqueen]

I've seen people break axle shafts by leaving the locker engaged full time.

Honestly, leave it unlocked and only use it when you need it.

I rarely touch the locker as i like the challenge of doing obstacles unlocked and it improves wheeling skills

 

[MVP]

According to the Owner's Manual...

Only use the locking rear diff when needed. It is not intended for ongoing use, only as driving circumstances require it...

The rear differential lock system is provided for use only when wheel spinning occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or ragged surface.

This differential lock system is effective in case one of the rear wheels is spinning. Before using the rear differential lock system, first shift the front drive control into “L4” (lever type) or “L4L” (lever/button type) to see if it works. If this has no effect, additionally use the rear differential lock system.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM35762U/pdf/omsource/2000om/004runom/16.pdf

See page 19 in the 24 page PDF...

 

[TheArkMaster]

I agree with Dylan. A locker is a "i can't get over this obstacle and need some help" thing. I only use it on steep climbs and when I can't clear an obstacle or line that I want to. Plus, there's more satisfaction when you make it up open/open.