Rear Lockers- Chains front or back?

[Doncolberto530]

Hey guys I have an 88 4Runner that has a rear locker. I am unsure of the type and all I know is that on the Owners Manual a previous owner wrote "March 1989-Installed Toyota Rear Locker" I am going to be heading north a ways to visit my brother for the weekend. There is going to be snow and it is most likely going to be snowing so my question is this: If I am required to use chains should I put them on the front or back? Keep it in 4hi and just use chains when required...? I am pretty clueless here and don't want my back end going all over the place. So if someone wants to break it down as far as when to engage 4 wheel drive and what side the chains should go on that would be rad. I am going to be carrying precious cargo so I want to be as safe as possible. Thanks for your help guys.

Oh yeah, I am using 31x10.5 Maxxis Bighorns that are less than six months old so the tires are decent.

Here's a pic of my 4Runner:

 

[99blackSE]

I believe Bighorns are M+S rated so with a locker and 4WD I'm not even sure if you'd need chains? We just had half a foot here I went through everything in 2WD fine.

 

[SDHNTR]

First of all, it is unlikely you will need chains and 4x4. Second of all, while this is always a debate, IMO it is safer to put chains on the rear. The reason being if you brake hard, or lose traction on a corner or curve with chains on the front only, the front will grab and the back end will slide around. Spin out. This is also the same reason why most tire shops will only install new tires on the rear if you only buy a pair. IMO, if it is so bad to need chains on a 4x, put them on all 4 tires.

Put it in 4x4 as soon as the snow starts sticking to the road. Go slow! Allow way more distance in between you and the car in front. Start slowing down way in advance and downshift. try to anticipate and movements and plan ahead. Sometimes you may need to start in second gear to keep tires from spinning. If you get through the snow and are back on dry pavement, take out of 4x4 asap.

Be safe.

 

[Doncolberto530]

Thanks guys. I understand the basics like slow down and allow plenty of room and stay off the skinny pedal. I am just I guess trying to figure out the safest way to use what I have (the lockers in the back) compared to what I have driven in the past. My last car was a Subaru WRX and if my bumper wasn't plowing through it I could drive in it. I have just heard that with the lockers on ice and stuff there can be some unexpected sliding.

 

[fourwd1]

I have just heard that with the lockers on ice and stuff there can be some unexpected sliding.

On ice the a locked rear end can start sliding sideways and try to pass you.
The added traction from chains would help minimize it.

 

[Doncolberto530]

Awesome, thanks guys. So the answer is the back would be better. I posted this on Pirate and got two responses in all caps of people I guess "yelling" at me. Noob this and noob that... Then the thread was deleted. That is hilarious. On the trail everyone is so friendly but it seems you put them in a dark room behind a computer and suddenly they feel the need to flame everyone that doesn't have a billion posts.... Anyways, I appreciate it guys.

 

[99blackSE]

Awesome, thanks guys. So the answer is the back would be better. I posted this on Pirate and got two responses in all caps of people I guess "yelling" at me. Noob this and noob that... Then the thread was deleted. That is hilarious. On the trail everyone is so friendly but it seems you put them in a dark room behind a computer and suddenly they feel the need to flame everyone that doesn't have a billion posts.... Anyways, I appreciate it guys.

Welcome to Pirate4x4 ahaha. Yeah, a locker can kick your ass end out but from my experience so far I have to be trying to do that. It's always in the back of my head now, the possibilty, so I am usually anticipating it in turns.