SR5 with no rear differential lock - how compromised?

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neowig

New member
I just realized that my 2012 SR5 does NOT have rear differential lock, which is surprising since the 3rd and 4th gen SR5 4Runners that I owned in the past all had that feature.

How compromised is my 4Runner due to the lack of this feature in terms of its off-roading capability?

Since I have all-time center-differential lock(LOL), would this somewhat compensate for the lack of Rear differential lock?

Thanks!
 
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Kinda stinks that you only can use the factory locker it of you are in 4Lo. I would almost prefer to not have it and get air lockers.
Oh well I guess there is always ATRAC
 
True about ATRAC- but VSC will brake a spinning wheel as well- almost like high speed ATRAC...
 
neowig said:
I just realized that my 2012 SR5 does NOT have rear differential lock, which is surprising since the 3rd and 4th gen SR5 4Runners that I owned in the past all had that feature.

How compromised is my 4Runner due to the lack of this feature in terms of its off-roading capability?

Since I have all-time center-differential lock(LOL), would this somewhat compensate for the lack of Rear differential lock?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Unless your 4th Gen was a Trail Edition, you did not have a locking rear diff.
 
neowig said:
I just realized that my 2012 SR5 does NOT have rear differential lock, which is surprising since the 3rd and 4th gen SR5 4Runners that I owned in the past all had that feature.

How compromised is my 4Runner due to the lack of this feature in terms of its off-roading capability?

Since I have all-time center-differential lock(LOL), would this somewhat compensate for the lack of Rear differential lock?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Your 5th gen SR5 does NOT have a center differential. The transfer case either puts power to the front and rear drive shafts in 4hi and 4lo, or just the rear drive shaft in 2hi. There is nothing in there that compensates for different rotational speeds or distance traveled between the front and rear axles.

You have "open" or "standard" front and rear differentials. Traction control, whether called that or "A-TRAC" works by applying the brake to the spinning wheel, causing the differential to force the other wheel to turn. For most situations/people, this is a safer way of doing things that works as well or better - I know everybody wants to be an "expert" and all. The only time a locker would really help is if you have one or more wheels off the ground, or when traction control would be detrimental to traction - rare cases indeed.
 
mikey's2010SR5 said:
I have not had a single problem without one. Granted I haven't put the truck in any extreme spots where I would need a locker.
Click to expand...
True, this depends on what type of off roading you do. I use my locker fairly often because I try to take the "fun" lines. Usually there are bypasses around the obstacles that require a locker on the trails I do. Some of the hill climbs we do in the winter don't need a locker but having one really helps.

TexasAg said:
Kinda stinks that you only can use the factory locker it of you are in 4Lo. I would almost prefer to not have it and get air lockers.
Oh well I guess there is always ATRAC
Click to expand...
In the off roading I do we're usually already in 4Lo before hitting any obstacles that would require a locker. Can't think of a single time I've ever been on a trail in 4Hi and run into a situation where I've needed my locker. Air lockers are definitely a good alternative if you don't already have an e-locker. A few of my friends have the ARB and they work very well.
 
nothing against the OP, but how do you "just realize" this? as someone else mentioned, unless you had a 4th gen TE, you didn't have it before either. I doubt if it was even an option on 3rd gens.


Yes, the locker makes a difference if you are off road, in 4-lo and have a rear wheel off the ground, or are in some slick stuff. as other have mentioned, you can certainly add one.
 
mtbnole said:
nothing against the OP, but how do you "just realize" this? as someone else mentioned, unless you had a 4th gen TE, you didn't have it before either. I doubt if it was even an option on 3rd gens.

Yes, the locker makes a difference if you are off road, in 4-lo and have a rear wheel off the ground, or are in some slick stuff. as other have mentioned, you can certainly add one.
Click to expand...

I believe the 99-00 3rd Gen Highlander had the rear locker option, but I think your points are valid.
 
If you just realized you don't have a locker, you certainly don't need one cause you probably aren't a serious wheeler/rock crawler. Like the other guys stated, only useful when one tire is off the ground. 4runner is very capable without it. Done a few pretty serious trails and never used mine. Nice to have just in case. If you go wheeling and find that you need it, then inquire. ARB air locker works well but kind of pricey.
 
neowig said:
I just realized that my 2012 SR5 does NOT have rear differential lock...
How compromised is my 4Runner due to the lack of this feature in terms of its off-roading capability?
Click to expand...

To be 'to the point' and honest, if you 'did not realize' that it did not have a rear locker then you are not enough of an 'off-roader' for it to be any kind of issue. If you were worried about the off road capability so much you would have done your homework, but since you didn't I'm guessing it is not a common or serious hobby (or you would have gone straight for the trail edition anyway).

That said I put mine in some soft mud the other week, she came to a stop in 4hi, switched to 4lo, still no go, engaged ATRAC and out she came.
 
I have a 99 4runner that does have a locker. I do some pretty serious off-roading and have only needed this locker at the most 3 times in 13 years.....
 
Yea. I believe only the TE 4th gen had a locker, and that was made I believe only in 09. The base level, sr5 did not have a locker.

Second. Most 3rd gens did not have a locker either. I forget what years, but it wasn't standard.

And finally, I agree. If you "just" noticed.. you don't use it or need it.
 
homeyclaus said:
Your 5th gen SR5 does NOT have a center differential. The transfer case either puts power to the front and rear drive shafts in 4hi and 4lo, or just the rear drive shaft in 2hi. There is nothing in there that compensates for different rotational speeds or distance traveled between the front and rear axles.
Click to expand...

neowig said:
Since I have all-time center-differential lock(LOL), would this somewhat compensate for the lack of Rear differential lock?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

xp7voo.jpg


( McBain - Let's Get Silly! - YouTube )
 
homeyclaus said:
The only time a locker would really help is if you have one or more wheels off the ground, or when traction control would be detrimental to traction - rare cases indeed.
Click to expand...

True, true. And if you don't have a locker like mine '16 SR5P, ATRAC does wonders, if that fails, next option is MAXTRAX or a winch.
 
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