When is it time to install an E-Locker?

[dbsoundman]

I'm just wondering if you all had opinions on when you feel it would be necessary to install a rear differential locker on your 4Runner. What I mean is, in what kind of conditions do you feel like you couldn't live without one? I'm just getting to understand the mechanics of 4 wheel drive, and I realize that what I have now is a great vehicle with 4 wheel drive capabilities, but that may not get me out of certain situations, and/or it may due me more harm than good in that situation.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

 

[KidVermicious]

There's not many every-day situations that a locker provides much of an advantage. If you wheel much, though, especially in the rocks, you're likely to get good enough that you find yourself frequently in situations where one or more tires have zero traction - that's where the locker comes in, routing power equally to both wheels and letting you continue through the obstacle.

 

[dbsoundman]

While I'm interested in "off road" driving occasionally, I'm mostly interested in trails, not just free-wheeling out in uncharted landscape. That being said, would a locker prove to be a benefit even on a trail, vs. carrying a Hi-Lift with a wheel strap for the rare case that I get stuck and have to build up a base under one wheel?

 

[KidVermicious]

There are very few places any more that wheelers are allowed to just take off cross-country. Most wheeling is done on trails these days.

A locker is absolutely a benefit on the trail, depending on how hard the trail is and what lines you're taking of course. Generally speaking you'll start seeing a benefit from a locker when you're taking the harder lines on medium (5 or 6 rated) trails. That's nowhere you want to be as a novice by yourself though. Right now I'd suggest you don't worry about a locker, electric or otherwise, and get some dirt time in, there's lots of Colorado guys on the board that I'm sure would love to show a new wheeler the ropes. Once you start getting stuck more often than your friends are willing to strap you out , then it's time to start thinking seriously about a locker.

 

[dbsoundman]

There are very few places any more that wheelers are allowed to just take off cross-country. Most wheeling is done on trails these days.

A locker is absolutely a benefit on the trail, depending on how hard the trail is and what lines you're taking of course. Generally speaking you'll start seeing a benefit from a locker when you're taking the harder lines on medium (5 or 6 rated) trails. That's nowhere you want to be as a novice by yourself though. Right now I'd suggest you don't worry about a locker, electric or otherwise, and get some dirt time in, there's lots of Colorado guys on the board that I'm sure would love to show a new wheeler the ropes. Once you start getting stuck more often than your friends are willing to strap you out , then it's time to start thinking seriously about a locker.

Thanks for the info! I like the ability to go explore new places in this vehicle, but I'm not really of the mindset that driving should be a sort of sport like it is on the rougher trails -- it's a challenge to some, and a stress to others, and I generally prefer to enjoy my drives. I'm nowhere near being able to even afford a locker anyway at this point, but I just wanted to have a good feel for when I should expect to cross that threshold from the "want" to the "need" category. For now, I'd just like to be able to take the wife and the dog to some place that's relatively remote and beautiful and have a nice trip.

 

[KidVermicious]

Nothing wrong with that. My advice still applies though, judge it by how often you're getting stuck. If it's more frequently than you like, it might be time to invest in a traction aid.

I like my traction aids.

 

[aha2988]

I found my appropriate time to be when I destroyed my rear differential on a trail run about 2am in the morning.

most trails I've been through I haven't necessarily gotten stuck I would just have to back up and go faster to kinda bounce over stuff lol. Adding the lockers aloud me take those lines slower and more careful. when things started breaking for me was when i felt it was time to invest.

 

[BucknutBob]

For what it's worth, your choice (or at least consideration of) an E-locker is an excellent decision over the many lockers out there. It's a "selectable" design, meaning you can turn it off to avoid some of the negative quirks inherent in a "full-time" design. When using 4WD on slippery paved roads, a locker may spin one tire on corners as it tries to keep both tires spinning at the same speed, and it may cause you to drift to the low side of the road, especially while accelerating. It sounds like you will be driving primarily on the road, so being able to turn off the locker will be off great benefit to you. It's a good thing to have offroad, even on mild trails, because every trail can have a tough section, especially if its muddy or hilly. You never know when being able to pull with that extra wheel may make all the difference--it's another one of those things on the "better-to-have-it-and-not-need-it-than-need-it-and-not-have-it" list.

 

[dbsoundman]

Yeah, I'm definitely taking this one step at a time. I'm hoping to use some Christmas money soon to get a Hi-Lift, tow straps, shackles, and tire strap accessory. Still need to replace the windshield (cracked) and get some brake work done, and get the new LBJs installed...then in the spring I want to change out all the differential/transfer case oils, grease zerks, etc. so I know I'm up on that maintenance (just got this baby used in November), then get some driving lights purchased and installed, install an aftermarket stereo receiver (probably an old iPod capable one I have from my old car that was almost jacked so I'll have to glue the faceplate on, doesn't snap in anymore), and then, and then, and then........maybe a locker? I've got a long, expensive list coming up, and this assumes I don't have any other mechanical issues! :lmao:

Oh, AND a roof rack maybe, and DIY rear storage...:banana:

 

[fourwd1]

most trails I've been through I haven't necessarily gotten stuck I would just have to back up and go faster to kinda bounce over stuff lol. Adding the lockers aloud me take those lines slower and more careful. ...

Lower gears in the t-case is a better solution for that.
Being able to crawl over an obstacle is much better than hitting it hard and fast, with or without a locker.

 

[aha2988]

Lower gears in the t-case is a better solution for that.
Being able to crawl over an obstacle is much better than hitting it hard and fast, with or without a locker.

Dual's are on my list my friend just gave my left arm and right leg for the front/rear ARB's with 4.56 gears... can't do it all at once :violin: