What is a "locker"?
 

I just got off the phone with a buddy of mine and he just bought a 2003 Tacoma V6 2WD with a rear locker and if I understood him correctly, turning on the locker gives both of the rear tires power instead of just the rear right tire. Is that correct? Anyway, since I'm as bright as a blown light bulb, what are the advantages/disadvantages in having a rear locker on a pickup?

I'm guessing it would be a huge help in reducing fishtailing with the extra traction of the left rear tire? Also, would having a rear locker on a 2WD pickup be a suitable replacement for a true 4WD truck? I'm not talking about taking the thing mud bogging or rock climbing, but just being able to actually push and drive through a foot of snow.

Check out this site. Pretty good amount of info.

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/limit...ferentials.htm

the only sutible replacement for a 4wd truck IS a 4 wheel drive truck...and you prolly have a 7.5'' diff in your truck and i may be wrong but i dont think you can get a locker for a 7.5''

Your wheels spin at different rates when you are turning, so the differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. The inside wheel rotates less, and the outside wheel rotates more. This is good for everyday driving, but if one wheel starts to slip (in mud or on ice) then all the power will be put to that wheel, while the wheel that does have traction is kept firmly planted to the ground. A locker will selectively lock the two wheels together when necessary. It isn't really comparable to a 4x4, however it is far better than an open 2wd. For light offroading I'd say a locker will keep you from getting stuck a majority of the time, if you drive smart.

A locker is a standup storage container, usually locks. Hence the name locker.
lol. They explained it above.

you can get a lockrite for a 7.5. its an auto lunchbox locker.
lockers are great. but also, its not always your rear right tire that is getting the power. it can be either one. for the common person, lockers are not really needed. but they are great to have for winter driving. here in MS, we don't really have "winter driving" lol. but, in real winter stuff, most people want a selectable locker I.E-- e-locker or arb air locker or ox-locker.

Don't forget limited slip "lockers" as well. That's what 4x4 Rangers come with stock and I have one in my 2WD.

i'm pertain certain that all 4x4 are NOT lsd (limited slip diff)

True enough. I think he meant fx4 because they did co e with a l/s

Hey! quit taking pictures of my locker!

Limited slips are totally different than lockers, so don't use the terms interchangeable for the OP's sake. Even though I'm sure you know that, lets keep things straight here to avoid novice confusion.

Limited slips are differentials that only allow some slippage between wheels with different amounts of traction. This means a limited slip does exactly what its name implies, it limits slip, but does not provide 100% lock up of the two tires relative to each other. They are actually very common in Rangers/Explorers as factory equipment and when in proper mechanical order, work very well. But they are no substitute for lockers.

Old school wheelers love them cuz you still need driving finesse and style to accomplish difficult sections of trails.

And then there are lockers. Which give 100% lockup between the tires.

4wd actually is only a glorified 2wd, since 1 front and 1 rear tire can slip, rendering no forward motion. A true 4wd has lockers (selectable or non-selectable) front and rear, giving power to all 4 wheels.

A 2wd with a locker however is no substitute for a 4wd (without lockers). That dead front axle doesn't do anybody any favors offroad.

If the OP want to just get out and have some fun now and then, a locker may be of interest and benefit to him.

Oh yeah I know. Not all 4x4 Rangers came with LS (Trac-Loks to be specific). Dixieboy has a 07 4x4 with open diff.

Mine did ;)

Mine didnt.....(insert sad face here) lol

mine has an L/S :biggrin:

Lock Right for the win.

I prefer the No-Slip version instead of the Lock-Rite (also made by Powertrax).

The No-Slip is pretty much exactly like the Lock-Rite except the No-Slip has a clutch that makes it a bit more street friendly and quieter (and more $$!).

something like a lock-rite or aussie (lunchbox lockers) are fine for DD driving in the rear and in the front if you don't have live axles. sure it might bark some tires on sharp turns when on the gas, but how often are you on the gas turning that sharp? it might take a drive or 2 to get used to, but its simple. there's nothing to it.

the downfall of an auto locker up front is when in 4wd low, it usually stays engaged, making turning a pain. i'm sure legoms can tell you about this also, i think i've seen him mention it before. which is why i'm keeping my front open for awhile, and if i decide to lock it; it'll probably be a selectable locker of some sort but those are expensive. so i'll wheel locked rear open front for awhile

also, you can "overpack" a l/s for a better "locker" but its still no locker, there will still be some slippage in there. and it can make the clutch packs of the limited slip wear out quicker, you won't have this problem w/ a true locker.

moral: if you're playing off road, lockers get 2 thumbs up.

yea when it ratchets it gets annoying but im use to it. I wonder about snow tho lol

Selectable locker all the way!

Great info all around folks and as always I appreciate it. While already on the topic of lockers and 4WD's, I'd like to ask another quick question if you fellas don't mind. Let's say down the road I pick up a regular 4x4 pickup with no rear locker or limited slip. Would it still be a night and day difference over my current 2WD Ranger? Again, I'm just talking about actually being able to get out and drive in a foot or two of snow. Nothing fancy. We live on a private road that doesn't get plowed in the winter and it's three miles to the nearest state maintained road. Once off of the back roads I'm as good as gold.

yes it will be....you will actually be able to get around but remember the 4wd is only as good as the driver/tires on the truck

djfllmn,

I noticed in your sig that you have (as well as a ton of other members) BFG All-Terrain KO tires on your Ranger. Have you had any issues with those tires? From what I've read they seem to be the gold standard amongst most 4x4 owners.

i havent had them that long but i have noticed somethings...they spin like mad in the rain and they tend to get clogged up with mud real easy and then theyre worthless...when i get new tires soon im not getting another set of BFGs im getting goodyear wrangler duratracs...look into them theyre an awesome tire too