Aftermarket Lockers

Hello all,

I have a 21 TRD Sport. I'm new to this off-road stuff. I've heard that the TRD Off-road and TRD Pro come with lockers from factory, but other models do not (like my Sport). I want to get this truck off the road, but don't have lockers. Anyone running aftermarket ones? Is it a need? Are they the same as the stock off-road and pro ones? And which are they, front or rear? I got tires and suspension covered, and just trying to figure out what else I need.

Anything helps,
Cheers

 

First and foremost what do you plan on doing with your truck and how deep is your wallet? If national Forest roads are what you plan to do then open diffs are fine, I would invest in a nice set of rock sliders first. It serves as a jacking point and it protects your rocker panels. If money isn’t an issue you can throw in an ARB locker/Eaton locker in the rear and is similar in function to the factory locker in that they are selectable. that’s probably all you need to get you most places. I have an Off-road with the rear locker and up until a few weeks ago when I installed an ARB in the front, the rear locker has gotten me far up the trail, farther then what I was comfortable with but peer pressure can give you courage sometimes. Lol

 

I think I'd take a locker over open diffs just in case I ever go on more aggressive terrain. And sounds like rear is the way to go. What does it usually cost, price wise + labor? And don't got sliders yet, maybe sometime... thank you for the response!

 

I wouldn't worry about a locker until you start getting into situations where you actually need one. I thought the same thing when I bought my Sport in 2017. Now I do stuff in 2wd that I though I needed 4lo before. Your truck is quite capable stock and even more so with an all terrain tire.

 

If you plan to regear at some point then start talking about a locker. Save some coin.

ARB Air locker $800 or so (plus compressor and manifolds varies)

harrop e locker $1400

both end up avoid the same in cost.

some other options but those are the more common ones. Detroit, OX and a Few others.

mid you do it while you regear then you will save some labor cost.

 

Front Arbs are $1,050, got my Eaton Elocker front for $1,250. No need for a compressor and it works pretty damn well. Labor ran me $350 with dropping just the front diff off. Dropping the truck off, shop quoted me around $650 so in the end just for a front locker, you're looking at $2k.

 

which gears with it?

 

Is it manual or auto. If you are manual, then you are very limited to options. If you are auto, there are quite a few options.

Manuals come with a larger rear differential and different ratios.

 

If you've got 4wd it's your moral obligation to leave in 2wd until the last possible moment, or shortly after. Then switch to 4lo.

 

There is no substitution for lockers. Aside from being a traction aid, they reduce trail damage and vehicle damage as you don't need to slam your vehicle up a tough spot. Lockers aren't just for difficult or extreme terrain, you may encounter seemingly benign moguls only to get stuck because your tires are in the air, nothing difficult just a unique situation. You will likely only ever need a rear locker, I've wheeled every trail in Moab and Colorado without a front that wasn't a dedicated buggy trail but nothing is stopping you from adding front and rear. The OEM locker is an electronic locker and functions as intended.

I would also recommend installing an electronic locker as you wont need to ever worry about airlines and worst case you can jump an electronic locker in a pinch if ti fails. Labor is usually $1000 an axle unless you find someone to do it for less. Lockers are usually $1000-$1600 depending on what you choose. People usually regear during this time to save on labor. We have two mega threads for 4.88s and 5.29s depending on your needs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-4-88-mega-thread.511967/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-5-29-mega-thread.557305/

Most people tend to go 5.29s because the advantages for both offroad and future proofing if they go bigger or heavier.

 

This was very helpful, thank you.

 

auto

 

Didn’t read all the responses. MHO. Your truck is very capable. A locker is not necessary for the vast number of users and trips. It depends on what you are doing. Suggest you get sliders, skids and a winch (plus other extraction equipment). Then If you need lockers you will know. Also price retrofitting lockers on a Sport. That may also help with the decision.

 

Lockers are awesome to have but definitely not needed unless you do hardcore off-roading. Eventually I’ll get one for the rear.

Ive been off-roading/camping for years with open/LSD/Auto LSD diffs and had no issues so far. Tires and skill really make most of the difference IMHO.

 

Not to be offensive but if you have to ask if you need lockers - you don't need lockers

 

Yes and the peers now have the responsibility to help getting you out of the problems they encouraged you to get into. Been there done that.

 

Will depend a lot on what your setup is and what truck.

 

new to this and wondering what I need to be prepared for when it gets off the road

 

My truck will not go off road until I install Rock Rails. Its an Off Road with the rear locker & Crawl and I know just what type of damage inexperience can do. Get protection for your truck before your inexperience puts your truck in danger of damage that will remind you everyday you look at it.

 

Get out and drive your truck and learn from experience what you need. 99% of people will never benefit from a locking differential. If you find that you could use one, I suggest selling the sport and buying an off-road or non-Tacoma with lockers. I get much more use out of my ATRAC/MTS than my locker.