Is a rear locker worth it?

Hey guys! Looking to get a Tacoma in the 6 months or so and I like to do as much homework as possible. I'm looking at 2012-2015 DCLB.

My question is, does the rear locker help out quite a bit in snow?

Basically, I'm trying to decide if going with a TRD Off Road that is difficult to find in my area is worth getting mainly for the rear locker over a TRD Sport that doesn't have a locker. I have never had a vehicle with a locker or LSD. In theory I would assume it would help quite a bit if I got stuck in a slippery situation of if I am assisting in a recovery of a stuck vehicle. If I got one with a locker I would definitely make it switchable instead of having to put in 4LO like the factory setting is. I know I can always add an after market locker, but I don't really want to have to put more money into it when I could get it oem. Plus the Off Road seems to be very similar pricing to the Sports in my area, at least for a long box.

Thanks for your input guys!!!

 

There are reasons why Toyota limits the locker usage to only 4LO. Do you do a lot of offroading? Do you use 4lo often?
I'm only saying that to give you an idea of WHEN a locker is beneficial. It's not something you would 'need' on a daily commute to work unless you're driving on roads that aren't plowed? The 4WD in these trucks is phenomenal for regular day-to-day winter driving.

If you're only concerned about snow driving and getting stuck in the snow, I'm not sure the locker would be as beneficial in the snow as it is in the dirt - just for the lack of traction. Someone with more snow experience can chime in - but the experience I've had with snow/locker in a Jeep ....is the locker digs you in deeper until you hit something with traction. I'm guessing with a pickup truck, the tail would shift instead of actually pushing you forward.

 

There is no factory locker available in a DCLB from 12-15. You'd have to get an Access Cab Off Road model for the factory locker plus 6 ft bed.

If you don't off road a lot and your only concern is snow performance don't worry about the locker.

 

Well, is snow the issue or ice? Ice is ice, nothing short of studs or chains will help. For snow it's true you'll benefit more from 4WD. It gets the front driving, you want to pull through deep snow. A rear locker is for offroad when your off camber and a rear wheel or one rear wheel and one front wheel may be completely off the ground. Picture something as simple as crossing a ditch ( Like at the side of a highway) if you go at it straight on you may catch a front bumper or hang up your rear bumper when enetering or exiting. If you go at it on an angle (diagnally) at one point your pasenger front wheel and your drivers rear wheel will be literally off the ground and you will not move at all. Litterally stuck for no reason other than your wheels are off the ground. This is what lockers are for.
Hope this helps, good luck

 

Dang! Looks like I have no option then unless I get an aftermarket locker. I didn't know the long boxes didn't have the locker. I want the long box so I can haul my dirt bike and other radom stuff easier.

You guys bring up some good points I didn't think about with the snow and ice. Thank you very much guys!!!

 

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I could be wrong but I thought Tacoma made a 4x2 with a rear locker ...

I thought I had one at one time, but could be getting mixed up with another Tacoma too.
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They do make a 4x2 with rear locker, just not in a Double Cab, long bed configuration.

Semper Fi!

 

Another question then, do all TRD sports come with the outlet in the bed?

 

Yep

 

Dang you Toyota!! Why not in the 4wd version??

 

What do you mean? No Double Cab Long bed comes with a locker as far as 12-15 Tacomas go.

Both TRD Sports and Off Roads come with the bed outlet.

Off Road versions come in 4x2 and 4x4 versions, but only are available in Doubble Cab Short bed (5ft bed) or Access Cab (6ft bed) with rear locker.

TRD Sports come in 3 configurations, Double cab Short bed, Double Cab long bed, or Access cab. But they don't have a locker.

 

...^^^... Thanks .... Yes...I had a DC/SB OR 4x2 (with a locker) IIRC ..... 2009 IIRC .... Loved that truck

Never used the rear locker ... but I don't off road and I don't get in the sand beside the road either.

Semper Fi
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It's impressive what these trucks will do without a locker. On road, you don't want to be locked - you have better traction without it. If offroading in deep snow, a locker would be nice to have - actually both lockers would be nice to have. In deep snow situations, airing down is extremely helpful. At 10 - 15 psi my non locker base model goes places that frequently surprise me. I'm glad I haven't gotten mine yet, just because I'm forced to learn how to drive better. Technique is more important than tech off road, to a point - then you need both.

In the photo, you'll see the truck is floating on the snow. You can get an idea of the snow depth by looking under the picnic table. Airing down and not spinning your wheels is key in these situations - low gear and low rpm.

 

Yep, 4x2 Prerunner TRD Offroad Access cab. I use mine A Lot !

 

I totally agree with driving experience and skill is more important than equipment most of the time. I mainly wanted a locker because I haven't had one and I kinda want to experiance it too. Pus tires make a huge difference too, I've learned that over the years for sure. 4wd is a must in the Midwest with snow, plus I wouldn't want a truck that isn't 4wd personally. I wouldn't mind having a short box, but I think the long box is a lot more useful and I like having a 4 door because it's handy.

 

With good tires and 4x4 you're gonna be fine for 99% of what you'll encounter unless you go looking for trouble.

 

Get a 4x4 TRD sport long bed then. It's basically the same truck with a hood scoop and minus the locker.

 

Thats kinda what I was leaning towards. I know it's dorky because the scoop isn't functional, but I like the looks of. Lol

 

Lol truth. Lockers will take you places an open diff or even LSD wont, seen it as recently as last weekend.

That said, that's really all a locker is good for, climbing off road where you end up with one wheel off the ground and you need the other to have power. It won't do anything to help in snow, in fact it could make it worse (turning for instance).

Unless we're talking snow covered rocks...

 

I feel you. I have a sport and I really like the look of the scoop.