rear locker usage on snowy roads??
#1
rear locker usage on snowy roads??
My sister has an 02 4runner with the factory diff locker. Unfortunately I doubt it will ever see offroad use but she does take it up to Mt. Hood to go snowboarding. I was thinking about the possibility of bypassing the low-range-only lockout but got to wondering if this may be dangerous on snow covered (paved)roads. My thought is that under power, going up the winding roads, if the rear diff is locked and both tires are being driven, the rear would slide all over the place. Seems like an lsd would be better for these circumstances. Any thought?
#6
Hmm, I may be mistaken with the year. It's the previous gen (96-02) 4runner "sport" (read:fake hood scoop) 4x4 with the "rr lock" button just to the left of the steering wheel.
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#9
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Originally Posted by d0ubledown
...plus, unless shes done the elocker mod, it wont engage unless its in 4Lo...
Originally Posted by 83beater
I was thinking about the possibility of bypassing the low-range-only lockout but got to wondering if this may be dangerous on snow covered (paved)roads.
#10
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As stated above, using it would be a huge mistake. I however have used mine, but these were un paved roads, deep snow, And I was blazing the trail. And when I didnt need the extra I switched it right off. Not to mention I was aware of what a locked up diff would be like.
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It's a trade off. You get much improved traction, right up till you lose traction, even a little bit (and it's usually on a corner,) then it's rear end drift time. If you think that's fun, try having traction aids in both ends on ice and snow...
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Originally Posted by northfacer581
crap.
ive got a lock rite in the rear, and ill be going to school next 4 years in the appalachains....what should i do haha?
ive got a lock rite in the rear, and ill be going to school next 4 years in the appalachains....what should i do haha?
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Originally Posted by northfacer581
crap.
ive got a lock rite in the rear, and ill be going to school next 4 years in the appalachains....what should i do haha?
ive got a lock rite in the rear, and ill be going to school next 4 years in the appalachains....what should i do haha?
Just learn to be smooth.
#16
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Ill aggree that a rear locker makes the vehical behave diffrently. but i like the addtional (go) traction it offers and after driveing with it for a while im used to its behavor to the point that i can drift the corner if i want, spin it out, or take it as normal. (its all about the skinny peddle)
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Originally Posted by potsy
not to hijack the thread, but what is everyone's opinion on locking the center diff in snow?
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You guys make me laugh... he wasn't asking whether YOU drove around with your locker on in the snow, he was asking whether his sister should. Based upon his saying "I doubt it will ever see offroad use" about the vehicle in question, I am betting that his sister is not really savvy about what a locker is and how it will affect handling. Thus, the best thing for him to do is to NOT bypass the safety system. Yes, there are times when a locker and the snow *can* be a good combination, but for your average layman, as he is describing, the unpredictablilty and learning curve is not likely to be worth the risk.
#19
Originally Posted by WATRD
You guys make me laugh... he wasn't asking whether YOU drove around with your locker on in the snow, he was asking whether his sister should. Based upon his saying "I doubt it will ever see offroad use" about the vehicle in question, I am betting that his sister is not really savvy about what a locker is and how it will affect handling. Thus, the best thing for him to do is to NOT bypass the safety system. Yes, there are times when a locker and the snow *can* be a good combination, but for your average layman, as he is describing, the unpredictablilty and learning curve is not likely to be worth the risk.
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Originally Posted by 83beater
Well put.