I wasn't sure where to put this, so feel free to move it if its in the wrong forum.

So I'm a recovering offroader, I recently sold my 4WD V6 Manual 4runner thanks to the price of gas, I could not afford the mpg as a daily driver. I literally could take my truck anywhere, but I stopped using the 4WD as much in recent years, but I did still use it in the snow anytime I got stuck.

I just picked up a new 2wd taco and I curious if putting a locking diff. or LSD would make my truck capable for driving in the snow, Ideally I just want to avoid putting chains on for those few situations where I would need them.

Please advise.

 

I live in maine, and have driven a few 2wd taco's.. as long as u have a locker u should b fine. Its not as good as 4x4, but better than not having a locker!!

 

Depends on the kind of snow - where do you live?

If the snow is slick, or ice underneath, then you do NOT want the locker on! If the snow is deeper, and has traction, then the locker will help. The reason is that with the rear end locked and both tires spinning, you lose all your lateral stability and slide sideways.

The best thing if you have a prerunner and need to drive in snow is LOTS of weight in the back and studded snow tires

 

You mentioned using your 4wheel drive for "when you got stuck". A selectable locker would give you that feature when you needed it.

 

Yeah your best bet is to get a locker.

 

I wan't a locker too!

 

totally depends on what you are driving on... if you normally see snow in the winter 2wd period is useless in a pickup, locker or nothing. you will go no where either way. if there is some weight in the back you can get chains and be just fine though. I would get chains first thing if you have 2wd. thats all you really need on snowy roads. a locker will just get both tires spinning...

 

Amazing because we had an 89 f-250 w/a 460 and 4x4 and it wouldn't go anywhere in the snow. It sucked balls. My 2wd did better than that. You need weight in the bed!

 

The biggest thing in snow, is the tires. get good tires, and you'll do OK in the snow, with mud terrains or all-seasons, you'll do in the snow. They make all the difference.

 

If you've got the funds, just do a set of bfg at's, an arb (just in case), and plenty of weight in the back.

 

I dont typically see too much snow besides when I go looking for it... I live in california and I goto mammoth mountain during the winter. I was fine with a heavy ride like the 4runner. I'm just worried about next year. I definitely need the chains just in case.

 

Yeah I think I'm a relatively seasoned snow driver for being a native californian, there are only a few of us that can handle the snow. I'm really just looking for something that would get me moving when I need to get through a slippery section, it wouldn't be much.

 

I'd go LSD and a set of chains. I prefer LSD in my 2wd vehicles. My favorite is a Detroit Truetrac because it has no clutches to wear out. For the record I have an elocker rear in my 4wd 4runner. And have never owned a vehicle that didn't have a LSD or Locker.

LSD has good manners and improved performance on dry pavement too.
Personally I think a selectable locker in a 2wd is a big waste of time and money. I'd get a LSD as my first choice or an auto locker as my second choice (Aussie). Your preference.

 

Well I will throw my wrench into the works here.

I always carry during the winter 50 lbs of sand in my truck. Now keep in mind I have grown up driving in the snow a couple weeks out of the year, and my family has never had a 4wd, so I learned to drive in the snow with 2wd. Basically with my truck I have passed 4wd's stuck even without chains. With chains I have passed 4wd's that have turned around.

Morale of the story its the driver not the vehicle. An LSD will improve performance; as will a locker. Will it ever be as good as a 4wd? But can a skilled driver take it at least as far as an inexperienced driver in a 4x4? Bet on it.