I got a 2.4l 4cyl 2wd 98 Tacoma, i want to make it better for off road and I don't really know much about trucks but always willing to learn if you bear with me, is there such thing as rear locking differentials that you can put on a 2wd tacoma?

 

This will fit your 7.5" rear end.

http://www.ntwonline.com/TOYOTA_7_5_...-RIG_P8720.cfm

So will the ARB
http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDet...px?ProdID=1091

You could also do a rear elocker axle swap. Only problem is that you're rear suspension is spring under and the elocker from the 6lug is spring over. You'd have to weld now spring perches on the axle and rig up the wiring for the elocker. And then your lug patterns will no match.

 

thanks for the quick reply, what is the lug pattern exactly mine is 5 -lug, what does that mean exactly.
Also, the first one is alot less expensive therefore appealing to me but it says it would be noise on the road and I will be driving this truck around town alot too, offroading is just an afterthought that I want to start dabbling in so would it not be worth the noise? or is there another part that will maybe compromise noise for performance?

 

I thought that the front IFS was 7.5" and the rear open diff is 8.4", w/ e-locker 8"

 

2wd have 7.5 rear i believe..

 

Count the number of lugnuts per wheel.. that's 5 lug means
It's a common differentiator between "2wd" and "2wd Prerunner" as the prerunners are 6lug and same as 4X4 for the most part. Your 5 lug has a completely different frame and suspension
There's lots on the web about the road manners of a lock right.
I have one on my DD Taco and LOVE IT. Just gotta learn how to drive with it. It keeps both tires locked while there is torque to the diff, so if you go around a hard turn on the gas you will get a tire chirp. Sometimes they unload and make a loud popping noise, you get used to it and it doesn't hurt anything. If you drive in alot of snow you will not want the lockright. But then again, Snow and 2wd... Also they can be sketch in the rain but you learn how to control it through the turns. The lock right can lead to increased tire wear, keep them rotated and that problem is solved. Many people say don't go with a lock right (or equivalent) in a DD truck, but I don't mind it. Also, the lockright can be installed at home where as the ARB has to be setup by a pro because the gear's have to be setup again. Add another couple hundred bucks to the price of the ARB


The front is a reverse rotation 7.5. The 5lugs have a smaller 7.5" rear axle.

 

Got it, I was thinking 2wd prerunner

 

Thanks Scuba, another question for ya if you don't mind, what tools would i need to install the lock-right and also, why would it slip more on wet surfaces? I would think since it increases traction it would grip the surface even better?

 

To install the lockright you'll need: basic metric tools 10-17(mm) I'd say a 24 also but I have no idea what size your drain/fill plugs are. Torque wrench, brass punch, a bench vice. You'll also need red lock tight, 3 quarts diff fluid, a 1 man brake bleeder kit (if install by yourself) and some brake fluid. You'll have to pull your brake lines to pull the drum/ axle shaft out so you can pull the diff. Oh a tube of grey rtv for the diff mounting surfaces and a wire brush to clean those surfaces.
If you have good mechanical abilities and can follow instuctions, you could do the lock right install in a long Saturday. I was confident in my abilities so I had a local ttora member help with my install.

I don't the exact physics of why it makes you slip worse on wet surfaces, it just does. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

 

ok Scuba, I got a buddy who is handy with trucks, ill probably just accompany him.
Thanks for all your help