EtDM

I've recently been looking for a first generation 4Runner to use as a daily driver with off-road capability, and I think I've found one, but there's a catch- the truck is currently equipped with a Lincoln locked rear end, and it's located about 90 miles away. I've researched swapping out the 3rd member for an open diff, and I'm confident I can do the work, but I'd much rather do it at my house.

My question is this- Am I setting myself up for either a horrible drive or risking significant damage to the truck by driving it home on a locked rear hub? So far the price is right, but I'm afraid I might cause damage to the axles, tires, etc in one short drive.

My apologies if this has been asked before- I searched and couldn't find anything else...

Thanks!

c0ugar69

you wont damage anything. my friend drives all over the place with his lincoln locker, it just chirps the tires when making sharp turns. you will be fine for the drive home.

EtDM

Thanks!

Would it be best to avoid the highway, or do you think it could stand it for one drive?

MaK92-4RnR

all automatic lockers will chirp tires on pavement and occasionally make a "clunk" noise if you play with the clutch. i suggest going with a selectable if you dont have a clutch.

MaK92-4RnR

you wont even feel it lock at highway speeds. it only chirps wheels at low speed. parking lots are notorious for chirping wheels.

EtDM

My concern is that it's not an automatic locker, but that's it's permanently locked- basically a spool.

c0ugar69

what he said, you wont even know its there on the freeway, only slow around tight turns is where you will hear it chirp the tires. drive it home see how it feels you may just want to keep it in there. only down side to that welded locker is might wear the tires a little faster.

sebastianholmes

a "lincoln locker" just means its welded. like a lincoln welder.

87hillbillyoter

^ i was just about to say that, yall know that right?

4x4YOTA

iTrader: (2)

just keep it and get used to it you will appreciate the added traction... I ran a wleded rear in my truck before and barely ever noticed it except tight turns I would do it again

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

It'll be fine.

:wabbit2:

Junkers88

Like others have said you'll be fine on the drive home. You might want to drive it around for a while and see if you can handle the slight chirping around corners, most folks forget that the rear is locked after a few days of driving so you might want to just keep it locked for the added traction while wheeling.


Oh and if you do decide to replace the rear with an open diff then at least go off road with it still lincoln locked once or twice. You'll probably change your mind once you find out how nice it is to have it locked.

girlcrazy_4

except winter driving on ice is very uncontrolable

Junkers88

True, even my Aussie locked rear is a tad funky on ice now and then. *laugh*

detsss79

should be common knowledge with wheelers.. I have a 88 Sami with spool in rear and locker up front as well. It drives fine on the highway and does chirp in parking lots when making simple turns.

Shoua