Locking a 2wd?
 

Looking for something that would give me at least some off-road type capability. Not looking for serious mudding or rock crawling, just driving through the woods and trails that may be less than perfect. Mild off roading and camping trip type stuff. How much more capable would a locker make my rig. It's aready got the tires and a small lift.

A locker will greatly increase your 2wd's abilities. If you are on a budget I'd say go with an aussie locker.

It will make your rig twice as capable since you will be forcing to wheels to turn at all times rather than just one. You will be about as capable as a 4WD with open diffs.

Hmm. Since I don't really have a job right now there is definately a budget. I'm going to start looking around for one tomorrow I think.

a locker will greatly increase a 2 wheel drives capability.... thats what is next on my truck, well that and gears.....

here are pics of my truck

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/503/4019toyangle.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/503/4019toyota1.jpg
http://www.explorerforum.com/data/500/4019toyota.jpg

you won't be as capable as a 4wd with open diffs, but it's a start.

you will be much more capable and able to tackle things you might not expect.

Would a locker be any good on road with a 2wd?

his post didnt say as capable, but about as....

that is correct sir. i sure did read too fast. post edited.

Would you consider a limited slip? Detriot TruTrac makes a good one, but I don't know if it fits your application.

8" rear from a 1 ton or a '75-76 2wd pickup and a supra limited slip would be a good cheap way, otherwise go with an aussie locker.

probably wouldn't be too bad on the road, muscle cars have used lockers and posis for 40+ years at least

Hmm, good options. Is the aussie an e-locker? Or would a limited slip be a better idea?

A limited slip would do OK for moderate wheeling and usually be invisible on the street.

jimebena .. thats a really nice truck

Lipstick on a pig.

You will get one more wheel turning, but you will not have gearing or a turning front diff.

I know. The trails I would be on are pretty tame, just with some sections with a bit of light mud and some spots of water. Nothing extreme.

if you're just gonna rally around on it 2wd should be fine

I put a locker on the rear of my '86 1-ton (2wd) in the hopes of gaining enough traction to get around on my farm. It helped, but not remarkably. Moved on to a 4wd truck, which is able to get up the grassy slopes that the locker equipped 2wd truck was never able to.

It helps, but it's a mere shadow of 4wd capability. If for no other reason than the rear end is light. Two spinning tires under the rather featherweight rear of a pickup do not equate going places.

Street driving personality of a locker leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. The more you drive like a little old lady, the less you will be bothered by it though. At least that's what I've gleened from reading of those who insist you can't tell it's there on the street.

I agree fox. I have an ARB locker on the rear and there have been times when I got stuck and didn't want to get out and lock in the front hubs so I first tried locking the rear and it didn't get me out, but with the locker off in 4WD I could drive right out. If you drive in much snow or ice make sure you get a selectable locker because locked rear wheels on ice or snow is like a slip and slide, fishtail city. :scared: There is one common situation where you are crossed up with one front wheel and one rear wheel off the ground where a 2WD w/locked rear axle would be better than an unlocked 4WD.

I agree, a 2wd, even with a locker is not even comparable to a 4wd with open diffs. When I don't use 4wd in my runner, and only have the rear locker engaged, I honestly don't feel a whole lot better off than in 2wd with the diff open. The main place a locker will shine is when you have uneven conditions where one wheel has much more weight/traction than the other. Locker's are much more effective for rock-crawling/dry trails than they are in the water/mud, or so I've found. When you bring in the additional medium (mud, snow, rain) that makes the traction more equal (slick) then the usefulness of the locker somewhat fades. Remember, with a lcoker you'll just get stuck that much worse than you would without it. If you don't wanna sell your rig and pick up a 4wd, as crazy as this might sound, you might want to consider taking a come-along or even a winch if you plan to be going out camping without other vehicles around.