Are two lockers necessary out here?

[Stryder03]

Thought I would introduce myself. Bought a 2001 Landcruiser last year as a family vehicle. This year the wife decided that she wanted something that could hold 7 easier so picked up a minivan. Now the cruiser is mine to build up.

I do have a few questions about the trails around here and equipment needed. Are lockers recommended, and if so, can most trails be run with just one locker? My trail experience is down in Arizona and Southern California, not familiar with the trails up here. Down there, a daily driver vehicle with two lockers made all but the extreme trails easier, but the rear was usually sufficient to get through without winching. Just want to know what your opinions are on that. I am not looking to do the extreme trails, but also don't want to be relegated to the joy ride trails.

 

[SKULLYOTA]

I've done a lot of class 3-4 (on a scale of 5) trails in Western MT with a moderately built Toyota Pickup (5.29 gears, 33's, rear locker, stock ratio dual t-cases). I wheel the Anaconda/Deerlodge/P-burg area, where there are many class 3-4 (on a scale of 5) trails. I just don't think MT has many (or any really) super hardcore trails on public land. I think a rig with sufficient gearing, 35's and two lockers would do 99.99% of what you'd run into in the state.........my .02 anyway.

Be sure and get my friend's book, Back Roads Publications - Home too.


I think you'd be fine with one locker to start.

 

[SKULLYOTA]

However, it's a whole different ball game when there's 3 or 4 feet of snow on the trail!

 

[Stryder03]

Thanks for the info and I will head out tomorrow to one of the dealers and pickup that book, looks like great info! I guess on a number scale for my experience, with 5 needing a purpose built rock buggy, I was doing 3 and 4 in a jeep rubicon that I built up with armor, 33" tires and both lockers, and then 2 and mild 3s in a stock Tacoma offroad with a rear locker.

I plan on getting both lockers, but cost wise I can't afford it all at once. This month I am adding sliders and front bumper, next month will be a winch. Next priority will be a regear, and I want to do lockers at the same time. Will have to save up and look for used parts I think. Should be good by the time the snow clears, I hope.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Join us for our monthly meeting Tuesday night. Stay tuned for a post by TC.

 

[NyNomad]

I've done a lot of class 3-4 (on a scale of 5) trails in Western MT with a moderately built Toyota Pickup (5.29 gears, 33's, rear locker, stock ratio dual t-cases). I wheel the Anaconda/Deerlodge/P-burg area, where there are many class 3-4 (on a scale of 5) trails. I just don't think MT has many (or any really) super hardcore trails on public land. I think a rig with sufficient gearing, 35's and two lockers would do 99.99% of what you'd run into in the state.........my .02 anyway.

Be sure and get my friend's book, Back Roads Publications - Home too.


I think you'd be fine with one locker to start.

We REALLY need to hit the trails this summer!