center & rear diff speeds
- Thread starter KINA
- Start date
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No one knows, as it has been discussed before. Most folks say you can go as fast as the low gearing will allow, if you're on the proper type surface and not turning excessively. The owner's manual states not to exceed 5 mph, and not to lock the rear unless you are stuck, and unlock it as soon as you are clear of the obstacle. Also, not to lock it while the wheels are spinning, as the vehicle may make sudden movements forward or sideways. I think they are being overly cautious.
Again, I believe it mainly depends on the type surface you are on and what you need to do. Once it is locked, little damage can be done unless you try to turn on hard, dry ground. The only other caution I can think of is that ABS is disabled with the rear locked, so stopping may be a problem, especially on ice.
Again, I believe it mainly depends on the type surface you are on and what you need to do. Once it is locked, little damage can be done unless you try to turn on hard, dry ground. The only other caution I can think of is that ABS is disabled with the rear locked, so stopping may be a problem, especially on ice.
Good advice Hank...I agree that surface conditions have EVERYTHING to do with top speed and safety/reliability issues...My feeling is, unless you are in some very "forgiving" situations (I.E. deep sand, mud or snow)..there is no real reason to drive fast locked, or at least on the rear end..("center locked only" is more or less like a traditional open-diff 4x4, as the same rules apply)
I can see however, that running locked (front, rear or otherwise) @ speed may help carry you across a long stretch of land that may be too tough or deep to go slowly or crawl past without sinking or digging in....
my $.02 worth (Maybe less)...
I can see however, that running locked (front, rear or otherwise) @ speed may help carry you across a long stretch of land that may be too tough or deep to go slowly or crawl past without sinking or digging in....
my $.02 worth (Maybe less)...
The rear locker will only activate in 4low so how fast can you go in 4low? I've driven 20+ mph in the Tacoma with the rear locked on loose surfaces.
On the Tacoma's, we enabled the rear lockers for 2hi and 4hi by doing what is called the "grey wire mod". I've seen the Tacos running around with the rear locked on soft and loose surfaces at high rates of speed. Never seen a failure...
On a side note, the acuator for the elocker is a very expensive piece of equipment, something like $750. On the Tacoma and elocker equipped 4runners, we used a skid to protect the actuator. Don't know how it is set up on the 98-99 100's but if it is exposed, I would get some protection for it.
I certainly would not run around locked in the rear for no reason. I'm sure it is harder on the drivetrain and trail surface.
On the Tacoma's, we enabled the rear lockers for 2hi and 4hi by doing what is called the "grey wire mod". I've seen the Tacos running around with the rear locked on soft and loose surfaces at high rates of speed. Never seen a failure...
On a side note, the acuator for the elocker is a very expensive piece of equipment, something like $750. On the Tacoma and elocker equipped 4runners, we used a skid to protect the actuator. Don't know how it is set up on the 98-99 100's but if it is exposed, I would get some protection for it.
I certainly would not run around locked in the rear for no reason. I'm sure it is harder on the drivetrain and trail surface.
