I currently have a 97 FJ80 and am VERY happy with it. My cousin went out wheelin with me this last week and had a blast and wants to buy a 4wheeler now. He wants an FJ but the 2 doors scared his wife off with the three car seats they have. I told him a new 4Runner all built might be a good compromise. We were wheeling with another FJ and it had factory lockers. My FJ80 had factory lockers and we were both running 35's and were pretty much able to run all obstacles without issues. Here's my noob question for the 4Runner. Isn't the 4runner and FJ built on similar platforms with a lot of the same parts? Can new 4Runners come with lockers front and rear from the factory? If so, which package should I be looking for? How difficult is it to run 34-35" tires on a new 4Runner. I found a lot of 3" lifts out there but wasn't real sure how large a tire you could run on 3" (3" front, 2" rear). I also noticed some of the lifts showed they were for an FJ or 2010+ 4Runner which would imply similar platforms. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
Noob questions
- Thread starter bhicks
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- #2
Looks like I may have found one answer myself. It appears that only the "Trail Edition" had a rear locker and no 2010+ models ever came with a front locker. The next question would then be.... ; does anyone make a front locker for a 2010+ 4Runner?
I thought the trail edition included a-trac like the fj. It's my understanding that you can lock the rear and use the a-trac in the front to limit spin on a wheel with no traction. Obviously not as good as a locker but should get you through anything your attempting with a 2010 or newer 4runner. Something you can look into further. Also may want to post on the 4runner forum section. Also look into what believe they call crawl control on the 4runner. I knew a guy that had one with that feature and he said it was incredible what it did with stock tires even.
No FJC came w/front lockers. Nobody w/3 car seats wants an FJC. 4Rnr is a much better option IMHO.
1911
chupacabra
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- #6
I called the guy I wheeled with last night after I read your response. I asked him how he could have a factory front locker. He told me he didn't. I guess I misunderstood him. He told me he had "lockers" so I assumed that meant front and rear. His FJ had some type of electronically controlled limited slip of some kind. He didn't know what it was called but it seemed to work pretty good. I guess it's the "a-trac" from what others have said on here.
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- #7
So what I'm gonna take from the responses is that my cousin wants to find a "Trail Edition" with rear locker and a-trac. I will let him know that ARB will be his aftermarket front locker option if he wants to go that route. I will also look into the "crawl control". Thanks for the repsonses guys.
Here's about the best advice I've been offered, now give, regarding the FJC.
(Edited: not so sure that 1911 didn't offer said advice on a front locker inquiry thread I had a couple of years ago. Credit where credit is due, because it is good info).
The number one item to exponentially increase off road capability is transfer case swap and would trump front lockers, in my opinion.
Front lockers can be an added benefit for an experienced wheeler, judiciously using the skinny pedal and wheeling the CVs with the respect they demand, but the money spent on front lockers could go towards a Lefty for more benefit.
Also, on all 07-09s ATs, A trac can be added for $65 as long as the rear locker is present. All are prewired and only have to buy and install the switch.
I'm unsure if this is the case on the +2010s.
(Edited: not so sure that 1911 didn't offer said advice on a front locker inquiry thread I had a couple of years ago. Credit where credit is due, because it is good info).
The number one item to exponentially increase off road capability is transfer case swap and would trump front lockers, in my opinion.
Front lockers can be an added benefit for an experienced wheeler, judiciously using the skinny pedal and wheeling the CVs with the respect they demand, but the money spent on front lockers could go towards a Lefty for more benefit.
Also, on all 07-09s ATs, A trac can be added for $65 as long as the rear locker is present. All are prewired and only have to buy and install the switch.
I'm unsure if this is the case on the +2010s.
I agree with delancy. I have an 07 FJC on 35s that HAD an ARB locker in the front. First time an axle snapped, back in went the factory diff, and A-Trac does a great job of sorting out traction. t case would be better money spent IMO as well. 
-Josh
-Josh
