Rear Diff vs 5 speed (1 Viewer)

[ChuckMag]

Hey all,

I am in CO and I am in the market to buy a 100 series (or Lx equivalent). I am currently torn between an earlier model with rear diff lockers, and a newer model with a 5 speed. I plan to take it off road and up into the mountains, but nothing that requires a lift kit. This will be my go to car for driving in heavy snow as well (Dec through April). What are ya'lls thoughts on diffs vs 5 speed?

 

[syche]

Gearbox on later models is much better and much more fuel efficient, at least on the diesels we have in europe.

5speed at should have the traction control which works quite well and will get you through most situations if you learn how to use it right.

I was thinking adding a diff lock but with the TC it is really not worth the extra expense for that little usage, on 10years of road and expeditions on my oem twin locked 80 i used the locks just a few times, mostly looking for situations ( translate to troubles) just to play with them.

Unless you do rockcrawling weeks a year, TC will do all you need

 

[trdcorolla]

You can add a rear locker to a 5 speed, but you can't add a 5 speed to a locked 98/99.

 

[abuck99]

Its not the benefit of the rear locker its the front diff that should concern you. 98/99 have a weaker 2 pinion design- ring gear likes to deflect from pinion gear under shock load.....slip your wheels on ice and grab traction creates opportunity for a ring gear failure especially on higher mile truck. I believe 4.30 ring gear (from Toyota) are scarce as well.

4 or 5spd Atrac equipped is very capable to suit your needs.

 

[cmck]

You can add a rear locker to a 5 speed, but you can't add a 5 speed to a locked 98/99.

Ditto this, if you are not going to wheel heavy. Atrac works, as do maxxtrax before a locker might be something you want.

That said, I wheel and am triple locked and the Hundy has amazed jeepers in the way it just goes up and over stuff.

 

[Skidoo]

Easy, go with the 5sp. I have a 2000 and wish I had a 5sp model.
ATRAC works well, and front diff (2000+) is durable as long as you don't get carried away with the skinny pedal.

 

[ga12r1]

5-speed all of the way. If I could go back and change my build that would be the only thing I would change. I would’ve held out for a 5-speed.

 

[MongooseGA]

I'll be in the market soon as well and have come to a similar conclusion. I went from a '99 LC with the weak diff, to a 2000 LC with the 4 spd but ATRAC. I'll likely be looking for at least a 2000 model with a priority on the 03+.

Having said that, the 03+ models had the in dash infotainment that looks like a huge PITA to modify. I use my car like a mobile office so the ability to use the truck for listening to messages and taking calls over bluetooth is important.