Hello all! I'm the excited (first time) owner of a new old 2007 GX470. I've never owned a 4x4 before and would describe myself as "mechanically interested" but a complete n00b. I enjoy reading up and learning, but I can't do much work myself and certainly don't know all the considerations that go into making parts/configuration choices.
I purchased this 470 knowing the rear differential was almost certainly shot. I was able to confirm it with a local mechanic yesterday.
I've seen these folks recommended as a great source for rebuilt 3rds (right term?) on Toyota trucks and am planning to order a replacement from them.
My question: do I add one of their rear locker options?
I've been reading up on ATRAC (this thread was super helpful), so it seems like adding a rear locker is certainly optional and dealer's choice on these vehicles.
I don't plan on doing crazy climbing, but I may one day work my way up to driving some fairly rutted out trails in Western NC. My current assessment boils down to: ATRAC is incredible, even the older version, and as an amateur I'll probably be very sufficiently served by ATRAC only.
But the part of me that's already paying for a new read diff wonders if I should take the opportunity to add a locker. I am somewhat price conscious so I don't necessarily want to jump straight to "may as well add it while I'm at it", but I don't want to wake up in 5 years and wish I'd included the locker.
Any advice, including general thoughts on replacing the rear diff, would be much appreciated!
I purchased this 470 knowing the rear differential was almost certainly shot. I was able to confirm it with a local mechanic yesterday.
I've seen these folks recommended as a great source for rebuilt 3rds (right term?) on Toyota trucks and am planning to order a replacement from them.
My question: do I add one of their rear locker options?
I've been reading up on ATRAC (this thread was super helpful), so it seems like adding a rear locker is certainly optional and dealer's choice on these vehicles.
I don't plan on doing crazy climbing, but I may one day work my way up to driving some fairly rutted out trails in Western NC. My current assessment boils down to: ATRAC is incredible, even the older version, and as an amateur I'll probably be very sufficiently served by ATRAC only.
But the part of me that's already paying for a new read diff wonders if I should take the opportunity to add a locker. I am somewhat price conscious so I don't necessarily want to jump straight to "may as well add it while I'm at it", but I don't want to wake up in 5 years and wish I'd included the locker.
Any advice, including general thoughts on replacing the rear diff, would be much appreciated!