When operating properly, how long should it take for factory rear locker to engage?

[oakback]

In preparation for a camping trip (with some trails thrown in) I'm making sure everything is working right. I went on some dirt trails with a few mud holes, and tried to engage the rear locker several times (on then off, repeat). It seemed to be really slow, it took several minutes of driving in turns to make it come on each time. I thought it might go a little quicker after engaging several times, but it didn't.

I'm worried that I'll be stuck on a trail or mud hole somewhere spinning tires for 5 minutes trying to get it to engage. Is there any way I can improve this?

 

[brianrride]

If I lock mine and drive straight, it takes longer to engage. If I lock it and turn just a little bit (get the rear wheels to spin at different speeds), it locks up immediately. Could just be mine, or it could be by design. Oh...and I had a 2014 Tacoma and it was the exact same way when it was brand new.

 

[oakback]

How can I get mine to lock up quicker? Just keep cycling it, or do I need to change diff fluid, or is it just a function of aging equipment?

 

[oakback]

How can I get mine to lock up quicker? Just keep cycling it, or do I need to change diff fluid, or is it just a function of aging equipment?

bump

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Keep cycling it. The diff fluid isn't a function of the locker engaging, but if you don't know when the last time it was changed, it would be a good idea.

 

[oakback]

Thanks!

 

[LTrain0800]

Cycling mine really helped. Good luck!