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Are Lockers Necessary?

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Mass_Sequoia, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:02 PM
    #1
    Mass_Sequoia

    Mass_Sequoia [OP] New Member

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    I've owned my 2019 TRD Pro about a year and half, and I haven't had too many chances to go off road. Recently during a snowstorm in New England, I did go somewhat off road -- up a gravel path with heavy snow, ~ 6-12 inches of snow, up a steep hill for ~200 ft.

    I was expecting the Tundra may have some difficulty going straight up, with poor traction. In 4H it went straight up the hill with no hesitation at all. It's all stock.

    -- My question is, are lockers really necessary if the Tundra can go up that kind of snowy terrain with no problems at all?

    -- How would lockers actually improve off-roading? In severe muddy conditions?

    Thanks in advance for your responses.
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2021
    gosolo and Wallygator like this.
  2. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #2
    Pine Tree State

    Pine Tree State New Member

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    Lockers start to prove their worth when you get tires off the ground.
     
  3. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #3
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Lockers are more beneficial in rock crawling. I don't do rock crawling in my Tundra but I wish it had a locker none the less
     
  4. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:19 PM
    #4
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    A locker is good for rock crawling or terrain that will max out the travel on your suspension.

    Situations like this:

    F1D9998E-1A5D-47B7-8D34-935CA4C8E7F8.jpg
     
  5. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:21 PM
    #5
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    I would get a winch before a locker but I dont do rock crawling with my Tundra. It's just too big imo.
     
    Ely010606, ColoradoTJ, MTRock and 3 others like this.
  6. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #6
    Mass_Sequoia

    Mass_Sequoia [OP] New Member

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    I really appreciate the responses!
     
  7. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:46 PM
    #7
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    The system designed by Toyota works really well. Don’t mess with it until you actually have a traction problem. Admittedly, the electronic locker like the 4Runner and Tacoma have would be preferable, but it’s not worth tearing apart the rear end. There’s lots of posts about failure of after market lockers but I have never seen a post about the OME not doing the job
     
    Terndrerrr, Ely010606 and TheBeast like this.
  8. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:51 PM
    #8
    Elduder

    Elduder New Member

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    Had lockers on all my previous trucks and never used them, so havent been worried about the Tundra not having one. Toyota does a pretty good job with their auto lsd and ATRAC systems.
     
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  9. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:51 PM
    #9
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    Terndrerrr and Elduder like this.
  10. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #10
    Mass_Sequoia

    Mass_Sequoia [OP] New Member

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    I appreciate that feedback. I wish I had some pictures of that snowy hill, I was amazed that the truck went straight up with no issues, and none of the 'traction lights' came on either.
     
    gosolo likes this.
  11. Jan 4, 2021 at 6:54 PM
    #11
    Elduder

    Elduder New Member

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    Tundra has been much better than both my FJ and Tacoma were in the snow, but it also has a longer and wider wheelbase, as well as weighs a bit more.
     
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  12. Jan 4, 2021 at 8:55 PM
    #12
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I would rather have a good limited slip than a locker on a daily/weekend warrior.

    Like others have said, it your not having issues, wouldn’t bother with it.
     
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  13. Jan 5, 2021 at 7:28 AM
    #13
    Blue Thunder

    Blue Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    I agree 100%.
     
  14. Jan 5, 2021 at 7:36 AM
    #14
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    IMHO

    Drive, wheel the truck and go get stuck on purpose.

    Learn the system.

    The OE electronically controlled system works surprising well once one learns how to use it.
     
  15. Jan 5, 2021 at 5:39 PM
    #15
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr 934000 miles to go

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    I never got stuck in my unlocked 2012 4Runner. ATRAC works too well.

    I don’t have any experience using it on my Tundra yet. I’ve been told the only downside vs the 4Runner is you need more wheel spin to engage ATRAC on the Tundra than may be prudent given your situation. On my 4Runner (which did not have a locker), all I had to do was push a button while in 4Lo.

    Here’s how all the nannies and ATRAC work on your Tundra.

    BE614141-9BF0-422C-9D3C-579B83D5AD9A.jpg
     
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  16. Jan 5, 2021 at 6:26 PM
    #16
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    You don't need lockers if you don't know if you need lockers. Nothing will match lockers for traction, but there's also a point where more goodies will just get you more stuck if you don't have a solid knowledge of the basics. If 4Hi seems fine, stick with that for now.
     
  17. Jan 5, 2021 at 6:32 PM
    #17
    Wynnded

    Wynnded What MPG...

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    And a locker in the snow can get you into trouble very quickly if you are imprudent enough to engage it on the road.
     
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  18. Jan 6, 2021 at 2:51 AM
    #18
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    But so fun making the donuts:cheers:
     
  19. Jan 6, 2021 at 3:39 AM
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    defaint

    defaint New Member

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