Florida Land Cruiser Association

Hello, I have an 89' 4runner and I have been stuck a few times when I really feel like should not have been stuck... I am interested in learning more about the posi unit options and any recomendations you guys might have. And of course if anyone has experience setting up a toyo differential then please let me know so I can make arrangements to get a price on setting my truck up correctly.... Thanks for any help or advice!!....

Are you looking to put a posi or locker into you runner???

We’ve done a couple wrench sessions on installing lockers and an ARB. They’re not that difficult to do, and it’s a lot easier when you have three or four people helping.

We did plan on doing two up here in Citrus County in a few weeks, one new install the other to fix a small problem.

What exactly are you wishing to do???

Jerry Dixon

Thanks for the note Jerry... Well, it has been suggested that a limited slip might be all I need??... Also, the TruTrak has been mentioned as a great system... I just need some guidence on what you guys feel is the best "all round" system... How do you guys feel about the electric locking systems??... I would love to collect all the parts needed and then be invited to, or host a wrench session. BTW, I am willing to host a wrench session weather my truck is broken or not, if someone needs a safe place in my area, my shop is availible... I do want to put a posi in my toyo, and right now I'm leaning toword a limited slip ( IF they are effective ) or the TruTrak...

First off, I’m not an expert in posi’s or lockers, this is my opinion.

I’ve had a posi in my 40, it just doesn’t do the job. You have to have a lot of RPM and tire rotation differential to get it to put power to the traction tire. My experience was with Auburn (sp) limited slip.

The greatest difference for the buck that you will notice is to put in a locker. If it just normal riding and some hard core stuff, something like a Lock Rite is excellent, in my opinion. You can spend the money on Detroit Lockers and it will do the same thing, but you could do far more hard core beating with them. I ran a Lock Rite for years with the rock crawling and never had a problem. I chose to put in ARB front and rear because I just wanted to.

I know a lot of wheelers with the Lock Rite and nobody is having problems. Again, if you plan to do competition or extreme wheeling, they are not the best choice.

Take a look at some of the “lunch box” lockers, I’m sure you will find something for less money that a posi, and really appreciate it.

Jerry Dixon

In my experience the limited slip is not the best option for wheeling, it doesn,t give enough traction to the free tire when you want it. They can be shimmed to help a bit, but they are still a wear item. If you want cheaper and simple then the Aussie and Lock-rite are the main ones. Other versions would be air (ARB) electric (e-locker), you could also go cable if you chose. It all depends on what you want to do with the vehicle, how big of tires, mud/rocks, if you tow, etc.

Come to a run and ride along with someone and you can see/feel the difference between the types. I will be putting in a Aussie in a 40 after Labor Day if you want to see what is involved. Shoot me a PM if your interested. It will be in Melbourne.

Bret

Thanks for your advice Bret, and the invitation!!.. I just sold a gearbox on ebay so I am looking at the different systems. My lil' truck is not a serious digger or crawler and I really don't like to swim the truck. My wife and I went to look for some turkeys that have been walking the power lines, I went over a simple little dune and lost momentum.... I ended up digging in to the frame rails..lol.. I had to jog home and grab my 4' jack ( I just laid it down in the shop that day ), then jack the truck up and push it over out of the hole I dug it into...lol.. My truck has a military look and I just sort of' creep around in the truck, slow and quiet, the thing is, I'm alone much of the time... I think I will check lock rite.... Does the LockRite click and pop??... Do they apply power at low speeds and RPM's??... Thank you guys very much for "tuning me up" on this stuff...

The LockRight type of locker works at any speed, and yes you will hear a "pop" or "click" now and then. During normal driving, if you coast around a corner, you most likely will hear some clicking as there is not enough tourque to hold the plates together. If you power around a corner, you will have the plates held together and most likely will hear a little chirp from your tires. I personally have not found this to be a problem.

As far as getting stuck with a locker, if you do get stuck, most likely you will get yourself stuck worse than with an open differential. If you travel by yourself, then that high lift jack needs to go with you. You might concider a couple of sand tracks to take along.

Jerry Dixon

A winch will also help you get out of trouble. Would consider a sand anchor of some sort as well if you travel alone frequently. The best option is to go with someone else. Sometimes in sand the best option is to winch instead of pull, you may not be able to get enough traction to extricate yourself let alone pull somone else out. A cheaper option is a heavy duty come-along, a high-lift works too, just takes awhile. It is better to take awhile and get out than nothing at all though.