REAR differential Question

[skrobinson]

Hi, ordering my FJ this week. I don't do a lot (if any) serious 4WD (mostly want teh FJ for winter driving in the Northeast).
I dont' really need the rear differential lock and would like to order without it. Dealer says they are all coming in with it. Decision is whether to wait and get what I want or take what comes in.
Is the rear diff lock, like the A-Trac option, where all the hardware is "in place", you just need to add the switch to get it to work? Or does the rear diff lock require additional hardware and is only offered at time of build?

If I don't need it, I see the option as just another thing that could go wrong in the future and cost money to fix. I would probably need to also use the option 1-2x/month to keep it lubed up as well.

Look forward to comments.
Scott

[Racing Toys]

As of yet i'm not up to speed on all the option combinations but as far as locking diffs go, it's a mechanical change to the differential over an open diff, it's not a question of adding a switch. I've had both over the years & in "normal hwy use" I've never noticed any undue wear issues in either setup. As to the issue of using the 4x every 2 mos or so this is a non-issue with respect to the rear because it's spinning & getting lubricated when you drive normally, it is however a good thing to do for the front end & all you really need to do is find a gravel road in the country [optional] somewhere & use the 4 wheel hi position. Hope this helps.

[Gadget@URD]

The locking differential is a completely different differential. It also comes with an electronic control unit. It is way more involved then adding a switch. If there is any chance you may want a locking rear diff in the future, even years in the future, get the factory locker now.

If you will never off road the truck then you will not need the locker. The traction control system will be sufficent for anything you will ever get into on the road.

My 4Runner did not come with the locking diff from the factory. I added an ARB airlocker to it and it was WAY more expensive then if I would of gotten the factory locker.

Gadget

www.URDUSA.com

www.GadgetOnline.com

[Racing Toys]

True that any aftermarket solution will cost more than the factory built unit BUT in the case of an ARB air locker you are definitely getting a top of the line system that also has the advantage of being on-demand and not wearing out or affecting gas mileage when not needed.
I've had vechicules over the years with/without lockers and in my humble opinion even if you never leave the road if you live in Canada or the northern states and run the risk of snow you will feel the locker difference.

[dgspencer]

I wouldn't do a special order just to get it without the locker. It doesn't hurt to have it, even if you never use it. You would most probably not want to use it for winter driving in the Northeast (icy roads, etc.), unless you like white-knuckling the wheel as you swap ends! Still, a manual locker (electric, cable, air) is better than an LSD or auto-locker in that case. It's open diff for the icy roads, then engage locker when you stuff it in the ditch or pull someone out, etc.

I doubt if it's another thing to go wrong. Either it engages or it doesn't. It would be good to engage once in awhile, but if you forget for a year or two, so what, you don't care if it works or not anyway. Plus, pretty easy fix if it does fail and you decide that you want to rely on it being functional.

My 2 cents...

[Racing Toys]

I totally agree with your 2 cents. Better to have it & not need it...mind you I think you can always find a place to use it, lol