[GT]

Why is it that whenever Toyota comes out with something I want they leave one valuble thing off of the particular model I want. With my Tundra and now with the Tacoma L/B D/C they won't put a friggin' locker on the back. Why not? Why not just make it an option?
Is it too much to ask TOYOTA to make a long bed truck with a locker and double cab so everyone can enjoy the trail worry free. I tell you it is pi$$ing me off. I want to go off road and sleep in the bed of my truck. It is like there are a bunch of morons putting these packages together. They can keep they're stupid scoop hood and all the gingerbread crap and put a locker on the truck I want. It is enough to make me go from a three generation toyota owner to looking at other options. JUST PUT THE OFF ROAD PACKAGE ON THE D/C L/B! Isn't there anyone out there who can get this done?
Very frustrated!

GT :td:

 

[j4x4ar3]

Why is it that whenever Toyota comes out with something I want they leave one valuble thing off of the particular model I want. With my Tundra and now with the Tacoma L/B D/C they won't put a friggin' locker on the back. Why not? Why not just make it an option?
Is it too much to ask TOYOTA to make a long bed truck with a locker and double cab so everyone can enjoy the trail worry free. I tell you it is pi$$ing me off. I want to go off road and sleep in the bed of my truck. It is like there are a bunch of morons putting these packages together. They can keep they're stupid scoop hood and all the gingerbread crap and put a locker on the truck I want. It is enough to make me go from a three generation toyota owner to looking at other options. JUST PUT THE OFF ROAD PACKAGE ON THE D/C L/B! Isn't there anyone out there who can get this done?
Very frustrated!

GT :td:

Not sure if this vent even deserves a comment however... if you look at the overall wheelbase and length of the LB/DC it's a little long for the average trail. One review I read stated it's overall length was longer than a Yukon. Granted I haven't done much offroading yet but most of the trails I've researched state "vehicles with longer wheelbases will have trouble with the sharper turns". I would imagine that a longer wheelbase would cause problems in other areas as well. For me that makes a LB/DC unappealing as an offroad vehicle and more appealing as a tow vehicle or a "hauler". I would imagine that the Toyota engineers had something like this in mind figuring that the overall demand for this package on the LB/DC wouldn't be enough to justify it anyway. Any true offroader however wouldn't stay with the stock parts anyway. It was commented in one of the threads by someone that they were going to save some money and buy the sport package since they were going to remove all the stock stuff anyway and do their own work. Basically why buy the offroad package then dump it for aftermarket parts. Something to consider.

 

[GT]

Not sure if this vent even deserves a comment however... if you look at the overall wheelbase and length of the LB/DC it's a little long for the average trail. One review I read stated it's overall length was longer than a Yukon. Granted I haven't done much offroading yet but most of the trails I've researched state "vehicles with longer wheelbases will have trouble with the sharper turns". I would imagine that a longer wheelbase would cause problems in other areas as well. For me that makes a LB/DC unappealing as an offroad vehicle and more appealing as a tow vehicle or a "hauler". I would imagine that the Toyota engineers had something like this in mind figuring that the overall demand for this package on the LB/DC wouldn't be enough to justify it anyway. Any true offroader however wouldn't stay with the stock parts anyway. It was commented in one of the threads by someone that they were going to save some money and buy the sport package since they were going to remove all the stock stuff anyway and do their own work. Basically why buy the offroad package then dump it for aftermarket parts. Something to consider.

Well, excuse me for venting and thanks for the reply, however, in the hands of person who knows how to drive on certain trails, the longer wheelbase is very functional. I have taken bigger trucks than that down some very tight situations without a scratch. Have you ever seen how long a full size dodge crew cab long bed diesel is? The point being, is that it should be an "option" which you can order. A "true offroader" should be able to order the 4x4 he wants and take the chances. Besides, the locker comes in handy for getting unstuck in many situations including snow and coming up a slick boat ramp. I don't want to go throwing after market lockers and suspention on it which is why I simply wish Toyota would offer the damn package. I have been waiting for four years for the d/c l/b and now they screwed me again. I am not interested in saving money as much as getting the truck I want ready to go, from Toyota. That is all. Perhaps the venting is to get other's opinions on this.
GT

 

[TundraTrac]

No offense but a true offroader would order the truck without the factory locker, even if it was available, and put an aftermarket locker on, along with larger tires, gears and clearence. My last truck had no locker and there wasnt anything that my 4 low couldnet get me up over or unstuck from. If you are putting yourself in a situation that you need a locker and 4x4 turned on then you would be better off with aftermarket anyways

 

[grillmasterp]

No offense but a true offroader would order the truck without the factory locker, even if it was available, and put an aftermarket locker on, along with larger tires, gears and clearence.

Not true at all.-
THe E- locker available is quite desirable for offroading-
With the Tacoma, if you want a selectable locker- your options are basically ARB or Toyota E-locker.
I know many guys that have regeared with the E-locker.
- When you consider the cost of
ARB locker
air compressor
labor (if unable to DIY)

..the E-locker is a great option even if you are going to ditch the upgraded TRD suspension

 

[GT]

No offense but a true offroader would order the truck without the factory locker, even if it was available, and put an aftermarket locker on, along with larger tires, gears and clearence. My last truck had no locker and there wasnt anything that my 4 low couldnet get me up over or unstuck from. If you are putting yourself in a situation that you need a locker and 4x4 turned on then you would be better off with aftermarket anyways

If you will note, TundraTrac, my statement implied that a "true offroader", which was not my term in the first place, simply would be able to handle a truck with that long of weel base in tight areas, not that it would be used on jeep trails! Not to mention, that once you start tearing your brand new Tacoma apart and puting your own aftermarket locker on there, you VOID THE WARRANTY. There have been situations in my tundra where one of the back tires was up off the ground and the other was in a ditch not getting power due to icy slick roads, sure would have been worth every penny for that locker in that situation regardless of your "true offroader" ability which had nothing to do with it. The Toyota e-locker is a fine and useful addition to the truck which is nice insurance in a sticky situation. I honestly do not understand what is so difficult for you to comprehend about that. Seems elementary to me.

Respectfully,

GT

 

[bennicde]

Why is it that whenever Toyota comes out with something I want they leave one valuble thing off of the particular model I want. With my Tundra and now with the Tacoma L/B D/C they won't put a friggin' locker on the back. Why not? Why not just make it an option?
Is it too much to ask TOYOTA to make a long bed truck with a locker and double cab so everyone can enjoy the trail worry free. I tell you it is pi$$ing me off. I want to go off road and sleep in the bed of my truck. It is like there are a bunch of morons putting these packages together. They can keep they're stupid scoop hood and all the gingerbread crap and put a locker on the truck I want. It is enough to make me go from a three generation toyota owner to looking at other options. JUST PUT THE OFF ROAD PACKAGE ON THE D/C L/B! Isn't there anyone out there who can get this done?
Very frustrated!

GT :td:

I have the same opinion, and I wrote Toyots about it. Here is the reply I got;
Thank you for your recent correspondence.

With regard to the options available, we would like to take this opportunity to explain that market trends are closely studied to give us a better idea of what vehicles and options are in demand. Then based on our findings, our Product Planning department is able to choose those vehicles and options that best suit the needs of the buying public. We recognize, of course, that these choices may not meet the needs and fulfill the desires of all potential customers. However, we have noted your comments and have forwarded them to our Product Planning department for their information and future consideration.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

James McWade
Toyota Canada Inc.

and another thing, the locker is not just for serious off road work, I live on a farm with a long driveway which is covered in ice. I headed out to an appointment one night and was sliding around a bit. The two wheels on the passenger side jumped the snowbank and left the two wheels on the driver's sdie on the ice, and that's where I stayed, reved the v-6 so high the rev limited was in action so long I still thought I'd blow the motor. Had to walk to the neighbor, get a tractor and pull the useless thing out. I will never buy another 4x4 without a locker!!.........and my wife tells me if I but a truck it has to be a 4 door. (In Canada we can only get the off-road package in the access cab, at least in the USA you can get it in the short bed which would suit me)

 

[GT]

I have the same opinion, and I wrote Toyots about it. Here is the reply I got;
Thank you for your recent correspondence.

With regard to the options available, we would like to take this opportunity to explain that market trends are closely studied to give us a better idea of what vehicles and options are in demand. Then based on our findings, our Product Planning department is able to choose those vehicles and options that best suit the needs of the buying public. We recognize, of course, that these choices may not meet the needs and fulfill the desires of all potential customers. However, we have noted your comments and have forwarded them to our Product Planning department for their information and future consideration.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

James McWade
Toyota Canada Inc.

and another thing, the locker is not just for serious off road work, I live on a farm with a long driveway which is covered in ice. I headed out to an appointment one night and was sliding around a bit. The two wheels on the passenger side jumped the snowbank and left the two wheels on the driver's sdie on the ice, and that's where I stayed, reved the v-6 so high the rev limited was in action so long I still thought I'd blow the motor. Had to walk to the neighbor, get a tractor and pull the useless thing out. I will never buy another 4x4 without a locker!!.........and my wife tells me if I but a truck it has to be a 4 door. (In Canada we can only get the off-road package in the access cab)

AMEN! As two old men once said in a Bartles & James commercial: "Thanks for your support." It is the least likely situations sometimes where those little lockers can help in the biggest ways. It does not seem like a big issue for Toyota to throw that locker on, if asked.
C'mon Toyota, listen to the little people!
GT

 

[TundraTrac]

Changing the or adding a locker does in fact void the warrenty, on the parts asscoiated with what you changed. A aftermarket locker will coid the warranty on your rear axle, warranty on other parts will not be affected. This matter has been addressed by the supreme court and ruled in favor of aftermarket part companies.

"1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))

This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle maker's brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:

“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name...” (15 U.S.C. 2302"

http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8128

Sorry, a liitle off topic now.

Anywho didnt mean to get anyone riles up over my original post

 

[GT]

Dealer does not even know!

I asked a local dealer about the locker in the back and he keeps claiming that the "Locker is the same as the Limited Slip". Unless I have lost my mind, they are two totally separate things. Please back me up on this. He said he would bet his life that they are the same thing. This is ridiculous! How can a dealer be so full of sh*t? I guess that goes without saying?
GT

 

[Steve O]

Not true at all.-
THe E- locker available is quite desirable for offroading-
With the Tacoma, if you want a selectable locker- your options are basically ARB or Toyota E-locker.
I know many guys that have regeared with the E-locker.
- When you consider the cost of
ARB locker
air compressor
labor (if unable to DIY)

..the E-locker is a great option even if you are going to ditch the upgraded TRD suspension

This is the reason I just joined. I'm buying a Taco in the next 2 months. Double cab 4x4 long or short? I want the locker and the bed. I will, in time have a front locker and gears so is the rear e-lock worth the price of the bed? How much are aftermarket lockers for these trucks. Who makes them? Who sells them? Boy I really need help.

Thanks,
The newbe,
Steve O

 

[TundraTrac]

A locker and limited slip are 2 completley differnt things.

This article explains Open Diff, Limited Slip and lockers:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential6.htm

 

[mtman]

If the locker is such an issure stop complaining and go to the dealer and buy one from the parts department, or go to a "real offroad" website and find someone that took theres out for an air locker or a spool. don't get me worng for the price of these trucks it should come on all the 4x4 and pre runners. I just looked at the marlin cralwler site and found a post with some prices. "if you want 4.10s, 4.30s or 4.56s, you can buy one new for about $795 from toyota." That sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

 

[TAHOEtoSLOtaco]

I asked a local dealer about the locker in the back and he keeps claiming that the "Locker is the same as the Limited Slip". Unless I have lost my mind, they are two totally separate things. Please back me up on this. He said he would bet his life that they are the same thing. This is ridiculous! How can a dealer be so full of sh*t? I guess that goes without saying?
GT

See now this is why I hated talking to the dealers when I was looking for my truck. They are so ignorant its fustrating. I actually had one dealer try and convince me that he would be able to find me a D-cab, l/b, v6, 6-speed, with the offroad package. And then once he realised that he was a dumb a$$ he tried to convince me that you can get side curtain airbags in all models. The worst part about this is it was a Fremont Toyota where the factory is a couple blocks down the street. I mean its like they send monkeys out to talk to you because they know that you are going to buy the car regardless because of thier reputation. Anyways here is a good website that explains how both diff's work:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/at_010410.htm

I also have a d-cab, short bed, v6, with the offroad package and I have to say that the locking rear diff is awsome and that you only loose a foot with the bed so if yo just put down your tailgate it works fine for sleeping in.

 

[batman]

I agree

GT,

I totally agree with you. I have the access cab Tundra and take it offroad all the time. My job requires a lot of offroad driving. I don't do the crazy stuff, just a lot of dirt roads, many unimproved. I had problems with the stock open diff. So I installed a Powertrax No-slip. Hated to void the warrantee on the axle, but the difference is un believable!! I can now take that tundra ANYWHERE! As for those of you that think larger trucks aren't good offroad - your partially right. The smaller the better. Hell an ATV is the king offroader. BUT I can tell you that even something as big as the tundra can do some amazing things, if you know how to drive it!!

One last point. a locker is not just for serious offroading. They are very handy on slippery boat ramps. And even in mild offroading - a locker makes the trail easier which means less wear and tear on the truck AND THE TRAIL! Since my locker I rarely spin tires anymore - much better for the trails.

So basically is rediculous that Toyota doesn't offer the Locker in all their trucks. Especially if its an option in other styles of the same model! Its not like were talking about something that conficts with other options. Unless the Tacoma L/B D/C has a different rear axle or something. If its the same as other Tacos then it should be a VERY easy option to offer.

TIM