Hey guys I have a 1995 Toyota hilux ifs . The other day I went to try a small off-road trail over here in Guam. After locking my hubs and engaging 4-low I noticed my steering was really harsh. Example i could not take a sharp turn as the other rigs could I'd have to back up turn back up turn just to make a simple turn . Sometimes trying to make a hard right or left would feel like it's stuck. I also hear clanking noises when I get it to turn but goes away when I'm driving straight. I'm not sure if my problem is that the previous owner installed a locker up front which I need to check but I thought I'd get your guys opinion as well. Note I have power steering and 2wd turning is a breeze .

 

Do you have manual or auto hubs? Very possible you have a locker up front from a PO. you can easily test for it if you wanna know. I believe you simply lock front hubs, jack a front wheel off ground, put tcase in neutral and try to rotate the tire by hand. If it spins you have open diff or maybe a LSD. If does not rotate it's because of locker tying it to the stationary tire on ground or has bad spider gears inside preventing free rotation

 

Hey thanks for the reply bro. I actually was able to contact the previous owner and it turn out that he welded the diff up front . Btw the hubs are Manuel. He also told me he had to leave one hub open and one locked to make better turns in the trail. But he would lock both for inclines. Guess I'm gonna have to get use to it lol.

 

or swap out that diff for one that's not locked is another option. you could also swap out the carrier for an inexpensive locker, such as a LockRight. you DO NOT want to drive this truck on-road in 4wd with the front welded, so until you resolve it, keep it fresh in the mind for when the weather changes.

 

I think I'm just gonna keep it . 3 wheeling has been doin me good so far only lock both when I need to. And for the on road , I don't engage 4wd on the road it's just my trail truck . I only use 4x4 when I'm in the trails .

 

I am glad I read this my 89 pick did the same thing it would not turn to the left that well I am going to look at it and see if I have the same situation.