Which Kei Trucks Have a Factory Diff-Lock?
The short answer
Only two specific agricultural trims have a factory diff-lock: the Suzuki Carry Nōhan (DA63T/DA62T) and the Honda Acty Attack (HA3/HA4 second-generation only). Both are manual-transmission-only. The third-generation Acty (HA6/HA7) does not have a diff-lock.
4WD does not mean diff-lock
This is the most important misconception in the kei truck import market. The vast majority of 4WD kei trucks have open differentials — they can put power through all four wheels, but if one wheel spins freely, it absorbs all the torque. A diff-lock forces equal torque to both rear wheels regardless of traction. Only the trims listed below have that capability from the factory.
Kei truck trims with a factory differential lock
| Model | Trim | Diff-lock | Transmission | Low range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Carry DA63T | Nōhan (農繁) | ✓ Yes | Manual only | ✓ Yes | 4WD and manual transmission only — the Nōhan does not exist in automatic. |
| Honda Acty HA3 | Attack | ✓ Yes | Manual only | ✓ Yes | Manual transmission only. |
| Daihatsu Hijet S210P | Climber | ✓ Yes | Manual only | ✓ Yes | 4WD only — requires the S210P chassis, not the 2WD S200P. |
Full trim comparison — diff-lock availability
| Model | Trim | Diff-lock | 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Carry DA63T | KC | ✗ No | Optional |
| Suzuki Carry DA63T | KU | ✗ No | Optional |
| Suzuki Carry DA63T | Nōhan (農繁) | ✓ Yes | Standard |
| Honda Acty HA6 | Town | ✗ No | Optional |
| Honda Acty HA6 | SDX (Super Deluxe) | ✗ No | Optional |
| Honda Acty HA3 | Attack | ✓ Yes | Standard |
| Daihatsu Hijet S210P | Climber | ✓ Yes | Standard |
The transmission requirement — no exceptions
Both diff-lock trims are manual-transmission-only. This is not a coincidence — the mechanical diff-lock and the low-range Hi-Lo sub-transmission both require a manual gearbox to operate. There is no automatic version of the Nōhan or the Attack. If you see a listing for an "automatic diff-lock kei truck," it is mislabeled.
The Nōhan is manual-only — no exceptions
The Suzuki Carry Nōhan agricultural spec does not exist in automatic transmission. If a seller lists a "Nōhan automatic," the truck is either mislabeled, the diff-lock has been deleted and replaced, or it is being falsely advertised. Always confirm the manual gearbox is present and the diff-lock switch engages before purchasing.
What "4WD" does not mean
A listing that says "4WD kei truck" does not imply a differential lock. These are distinct capabilities:
- → Part-time 4WD (Suzuki Carry KC/KU 4WD) — driver-selectable 4WD via a lever or switch. Open differentials front and rear. No locker. Works well on loose gravel and mud but a spinning wheel will absorb all torque.
- → Real-Time 4WD (Honda Acty HA6/HA7) — automatic 4WD engagement via a viscous coupling or multi-plate clutch. No locker, no low range. The HA6/HA7 cannot be specced with a diff-lock regardless of trim.
- → Diff-lock 4WD (Nōhan, Attack) — 4WD plus a factory switch-operated rear differential lock. Forces equal torque to both rear wheels. Combined with low-range crawler gear on both trims. This is what buyers specifically hunting "the locker" are looking for.
The most common Acty buyer mistake
The Honda Acty HA6 and HA7 (third generation, 1999–2009) are the most commonly imported Acty generation in the US. They are excellent trucks. But their Real-Time 4WD system does not include a differential lock and does not include low-range gearing. Buyers who specifically want an Acty with a factory diff-lock must target the older HA3/HA4 Attack trim (1988–1999), which has been eligible for US import since 2013. The HA3/HA4 Attack is rarer than the HA6/HA7 SDX or Town — budget extra time and premium to find a clean one.
Frequently asked questions
Which kei trucks come with a factory differential lock?
Only two trim lines have a factory diff-lock: the Suzuki Carry Nōhan (agricultural spec, DA63T/DA62T) and the Honda Acty Attack (HA3/HA4 second-generation only). Both are manual-transmission-only specs. No other commonly imported kei truck trim has a factory diff-lock.
Does the Honda Acty HA6 or HA7 have a differential lock?
No. The third-generation Acty (HA6/HA7, 1999–2009) uses a Real-Time 4WD system that engages automatically — but it has no differential lock and no low-range crawler gear. Buyers who want an Acty with a factory diff-lock must specifically target the second-generation HA3/HA4 Attack trim (1988–1999).
Does 4WD mean diff-lock on a kei truck?
No — this is the most important misconception to clear up. Most 4WD kei trucks have open differentials. 4WD distributes power to all four wheels, but without a diff-lock, if one wheel loses traction it can spin freely while the others get nothing. Only the Nōhan and Attack trims have a factory locker that forces equal torque to both rear wheels regardless of traction.
Is the Suzuki Carry Nōhan available with an automatic transmission?
No. The Nōhan does not exist in automatic. If you see a listing for an "automatic Nōhan" it is either mislabeled or the diff-lock has been deleted. The crawler gear (Hi-Lo transfer case) requires a manual gearbox. Any Nōhan spec truck will always be a manual.
When does the DA63T Nōhan become eligible to import to the USA?
The DA63T was produced from May 2002 to 2013. The earliest examples become eligible under the US 25-year rule from May 2027. This means no DA63T (Nōhan or otherwise) is legally importable to the US before that date under the standard 25-year exemption.
Related pages
- Suzuki Carry DA63T Nōhan — full trim guide
- Honda Acty HA3/HA4 Attack — full trim guide
- Differential lock — how it works and when to use it
- Low range (crawler gear) — what it does and why it matters
- DA63T import eligibility — when can you bring it in?
- Which kei trucks have a low-range crawler gear?
- All kei truck trim levels