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Engine & DrivetrainDiscussions about the engine and drivetrain of your vehicle.
This is a discussion thread titled "Tacoma: Tacoma Differential Q & A or Comments", within the Engine & Drivetrain forum, part of the Technical & Vehicle Assistance Forums category.
Toyota has 5 Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [6] with Traction Control (TRAC) packages:
VSC + TRAC only (V6 MT models)
VSC + TRAC with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (V6 AT models)
VSC + TRAC with automatic limited-slip rear differential (MT models)
VSC + TRAC with automatic limited-slip rear differential and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (AT models)
VSC + TRAC with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (4x4 V6 AT models)
I think the 'Automatic limited-slip' uses the ABS and braking system to simulate a mechanical limited slip. The "Auto LSD" button turns the system on or off.
I don't know if the 'auto LSD' can be combined with a mechanical LSD or Locker.
You probably need to swap out the entire rear axle to switch from an LSD to an e-locker. The housings are probably different.
Does anyone know if the 2005 uses different differentials than the 2004 and prior? I know the new Taco is wider and longer, but that doesn't mean that the axles aren't the same.
I'm working with TracTech to find out if they have a limited slip that will work in the front axle of the new Tacomas.
I too just bought a D-cab 4x4 SR5 #8 yesterday. However I had test drove one a week ago in the rain on slippery streets. When both my wife and I got on it (going up a hill around a corner) there was a definite feel that there was some sort of limited slip action, a slight wheel hopping sensation. But that said even on the slippery streets it didn’t come loose from the pavement. I live in Sacramento, sort of the u-turn capitol of the world. In my 02 Dodge, if there weren’t any obstacles I could start a u-turn, goose it a bit and bring the back end around rather smartly (maybe not smart, but fun).
From what I’ve read the 05 Taco has all sorts of things going on while we are driving. Part of the traction system IS the independently controlled brakes that the truck has the unmitigated gall to think it can out drive me :->, another consideration is there is no longer a direct link to the throttle control. It’s also by wire, and the truck can, and does take control of the fuel control when it senses that control is being compromised.
I believe that the rear end is limited slip, but only because it is listed as a “Limited-slip rear differential” in pkg #8 rather than a limited slip axle. The word “differential” is what I base my conclusion on.
Let us know what you come up with. I am curious to know if, and for how much that could be done.
Here's what I have found out so far:
2005 4x4 Tacomas have the following axles:
Front: 8" dia. RG (same as 2003-on 4Runner, 2004 Tacoma, 2004-on Tundra)
Rear: 8" dia. RG (same as 95.5-on Tacoma w/o factory locker, all Tundras)
TracTech is currently testing a TrueTrac (gear-driven LSD) that fits the 8" front axle. This should be available in a few months.
They are also working on the ElecTrac (gear-driven LSD with electronic locker in one unit) for the 8" rear axle. This is great news for those of us without the factory TRD locker. This should fit all Tundras and 2004-current Tacomas.
I haven't heard any pricing figures yet. I'll let you know if I find anything else out.
Does anyone have a clear breakdown of the differential choices available on the new Tacoma?
-Chris
I went through this with my salesman today and he put the Toyota CD in the computer that has the simulations on it. It appears that the auto LSD comes only with VSC, the mechanical VSC comes with the TRD Sport package. The locker comes with the TRD Off Road package. I was disappointed to find that the VSC cannot be ordered with the TRD Sport pack.
I was disappointed to find that the VSC cannot be ordered with the TRD Sport pack.
Can anyone else confirm this? I didn't see that in any of the specs, and that was exactly the combination I was hoping to get - Access Cab V-6 automatic 4x4 TRD Sport with VSC. The supply on the ground in the Columbus, Ohio area is so thin that I haven’t been to a dealer yet, and who knows if they will actually know (or tell me the truth if they do know!).
I was disappointed to find that the VSC cannot be ordered with the TRD Sport pack.
Can anyone else confirm this? I didn't see that in any of the specs, and that was exactly the combination I was hoping to get - Access Cab V-6 automatic 4x4 TRD Sport with VSC. The supply on the ground in the Columbus, Ohio area is so thin that I haven’t been to a dealer yet, and who knows if they will actually know (or tell me the truth if they do know!).
The VSC/TRAC and mechanical LSD won't work together. Electronic vs. mechanical traction. The VSC/TRAC don't know when the LSD is transferring torque.
With the off-road package, VSC/TRAC know when 4WD or the e-locker is engaged, the button is pushed, VSC will turn OFF. On the new 4Runners, locking the center diff turns off VSC. The 4Runners do not have a mechanical LSD available.
Toyota has 5 Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [6] with Traction Control (TRAC) packages:
VSC + TRAC only (V6 MT models)
VSC + TRAC with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (V6 AT models)
VSC + TRAC with automatic limited-slip rear differential (MT models)
VSC + TRAC with automatic limited-slip rear differential and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (AT models)
VSC + TRAC with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (4x4 V6 AT models)
I think the 'Automatic limited-slip' uses the ABS and braking system to simulate a mechanical limited slip. The "Auto LSD" button turns the system on or off.
I don't know if the 'auto LSD' can be combined with a mechanical LSD or Locker.
You probably need to swap out the entire rear axle to switch from an LSD to an e-locker. The housings are probably different.
Their are currently 14 different rear Axle assemblies being produced for the 2005 Tacoma. These are all built at the new Hino Motors manufacturing factory located in Ontario, CA.
There are five dedicated to the 4x2 platforms (non pre-runner) with 1 of the five specific to the x-runner.
The remaing 9 axles are dedicated to the 4x4 and pre-runner platforms. 1 of the nine is the diff lock option which in deed DOES have a different housing than the others.
Also the five 4x2 (non prerunner) diffs have different housings than the 4x4 and pre-runner platforms.
All axles for the 2005 Tacoma are of a new design and are not interchangeable with other model years.
VSC/TRAC _is_ the Auto-LSD and works with Mech-LSD
This is what I've gathered:
Differentials:
Electric Locker - rear electronic locker, manually engaged, found on TRD Off-Road packages
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential - on rear, always "engaged", found on TRD Sport and SR5 #6,7,8
VSC/TRAC - the Auto-LSD using ABS, on lots of new vehicles, effectively a 4-wheel LSD, (auto-on, manually disengaged on most vehicles/not sure on Tacoma), option package VD (includes Hill Start) or option VF (includes Downhill Assist, requires Off-Road, Sport #2+, or V6 SR5) This will work with the mechanical LSD because its sensing excessive wheel speed (which won't happen on the rear unless the mech LSD is exceeded, but will happen on the front's open diff) This system is probably most effective on sand, mud, snow etc, but won't help as much for rock crawling.
By the way, edmunds has their option packages labeled wrong...
VSC/TRAC - the Auto-LSD using ABS, on lots of new vehicles, effectively a 4-wheel LSD, (auto-on, manually disengaged on most vehicles/not sure on Tacoma)
VSC/TRAC are not the Auto LSD.
TRAC - traction control, use brakes/ABS system and throttle to prevent wheels from spinning faster than vehicle is moving. Applies the brakes, cuts the throttle.
VSC - Dynamic vehicle stability control, uses brakes, sterring wheel position, throttle, sensors, accelerometers, to guess what the driver is trying to do, and to make the vehicle do it. Mostly designed to prevent or correct, understeer or oversteer. It will control the throttle and individual brakes to guide vehicle.
Electronic-LSD - simulated LSD using the brake system, uses brakes to make wheels on the front or rear axle spin equally, regardless of traction.
BTW - I am wrong, you can have a dynamic stability system with a mechanical LSD. Manufactures (like BMW) will combine both.
However, it looks like Toyota packages the VSC system and the Electronic-LSD together, therefore a mechanical LSD is not needed and not an option with VSC.
BTW - I am wrong, you can have a dynamic stability system with a mechanical LSD. Manufactures (like BMW) will combine both.
However, it looks like Toyota packages the VSC system and the Electronic-LSD together, therefore a mechanical LSD is not needed and not an option with VSC.
Number 1 & 5 have a [7] = "Requires TRD Off-Road Package." No auto-LSD. Not available with Sport.
Number 3 & 4 have the "automatic limited-slip rear differential." But I can't see Toyota combining this with the mechanical LSD in the Sport Package. Why have both?
Number 2 is only an option on the PreRunner DC. But with the Access Cab, it is optional on the PreRunner and 4x4. Don't know if it is available with the Sport AC.
Toyota is insane with their confounding array of options.
They should make Side Airbags and VSC/TRAC standard on the DC (and make removing it a special order). I bet 80-90% of DC buyers want both.
