You are currently viewing our community as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our Member Supported community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos, content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.
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.
But I can't see Toyota combining this with the mechanical LSD in the Sport Package. Why have both?
The mechanical LSD is only for the rear axle and leaves a 4x4 acting as a 4x2. If you're sitting with your rear in the mud or on a slimy boat ramp, you'll be stuck. With the Auto-LSD, it can apply the brakes to the rear wheels and direct torque to the front to pull you out. On a Pre-Runner, it's probably unneccesary unless you overcome the mech-LSD. Plus, down the road, you won't know your clutch LSD has failed until you need it... would be nice to have the electronic as a backup.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluto
VSC/TRAC are not the Auto LSD.
Sorry, I didn't word that correctly. The VSC, TRAC, and Auto-LSD are all implemented the same way. The computer monitors inputs and applies brakes (I would assume a 4-ch system since the Taco is RWD/4WD) as needed. From the engineering side, there is no reason not to implement all the systems on every vehicle. i.e. the difficulty of adding Auto-LSD when you have TRAC is negligible. VSC is the more complicated system, but they're all just portions of one piece of software. Like you said, VSC monitors a lot more than wheel speed, primarily a direction sensor (actual motion of vehcile versus an inertial sensor). TRAC typically only controls throttle at certain speeds and not usually by much (too much would compound a loss of traction situation).
Quote:
Toyota is insane with their confounding array of options.
I definitely agree. And at the base prices the Tacoma has reached, they should start "forcing" extra features on customers as large package groups ala Honda. The DX is base, LX has most common features, EX has them all. This is actually cheaper logistically because people can find models with the features they want, and they pay a little extra for ones they don't, yet they get a better value in the end.
Toyota is headed that way with the SR5, Limited, TRD, etc packages, but this deal with VSC/TRAC being on option is just weird. I thought the earlier press releases suggested it would be standard just like on the RAV4, Highlander, etc. VSC/TRAC and Auto-LSD should be standard, and DAC/HAC should be standard on all AT models its available for. Further, Auto-LSD should still be included with a rear-locker and all the systems should be controllable with a button to turn them off.
Chances are, in 1-2 years, Toyota will announce the VSC/TRAC is now included as standard. Yet, the only added production cost is probably the button to disable it since the development costs are already covered and the necessary system (ABS) is already implemented.
The mechanical LSD is only for the rear axle and leaves a 4x4 acting as a 4x2. If you're sitting with your rear in the mud or on a slimy boat ramp, you'll be stuck. With the Auto-LSD, it can apply the brakes to the rear wheels and direct torque to the front to pull you out. On a Pre-Runner, it's probably unneccesary unless you overcome the mech-LSD. Plus, down the road, you won't know your clutch LSD has failed until you need it... would be nice to have the electronic as a backup.
I overlooked the application of auto-LSD to the front axle.
In 4WD, the center diff is locked 50/50 mechnically. The front will get 50% of the torque regardless of rear traction. The auto-LSD works side-to-side, not front to rear. However, the auto-LSD could transfer power side-to-side up front. Theoretically you could move with only one wheel having traction up front.
As far as an the auto-LSD as a backup for the mechanical ... that means the auto-LSD can transfer more torque than a mechanical LSD. I wish Toyota would show how the electronic-LSD can perform as well, or better than a mechanical LSD. Hummer claims the H2 can use their TCS system to move up a 10% grade with one wheel having traction. Come on Toyota, throw out some numbers or videos.
hey could some one tell me what the limited slip rear differential is. I am going to get an 05 with the sr5 package but can't figure out if I should get the #3 or the #8. Should I get the #3 and just add the towing equipment and alloy tires? I can get one with the #3 quick but have to wait on the #8. I live in NC and won't be doing any off road diving. Thanks
A limited slip differential allows for power to be diverted to one tire even when there is absolutely no traction on the other. It is a little more involved than that, but that is the quick and dirty answer. There is a really good article on differentials on http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
umm as far as operation of the locker... in tacomas... the lock is for emergency escape use only and not to be used over 5mph and no longer than needed.. ive used mine off roading and its tricky to use you have to wait till the wheels are fully stopped.. you lock it by pressing the button and a red "RR DIFF LOCK" will flash on the dash.. then u have to roll (forwards for sure but reverse will prolly work too) then the RR DIFF LOCK light will go steady.. remove ur self from the situation... then go in reverse. At least thats how it works on my 4x2... and yes i do offroad with a 4x2.
Here is another site that has some interesting info for us Tacoma owners and it's all free! They even have clothing in their store! Your mod is there too.
I just purchased a 2003 Tacoma, does anyone know how to make the rear diff lock in 2hi and 4hi. I've seen info on how to do this but, I'm not sure I want to try it unless I know it really works.
Has anyone else tried this?
umm as far as operation of the locker... in tacomas... the lock is for emergency escape use only and not to be used over 5mph and no longer than needed..
The reason for the 5mph speed limit is for liability. The truck will be harder to turn and therefore control increasing the risk of an accident. There is no harm for the components of the truck if you drive faster than 5mph. Toyota just doesn't want to get sued.
I need some help to see if everyone is having the same problem. When I lock the rear locker in at a dead stop, and click the locker button, I see the ABS light come on and the selenoid in the truck engage, but the locker will not lock until I start driving for about 10 to 15 feet. Is there a trick to get it to engage while you are stopped. Thanks
Most of the time forward or backward motion is required to engage the locker. The only other way I have gotten it to engage is to crank the steering back and forth and sometimes it clicks in.
spjonm3, I gotta agree, my bother in law with 04 off road locker can run above 5 mph no prob locked in. I actually went for 05 Sport TRD with limited slip rear instead. Fun to compare our trucks, as totally different. "Off Road' is no doubt better for mud holes on occassion or hammering up 2 ft snow piles in driveway. But LTD slip works even pulling out on gravel driveway to higher speeds or avg snow driving where 'locker' cant be used. IOP, my friends, if you got got serious beatin' coming to your taco, get off road, but for everyday, need a bit more traction for everyday on 245 hp cant beat the LTD slip. Both are good for what they are ment for.
If all that is true, if/when I buy a Taco I am definately NOT going to get the electric locker. There are times when in 2WD-you would want to remain locked in the rear only. You'll save on gas when wheeling, and save on wear and tear in the T-case and the wimpy front diff. If you wheel these trucks on anything over a 3 trail or better you WILL break out the front diff. Look at my gallery photos, I was mere inches from toasting diff #2 when I put in the front Lock Rite.
With a No Slip in the rear in 2WD, I can tackle about 85% of what I used to with a 4WD and two diffs open. You get better control and predictability off road with a locked rear than with an open diff and improve the stength or your rear and axles. If I was 'wheeling I'd like to select 2WD locked AND be able to drive over 5 mph.
I also just got back from driving in several FEET of snow in the Sierras with both front and rear locked, and would NEVER do it again with open diffs. Although the steering is a bit dodgy, I would have had to leave the truck parked without them. I easily had to pull out 10 different trucks (1500, F-250, SUVs, AWD LUX-utes, etc)--not one with a locker (one LSD though)-not one had traction, and not one was going anywhere 'til I showed up.
Upgrades: PA 3" Body Lift, Powertrax No-Slip rear, Detroit ezLocker front, Fabtech/Fox front, Wheeler's AALs, TC Front Diff Drop, 16 x 8 MB Wheels, 285/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs, Pioneer Head Unit, Infiniti Reference speakers [front and rear], 150 W bridged amp to bandpass enclosure, 6 CD changer with IR remote, iPod mini and xm hardwired into stereo, Toyota drop in bedliner, and Tonneau cover
I just purchased a 2003 Tacoma, does anyone know how to make the rear diff lock in 2hi and 4hi. I've seen info on how to do this but, I'm not sure I want to try it unless I know it really works.
Has anyone else tried this?
Thanks
TTORA-NE.com you should find this mod there. or search online for the grey wire mod.
I need some help to see if everyone is having the same problem. When I lock the rear locker in at a dead stop, and click the locker button, I see the ABS light come on and the selenoid in the truck engage, but the locker will not lock until I start driving for about 10 to 15 feet. Is there a trick to get it to engage while you are stopped. Thanks
Yes you need to move a little bit. If you have the auto in the 05 you have to put the trans in neutral to get the 4hi and 4lo to enguage or 4lo will beep and flash at you.
limited slip rear differential
