Rear Axle 101

Hi,
I am confused on the function of the locker on the 2010s. My last truck has an LSD. An it would kick in when it felt wheel slip and both wheels would spin, and spin. (very nice for leaving a set of rubber lines) No vehicle stability control or anything.

So, I looked in the owners manual and am lost as to how this one operates. If the rear wheels slip, power is reduced to the rear wheels. So why do I have a button to turn something off? What does this do?

Thanks,
Confused in Canada...

 

David did a VERY thorough job of explaining the details. However, it can be a bit overwhelming. It took ne quite a while to figure it all out. To help me understand and quickly reference, I created a chart that outlined all of the 9 possible settibgs that David has explained. I hope it helps.

 

Check it out to see what a locker is

http://www.toyota.com/fjcruiser/demos.html

Basically it just locks the two rear wheels together and allows no slippage to maximize traction.

 

ok. I'm confused as to what he's asking then. I was just trying to answer his first question.

 

haha. Yeah I guess so.

Yep OP you have no locker at least from the factory.

The Canadians do get the 4 leaf pack from the factory so it is better jk.

 

Good eye. Look at me, feeling like im being helpful. Suppose I should have checked which model he had before responding.

Sport = Pretty hood ornament, but No locker.

 

Haha, okay Im not trying to spread the confusion...
The VSC button is what I am referring to. Im 2000 miles from my truck right now so i can't test it but when i turn vsc off i can't spin the wheels either. So it changes the rear axle "anti spin" from engine regulated to brake regulated if I understand from your chart B?
Im talking only in 2wd here...

 

Yeah unless you hold it to completely turn it off.

 

Honestly, I'm not familiar with the Sport models, but I have to assume 'yes'. Clicking the VSC button should take it from an engine regulated, semi-LSD to a more True-LSD without engine regulation. As Jason said, if you stop and then press and hold the VSC button, you can open the differential.

 

Oh yeah, forgot to say that if you're trying to get to the "open-differential", don't forget to be at a stop while you're pressing and holding. I made the mistake of being moving when I tried to no avail. Fortunately, David K was here to straighten me out