Different 4x4/4wd Models

Glad I gave you the answer you were seeking.

AUTO LSD is only in H2. Stronger limited slip on the rear wheels than TRAC.
AUTO LSD is the same function as TRAC OFF in H4, except in H4 the limited slip is on all four wheels.
Remember, the (TRAC/AUTO LSD/TRAC OFF) limited slip is at the wheels and not in the differentials.
The system uses spin rotation sensors at each wheel and a computer to provide the amount of ABS brak force to be applied to a spinning wheel so that the energy will balance with the traction (non-spinning) tire.

Now, TRAC doesn't go as far as A-TRAC in near-exact balance (like a locker does), but it does slow the spin so more energy transfers to the good tire, to move you ahead, hopefully.

 

Thank you for the break down of everything and going into such detail. It snowed here last night and I got a chance to play around with everything the TRAC OFF in H4 is pretty awesome and just in two H2 with the LSD on the truck handles a lot better, any way thank man.

 

I went through this thread pretty slow and careful and my head is about to fall off trying to figure out what I have and don't have with my 07 Sport. To get it straight, I do have a limited slip rear differential and also the front is limited slip also when in 4x4?

 

The 2005-2008 Sport did have mechanical limited slip differential. Nothing at all on the front however.

 

Great!
Glad to hear from you.
I strongly suggest everyone 'play' with their 'Toys' and test the different modes so they are familiar with how each one operates.
H2 with TRAC OFF ("AUTO LSD") is the strongest 2WD mode, with the effect of "posi-traction" on the back tires. In H4 there is a big difference in TRAC OFF than just TRAC.
Remember newbies: "TRAC OFF" is TRAC with the engine regulation turned OFF. Bad naming by Toyota. VSC OFF is TRAC (and VSC) turned OFF for open differentials only.

 

In your opinion what are safe speeds to shift from H2 to H4? Also I completely agree I am glad I go the opportunity to play with it all right after reading through all of this I have played around in the snow in 4x4 but I haven't really messed with the traction switch im glad I did because my truck does a lot better then I had thought with the different systems engaged. I also agree horrible naming by Toyota

 

The owners manual for my 2014 says 62 mph.

 

If you leave the pavement or are on snow covered roads, use 4WD. You paid extra for it, afterall. You can go from 2H to 4H at anytime from 0-62, but seriously don't wait.

 

Thank you for all the info

 

Happy to help... it's what I do!

I know it can be very confusing... and we all hear answers in different ways. That is why I often explain these things using different methods over the years. I still wish someone with a 2012-2015 and a 2016+ would document what buttons, what lights up, what the truck does in each choice/ mode. Mine is a 2010, and while I think I got it right for 2012-2015, it is a bit of a guess based on what input I have got. Nobody has produced a new chart for 2012, like we have for 2009. 2016 is an entire different game with MTS and Crawal... yikes!

 

Thanks!

 

One more question if I may, on the limited slip, when one wheel starts to spin does power drop off on that one and the other one power up or do they both start digging in?

 

This it true but i stop if i can.
I dont like that big clunk when engaging the 4 wheel drive system while moving.

 

I have never felt the need to use any mode but 4Hi. Even with the awful factory tires. I use 4Hi in the snow, muddy/wet hay field and corn fields. We are supposed to get several inches of snow over the weekend and can't wait to try the the other modes just to see how the traction improves.

 

First off I am not a tech, so take my postings as only a life-long four wheeler with basic knowledge...
Limited slip differentials have clutches (like brake pads) inside the diff... and when one side spins, the clutches attempt to slow the spin and balance the rotation. It is not 100% but better than nothing at all (open differentials). A locking differential is 100%. The 2009 and newer Tacomas have brake system limited slip (TRAC). The effect is the same, to slow the spinning tire so the traction tire has more chance to move the truck.

 

4HI with TRAC? That is the standard, no button push mode (2009+).
In 2012, they changed TRAC (in H4) so it now has engine regulation and added a button push TRAC OFF mode so you could have the limited slip without the engine regulated... as it was 2009-2011.

You see how tricky it can be thinking it was just 4WD High? For that, since 2009, you need to be in VSC OFF mode.

 

Gotcha. Just never considered anything else because H4 was enough. Now that I have other options I will definitely try them. Let it snow!

 

Suspiciously close to 100 kph, isn't it? It almost makes one think some engineer in in Japan pulled a number out of the air when asked what the limit should be.

 

Of course... it is just the American translation for 100 kph... a round number.
I think 50 is a more realistic high-end limit... maybe 55 for cruising on a snowy freeway? But, once you are in H4, you could go to 110 mph (in a straight line)!

 

I've had past trucks with other limits, but they were fords. One was 45, and the other was 55. I would guess it must have something todo with longevity. But then I've never tried to put it in 4x4 above the rated limit.