Trutrac LSD install

Are LSDs difficult to install on a tacoma diff? I have 0 experience working on diffs. My rear is open as of now and looking to add lsd for snow and ice. Any how to's on installing one in a taco?

 

A "lunch box" is do-able, but the LSD is like doing a gear change since you are bolting the ring gear to a new flange. Pretty complicated procedure with some expensive tools required. I ran the LSD in an older axle it's good. If you are thinking of a re gear good time to do that at the same time as the LSD.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yItw75pAmo

 

What is a "lunch box"? Is that welding the gears?

 

That is a Lincoln Locker

 

They are both similar though correct? Doesnt it really limit turning?

 

Lunchbox locker replaces spider gears with a mechanical auto locker (like a detroit).


I run a powertrax no-slip and love it.

 

Lunch box won't bind on turns if it is installed correctly

 

I would not recommend an autolocker for snow/ice street use, or any street use really. The Trutrac is a much better option for street driven trucks, that smoothly and seamlessly transfers power to the wheels with traction. I've had them installed in 2 of my trucks, my favorite was installing them front and rear.

 

I second this opinion!

 

Whas the cost to have something like that installed? Is it hard to do if you have mechanical experience?

 

If your even asking its more than likely over your head.

 

I've built a couple 22re engines, I am well mechanically inclined. I was not willing to do my own gears.

It isn't the mechanical aspect of physically putting the items together in the housing that is the issue, it is correctly setting the gear backlash which is really more like an art form. If you do not set it well, the rear end will be short lived. I've gone four wheeling with people that did their own gears, I'm not sure what mechanical experience they had, but the truck barely made it back home and needed the rear end to be overhauled again. It is possible to do, but I would really not recommend it as a DIY without someone that has experience successfully doing it before to help.

Edit: Cost is in the ballpark of $500-600 for install, plus the part.

 

Thanks for all the info!!!

 

Does anyone know the correct part number for the Detroit TrueTrac for the font diff?

 

I usually use the Diff Wizard from Randy's. According to that there is no Trutrac for the front diff on the 2nd gen.
https://www.ringpinion.com/

When I did one up front it was in my 89 22re.

 

You can save money by pulling the diff yourself, and taking it to the shop. I think I paid around $100 in labor to have a TruTrac installed into my rear diff.

Edited : labor amount

 

I live in the Seattle area and just got 3 quotes on a trutrac install on the rear ranging from $270-450 in labor if I bring in the 3rd member to them. Another big cost is the overhaul kit for $250. My truck has 200k on it and didn't want to install the lsd without putting new bearings and seals in. I'm pretty mechanical inclined but took the advice from a buddy who said "whatever they're charging, pay it!"

 

Good point on the overhaul kit. I did the same on my high mileage truck.

 

I just reviewed the receipt for my TruTrac install in 2013. I removed the differential,
and brought it to the shop (River City Differentials) in Rancho Cordova. I let the shop
owner, Sean, broker all the parts. He likely got it all for a better price than I would have.

Parts: $550 (TruTrac LSD + install kit + 2 new carrier bearings + gear oil)
Labor: $85 (about 1 hour, I assume)
Tax: $50
Total cost out the door : $685

This guy is a differential specialist and is really good. I've taken all my gear work to him for the last 23 years, and never had any problems.

 

Check out East Coast Gear Supply

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/