Limited Slip Differential

Are either or both of the differentials (front and rear) in my 2005 4WD Tacoma considered to be "limited slip differentials?" What actually makes it a limited slip and why does this affect the choice of lubricant? Thanks

 

Do you have the Sport model/package?

 

I'm not sure. Can you tell me where to look to find out? I looked in my manual and didn't see anything specific about this.

 

Do you have "TRD Sport" decals on the side of the bed?

Is your hood scooped?

Do your bumpers and door handles match the paint of your truck?

If yes - then you have a sport. And if it's an '05 as indicated in your profile, then you have a true LSD.

 

Even if the truck is just an SR5, the LSD could have been optioned into it, as was the case with my truck. Look at the rear differential, if there is a sticker on it that reads something like "LSD oil only" then you obviously have the LSD in there. Or if you have the original window sticker from when it was new, it will show the options added to the truck. If all else fails, give the dealer your VIN# and they can tell you.
The reason for the LSD additive in the oil is as a friction modifier as the design of the Tacoma LSD is that of clutches that create a counter force helping the tire with less traction slip less and find traction.

 

Yeah, most of the '05 SR5 packages had the LSD as part of the package. I had the SR5 package #8 and it came as part of the SR5 package. In fact, most of the SR5's sold around here had it! Now if you had a TRD Sport, then it's a given that you have it. The advice highlighted above is your best bet for figuring it out. That sticker will still be there, so don't worry about the possibility of it having come off over time.

 

Your front is open unless you have a locker or Atrac. Both of these will have buttons to either engage or disengage.

 

If you have the LSD (mechanical) in the rear - you need friction modifier in the oil for the LSD to work properly. There are clutch paks in the diff and without the friction modifier, the rear will be 'grabby' and not function properly (hard to explain).

 

If you get the truck stuck in the mud or sand .... does just one tire (in back) spin, neither, or both?

 

A-TRAC was available in Tacomas starting in 2009. No 'factory' locker was offered for the front.

 

The decal on the side of the bed says TRD OFF ROAD Toyota Racing Development. The other body labeling says V6 SR5. The paint and bumper color is silver but the door handles are black. I don't think the hood is scooped. There is no LSD sticked on the rear differential. The description on the sticker is "6 speed manual transmission,4W demand 4x4 system w/ electronically controlled 2 speed transfer case."

 

Correct so he has an open front diff!

 

Sounds like you don't have a limited-slip rear differential then because it doesn't have the sticker on the rear differential...and more importantly because it sounds like you have the TRD Off-Road package. That package comes with a locking rear differential which can't be combined with a mechanical limited-slip. To know for sure that you have the TRD Off-Road package (and that someone didn't just stick the sticker on your bed), you should have a button on the dash for the locker (and you will also have the temp/compass display overhead).

 

Other than a manual tranny, you have the same truck I had last (2005 4WD Off Road Tacoma) which HAS an electronic switch activated locking rear differenial (NOT limited slip). Both differentials are 'open'.

The rear locker only works in L4 (Low Range), come to a stop to engage. Info sticker on drivers door.... RR Diff light goes from flashing to solid when engaged.

 

Anybody run redline gear oil with the redline friction modifier. It says that there is already the friction modifier inside and doesn't need anymore, anybody have any opinions on this

 

If it says it has it I would say you are okay. I used Valvoline gear oil (Limited Slip) and the friction modifier that dealer used.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0DeTzQWNBQ

 

You dont have a LSD.

 

Google search brought me here, sorry.

Is it possible that the sticker on the diff could come off, or that someone could possibly switch out an LSD for an open diff? I have an ‘05 Sport and got stuck in the snow recently with only 1 rear tire spinning. Is there ANY other way to tell what kind of diff I have back there? I’m starting to think that I need to just pull the whole thing apart and look inside.

 

Very real possibility that the clutch packs wore out, making the LSD not as effective. At least I think that's a thing