2WD LSD 2008 Tacoma 4x2 2.7L AT

My plain Jane run of the mill 4x2 Tacoma sees lots of use on forest service and other dirt roads.

Inevitability from time to time I get stuck, despite carefully evaluating tricky spots & knowing my limits.

Mostly I always got myself out of the jam but it seems a locker would be ideal but no one produces one. LSD seems like it could be possible but it lacks the ability to turn off the function.

I also see there is a "AUTO LSD" function on some Tacos which applies the brake to the spinning wheel using the anti-lock braking system.

Are there any options that don't involve buying a new vehicle to provide a sometimes LSD function?

 

What kind of money are you willing to spend? If a locker were available, were you going to install it yourself or pay someone?

I take it you were looking at a part-time/actuated locker? If you were looking at something which is locked ALL of the time, you can pay someone to weld the spider gears...it's old-school, and it's not ideal, but it's a solution that goes back in time futher than I even know. The issue is driving it as a daily driver and on the road. Otherwise, there's the very long and involved process of doing an axle swap for something with a part time locker. I wouldnt say that either of the LSD options are something I would consider, if you're talking about spending a fair amount of money on a solution. If i were you I might focus more on staying equipped with reliable recovery equipment, for when you do get stuck. That would be a hell of alot cheaper, less involved, and more practical than other solutions. Of course, if you were already considering a new truck, this is just one more reason. I couldn't see buying a new truck solely to acquire some sort of traction control for fire roads. Sorry if I wasn't of much help, and didn't deliver better answers. Hopefully someone on the forum will chime in with something I didn't think about. Good luck.

 

I'd be doing most of the work myself. Just kinda looking around what something like this would cost / involve it might be useful.

I don't get stuck very often as I'm pretty cautious. I think for the most part the only thing 4wd is good for is getting yourself really stuck.

If I won the lottery a prerunner might be nice

I don't go anywhere near these roads without a shovel, high-lift jack, straps, chain and extraction mats (and TU-28 grip-hoist sometimes.)

My interest in these roads is getting someplace and not so much the journey or how so four wheeling holds little interest

 

ARB makes an air locker. You can also go the mechanical LSD route and get an Eaton Tru-Trac. That is what I am looking at doing. Both of those options you could do yourself. I am not sure of the price for either.

 

Yeah not one for the 4x2 2.7L, searched the web and most mfg catalogs without success

 

Do you have a 5-lug tacoma?

 

If you’ve got a 6 lug truck it’s the same diff as any 4wd with exception to the OR.
I’ve got a Detroit trutrac in mine it’s been a game changer for me overall. You could also look into lockers air, electric, or a lunchbox style.

 

Yes 5 lug

 

Ok that's what I thought. You're referring to it correctly by calling it a 2wd, but most people think 2wd=prerunner. I just wanted to ask the question to alleviate any confusion. I don't know anything about 5-lugs though, so good luck.

 

You can still use the same stuff as the 6 lugs just not stuff meant for an elocker 6 lug. I would suggest finding a 6 lug 3rd member from a trd sport. It will already come with an lsd and give you better gearing. (3:53 to 3:73). That's what I was going to do until I got a whole elocker axle for cheap and did that.