Re-Gear SoCal

Anybody have any recommendations to get my Taco re geared in Southern California? Just need the rear done as I’m 2wd.

 

J&S gear (Gothard in HB) put a Detroit truetrac in my Tacoma rear diff and did a good job. Not regear, but same work. They do regear.

 

You should get both (Truetrac+regear) done at the same time. It's cheaper that way, since you have to pull the pumpkin out to do both jobs.

 

The Gearman in Garden Grove

 

I’m stopping by there soon. My father in law needs a rear locker for his Chevy van and I want to talk wit them about a regear and locker/s. I’ve heard great things about the shop, bonus super close to me.

 

how is the trutac? Really want one, but I drive on the street so much.

 

It is fantastic on the street and very good off-road. For the reality of 99% of usage it’s a really useful. I especially love it in snow/slick conditions where it’s operation is seamless.

 

Wait what? I thought lockers were horrible in the snow.

 

Truetrac is a torque sensing (aka Torsen) limited slip. Lockers are horrible in the slick. Truetrac is great.

 

Ohh okay, I’m running an 08 2wd, so it has the mechanical LSD, and I’m looking into lunchbox lockers. Would you recommend a truetrac over the lunchbox style?

 

Yes. Way better in the normal world and still great off road. My 06’s mechanical LSD was getting well worn and the Truetrac was a worthy upgrade.

 

How long does the life last of the mechanical LSD?

 

Mine was tired by 90k. As others have recommended, if you are planning to regear do both at same time to save install $$.

 

How do I know when my LSD is going? I’m at 140k. I don’t know a damn thing about gearing, is there a way they can service it while they’re in there? Or do I just need to get an entire new differential, which in that case I assume a truetrac would cost the same

 

The mechanical LSD uses a clutch pack to transfer power from the spinning tire (lower traction) to the not spinning tire (higher traction/grip).

The tell that mine was worn was when I was off-roading in 2wd going up loose inclines I was digging holes with the low traction tire and getting very little help from the tire with grip.

So, best test is in your use use of your truck. If you are spinning one tire and not moving then your LSD isn’t delivering.

If your LSD can deliver power to the wheel with traction when the other has low traction, or you are spinning both tires then yours is working normally.

The factory Toyota LSD doesn’t have replaceable clutches and they are not adjustable either. They don’t really hard fail, they just act more and more like an open diff.

Installed I recall was $1,300-ish?

Aside from good tires it’s the most effective and useful mod on my truck. With it I stay in 2wd longer and when I need/want my 4wd it works even better.

 

Yotamasters in Corona.
https://www.yotamasters.com/

They do great work.

 

Sounds like a good option for PreRunners who aren't in a position to sell for a 4x4 and have already done a few mods (lift tires). I've been around a lot of trails in Southern California, but I just want a little bit more grip when going uphills and loose sand. I've only been stuck twice and that's because my own error not paying attention. Learned a lot over the years driving 2wd off-road

 

me and you brother

let's figure it out

save on labor

 

Hey did you ever get this installed and where