Help with LSD vs Rear Locker

I am in the process of buying a 2011 Tacoma. I am most of the time on the road in WI. Snowy & icy in winter. But I teach so summers I am out in CO, MT, UT hitting the back country. No crazy wheeling. Getting the family off the beatin path

I am looking at 2 options:


1. 2011 TRD TX Off Road Package. My concern with this is does it have an open differential? how will this be on those snowy icy roads?

2. 2011 TRD Sport with LSD. Better on the road in winter conditions, but capable enough to get me into the backcountry without worry out west?

Price and mileage are other factors, but I am concerned which choice is best for my driving situation.

 

TRD Off Road has open diffs, but also has a rear locker, which it something you probably wouldn't use unless you're in a bind. Otherwise, the TRD Sport should be more than enough to get you out on the trails.

 

I have a Sport 4x4 with LSD, but I would rather have the locker. However, I believe that since the off-road locker is electric, the diff is an open diff when not engaged. Someone can correct me if wrong.

 

From what I have read from others is that you don't want a locking diff if you drive in areas with a lot of snow and ice which LSD is what you want. The sport will also have slightly better mileage than the OR. They just ride like crap because the coilovers and shocks suck on the sport so an upgrade is recommended. You can get the 3rd Gen TRD OR coilovers and shock take offs and it will be a better ride with the sport. If you are not going to do any serious off roading then the sport is more than enough.

 

2011 is a simulated LSD in the Sport. Mechanical (clutch pack) LSD left the Tacoma Sport in 2008 I believe.

 

So this leaves me confused?? I have read that ALL 2011 tacoma's have a LSD to some extent and the Off Road has the additional locking rear diff. Then others have said that is an open diff???

I just don't want to driving in the winter on some snowy icy roads and have the truck get all squirrely on me!!!!

I have had a couple first gen tundras and would just throw it in 4WD and head on down the road...

 

They are both Open Differentials
They both use a brake simulated LSD
The Off-Road will be more capable when locked.

They will both do a lot more than you think off road.
Pick a good line, have a spotter, and GOOD tires will take you a long ways.

 

You could always throw a true mechanical LSD in the Sport.

☝️ True

 

OK... Just to clarify, they will both handle the same ON ROAD with the TRD TX handling better OFF ROAD.

 

Keep it simple and buy one that's 4WD.

 

They are both 4WD. and I am not interested in adding any MODS. Just trying to understand and really know what I am getting as I have read and heard contradicting thing

 

Traction wise, yes. They also have different suspension and different wheel/tire sizes that can effect on road vs off-road though.

 

Some will argue that the Sport handles better on road. As it has a different front spring rate.
But for all intent and purposes, yes. They handle almost the same.

 

I understand the difference in suspension and the wheels. The differential was the only thing I was not clear about.

The TRD TX has 160K and has a much better price point for me than the sport with less miles. I got 380K out of my last tundra before I got rid of it so I know I should get a good life with this one if I take care of it.

Thanks for all the help!!! and for not making me feel like an idiot

 

Would it make you feel better if I told you that I have per-2009 Off-Road.
I have NO LSD of any kind, and NO Traction Control. And that my truck is LESS capable than a Sport unless I’m locked. And that you can only be locked in 4WD Lo.

Seriously, 90% of the people (including me) don’t need the locker.
We just like knowing we have it, if we need it. And I’ve never needed it…….yet.

I really don’t like wheeling, I used to wheel a bit in my 1st Gen Tacoma.
And always wanted a Locker, so I finally got one. And never used.

I think you’ll be just fine with either truck. Drive them both and see what one you like better.

 

What is the difference in the suspension? I thought the only difference was the coilovers and shocks?

 

The Off-Road has progressive springs. Softer “up top” to dampen bumps and ruts, but then gets stiffer the further the spring compresses.

 

If they’re 4wd just put in 4hi on snowy days and your good, if you get stuck then use the rear locking diff to get unstuck.

 

I have an mechanical LSD in my pickup and it does extremely well. But when it doesn't I wish I had a locker, but that's what winches and friends are for. I actually consider leaving the mechanical LSD and just adding a front locker for those occasions.

 

Get the 2011 Sport, as others have mentioned, it has the brake simulated Auto LSD, so it has an open rear differential. From there you can add a Truetrac LSD which would pair well with the brake simulated Auto LSD. Upgrade the tires, shocks, regear, and leaf springs, in any order, and in my opinion you would have a very capable off road, rainy day, daily driver vehicle.