Detroit TrueTrac for 4x2 4cyl auto?

I have a 2008 4x2 4cyl. access cab. While I like the truck, I find the lack of low end power (especially (road) hill climbing) a little disappointing. I am seriously considering trading for a V6 '09, but it is a significant hit on my cash to do that.

I was prepared to chalk that up to "tuition" until I read some of the posts in this forum with regard to the "true" capabilities of the 2.7L engine that may be hampered by this model's gear ratio.

How much better performance can I expect from my engine if I spend the $450 or so on a Detroit Truetrac, especially when it comes to hill climbing? Another benefit I can see is the mechanical LSD, which has to beat the stock open differential. I don't go off-roading, but anything that will make the truck a little more sure-footed is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

 

have you done any mods

 

No, suspension & drive train are stock, including the stock 15" tires.

 

yes i would be interested in hearing about this. i also have the 2.7 2TR-FE engine. in my regular cab.

 

i have the same truck as you and never had any problems with it being "sure-footed". as far performance what are you thinking about?

 

Primarily, hill climbing ability, without always having to downshift.

 

as followed; secondary air filter removed, afe pro dry-s drop in filter, dynomax part # 17749 muffler, urd MAF calibrator. if thats still no enough change the gearing, i believe you have 4:10 gearing, go to 4:56 gearing

 

as followed; secondary air filter removed, afe pro dry-s drop in filter, dynomax part # 17749 muffler, urd MAF calibrator. if thats still no enough change the gearing, i believe you have 4:10 gearing, go to 4:56 gearing

 

None, zero, zilch, nada ...

An LSD will help with slipping / low-traction situations (hard cornering, light to medium slippery conditions with both wheels on the ground), but it will have no effect whatsoever on perceived engine performance or hill-climbing on pavement. An LSD may help you avoid going sideways on a slippery hill, but that's not the same thing as helping you get up the hill ...

 

So the change in the rear gear ratio won't help?

 

The TruTrack would worth the purchase if you can justify it through enough off road situations. All it is going to do for you is act as a traction aid, supplying power to both wheels instead of one. On the other hand it will not give your truck any more pep.

If it is acceleration or creeping, while not having enough torque on hand, a gear change might be what you are looking for. If you also wanted to install the TruTrack, this would definitely be the time to do so. Both together would most likely be in the range of 800-950 installed.

If you do not have a 4x4 or PreRunner model 4cyl, and you have the 4x2 Auto I4, your stock gears will be 3.58s. Changing to a 4.10 would probably get you where you want to be. I have the PreRunner I4 with 4.10s in the rear and 265/75-r16 touching the ground. I hit a fair amount of steep trails in the area and don't usually have much of an issue at all. Traction is my only concern and i am looking into the TruTrack as a future purchase....

 

+1 for this informative post! This is exactly what I wanted to know. Yes, $1K is a lot of money, but it's probably less than 10% the cost of trading up to an '09 just to get some of those features.

 

I completely agree, atebit.

Use the forums search feature on the forum tool bar to find more information about the Trutrack('Detroit' or 'Locker' might be the best bet, TruTrack is commonly spelled wrong). I started a thread a while back on the topic and it has some pretty informative information on it. There is also quite a few other threads related to this topic.

 

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