Auto LSD vs. Locking Rear Diff

Just got a new 09 access cab w/ Off Road pkg and have been reading the manual and pushing buttons trying all the new safety ('STAR') features and traction capabilities of the truck (4x2).

• Auto Limited Slip
• Locking rear diff
• Vehicle Stability/Traction control

Nice that they've packed all those in to the Off Road edition.

While it's my understanding that the stability control is an always-ON function/feature, I also see from reading the manual that it is turned off when either the Auto LSD or Locking rear diff features are activated. Okay, fine.

I also find it a bit strange that my 1998 Pathfinder, which has a limited slip differential, isn't something that has to be 'engaged' or turned on, as is the case with the Auto LSD in the Tacoma. Granted, the Pathfinder doesn't have vehicle stability control, but I gotta wonder why call something 'Automatic' when you have to do something manual in order to engage/enable it?

I also found that, when I played with the Locking rear diff feature, I had a bit of difficulty turning it OFF. Just pushing the button to DISengage it wouldn't do the trick, and I had to be in motion for about 20 feet or so, after pushing the button, before it would actually turn off.

Anyway, new to the forum, and glad to be here! Just throwing some comments out there as a new owner. Comment as you see fit.

 

Welcome to the forum. I would double check which you have, an LSD or a rear locker, its going to be one or the other. Sounds like you have the rear locker though... Enjoy the new truck!

 

Thanks for the reply... I have both. It's all part of the Off Road package in the '09 V6: Auto LSD and Locking Rear Differential.

I just tried both, and the Auto LSD works fine (well, turns on fine anyway). To turn on auto LSD, you have to turn OFF the VSC.

To turn on the locking rear diff, you have to just press the LRD button, which in turn disables VSC.

Anyway, when I now try to turn on the LRD function, the indicator just blinks and blinks and blinks (it's supposed to blink only for a few seconds, then light solid). I think there's a problem with it. Only 200 miles on the truck. Bummer.

 

Wow LSD and RLD, I guess thats new for the 09's. You have to have the right touch for the RLD. On mine i have to roll forward and back a couple of times to get it to lock.

Plans for a lift or tires in the future?

 

The 05-08 trucks have the mechanical LSD which is inside the diff and is automatically engaged. The 05-08 trucks can't have both mechanical LSD and TRD E-locker.

The 09 trucks have the Auto LSD which as jhodge already mentioned, uses braking system via sensors and the same system that the ABS functions from. The 09 trucks can have both Auto LSD and the E-locker.

 

I have just an LSD and using the brakes makes it work alot better IMO!

 

Janster hit the nail on the head. The '09s now offer both A-LSD and locking rear diff.

 

Thanks for the clarification! There are a lot of great upgrades on the 09's.

 

the 09 is so much better than the previous yrs... now i wondering what 2010 is going to bring.... I'm think it will not be much, until the re-design comes up like 2012 or like 2013

 

Yeah, the 'STAR' system is a nice touch for the 09's. Too bad I'm struggling with getting that darn rear locking differential to engage with any degree of consistency. Not that I 'need' it right now... I'm just trying to get comfortable when operating the features if/when I DO need them.

The manual simply states to 'stop the wheels' and then push the button. The RDL indicator should blink for a few seconds and then stay lit/solid. It doesn't suggest that you need to be in any particular gear or go forward a bit, then backward a bit, then press it. It just says to press it; end of story. That, my friends, is bogus.

I can't get it to engage consistently, and I'm thinking about taking it back to the dealer and having him tell me what I might be 'doing wrong', else admit a problem and get it fixed.

 

You gonna have to kinda jog it to lock, in other words move fwd or back sloooowly.
Reason... if the cogs do not line up while at a complete stop then you have to line them up.

 

damn safety nannies! glad i have none of that on mine. i'm confident my driving skills on & off road will be enough to keep me "safe". don't like the vehicle making decisions for me. now if they come out with a button that turns off Old Ladies and Drunk Drivers, i'll sign right up for that.

 

Old Ladies are worth 1000 points. Why would you want to turn them off? Then you could only get the high score via paraplegic midgets in a gurney. They're worth 2500 points.

 

you can turn the lsd off, press the lsd button then it will say auto lsd then press and hold it again and it will turn the lsd off and boy is that fun haha

 

I wish I had LSD

I at least wish I had the capability of locking the diff anytime. I know theres a mod for it but dont know if I want to mess with the wiring.

 

Hi everyone, first post.
I just picked up a 2009 Tacoma TRD OffRoad. It appears to have the usual problems I have read about on the Toyota forums, V6 click/ticking and stereo sub problems, other than that love the truck. I have been driving a Volvo station wagon for the last 25 years, not use to people checking out my ride.
I need someone to explain the auto limited slip and locking rear differential to me. When and how would I use these and why does the manual make it sound like the truck will spin out of control if I turn these on.