Rear Differential Lock? Electric Differential Lock?

i dont know exactly how the rear differential works? this is comes standard on a TRD right?
i have been off roading with tacomas that have them and it seems to work really well?
i am just curious to if anyone can explain exactly how they work?
and if you can purchase them aftermarket wise and how much?
i think i read earlier in talk about toyota selling an ELD for (425.00 $) not sure if the are the same thing?
thanks for any help

 

I'll give this a go... On the TRD off road your rear diff is an open diff until you "lock" it in, meaning that both wheels turn at the same time at the same torque, the ultimate in traction. LSD or Limited Slip Differential (TRD Sport Package) engages the other wheel when it determines that there is too much wheel slipage from the primary wheel, it however does not have the same torque. For everyday use LSD works pretty good, but when it gets nasty the locking diff is the one you need.

 

I got the Pre-Runner, TRD with locker. But, I didn't know that it was an open differential otherwise.

This is the worst of the worst isn't it? Because unless the locker is engaged, it's the differential that spins the wheel WITHOUT traction, when it's in the rough, otherwise, right?

Well, I guess it's OK for the street so far.

 

Open diffs are generally safer, but will have less traction. They will spin the one wheel with less traction taking off on snow or gravel. Thats where an LSD shines, and why I have it. No button to push, but it as concrete jedi exaplained its not a full locker and has limited ability to split the torque. Off road and one wheel in the air, LSD will be stuck, locker won't. Also, at speed in snowy/loose gravel conditions the back end can come around quicker and requires more finese and driver attention (Similar to why your locker has a '5mph speed limit").

Of course you got a locker when your off-roading or need to bust up a snowy driveway (but dont use on roads), so you have a good combo.

 

Here is an aftermarket that I am ready to buy.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/PPT5459T5589.aspx

 

I have a TRD with diff. lock, never need 4wd.When the chevys and fords are stuck they call me.

 

The toyota locker uses an electric actuator rather than an air powered one like some after market ones like ARB. The ARB one requires a compressor, tank, air lines, etc. The toyota one is a box with wires and a switch that controls it. You can manually engage it with a screwdriver supposedly although I've never tried it. I found a write up on it a while back, but haven't seen it in a while. With an ARB, if you blow an air line, crack the tank, or the compressor dies you can't use the locker.

Other mechanic lockers can use a ratcheting system to let the wheel rotate different speeds if needed (like cornering), but lock them together during normal operations.

 

sounds like i would want a rear differiential lock or a true locker since i would want this for offroading....
does anyone know how much these are running for? does toyota sell the rear differential lock seperate? i am deffintily liking the fact that it has a button to push.
how much are the aftermarket lockers?
thanks

 

Here is a link to an ARB
http://www.trdparts4u.com/MC-CBFJ-JDJ.aspx

 

You probably should have bought it from the beginning, with the cost and assache, you already behind the 8 ball.