Auto locking VS Electronic locking rear diff

Hello I am new to the site however I have been an ASE Master Tech for 14 years and have not seen many issues with either rear diff setup, what are you guys and gals seeing if any. The reason for my question is because i am looking to purchase a used 2009-2012 double cab 4.0 4x4 and trying to decide which one to go with. My gut says go with the auto because less electrical and moving parts. Am i thinking correctly? Please chime in with your input! I look forward to hearing from everyone!

 

if your looking at the double cab..

do you want a long bed? if so, there is no stock option for an electronic diff.


That stated... auto lockers are meh in my opinion, they have their driveability issues... best to get an ARB selectable air locker for a truck that doesnt have an elocker from the factory

 

Yeah , first couple decisions are auto or manual tranny and long bed or short bed

 

I don't care for the auto lockers, period. When I'm off road I want to hit a button and be locked right there, not waiting for the spinning wheel to trigger the thing. And when I'm on road I've never felt the need for any locker. (except for maybe having some fun in a snowy parking lot)

So for me its the e-locker, ARB or nothing

oh and DCSB with an e-locker FTW

 

Yup. Manual control locker (ARB or stock e-locker), or LSD. Nothing in between.

 

Today I attempted to go up my icy driveway in 2WD to see if I'd make it. I could feel the antilock brakes kick in on the right rear wheel that was spinning, but it seemed that the system quickly got overwhelmed and I started spinning the rear tires. I couldn't determine if both tires were spinning or just one, but it felt like only one wheel was trying to get traction. I had to put it in 4WD HI to get up the hill. I wasn't impressed with the electronic LSD.

 

No, in general. I'd rather have an LSD than auto or Detroit lockers, but I'd take an electronic- or air-controlled locker over both.

 

Long bed or short bed ?
Manual or auto ?

 

next time this happens quickly tap the traction control button, this will put the system into a NON engine regulated mode with a more forceful simulated LSD action (aka auto lsd), this will EASILY allow you to spin both tires.

I have actually been rather impressed with the "auto lsd" function that gets turned on by tapping the traction control button, it does a pretty darn good job.

That stated, the ass end of these trucks are so light that even if both tires spin you usually cant get much of any where, and this is why i have 4x4.

Also DCSB TRD OR v6 auto FTMFW

 

I didn't think about putting it in Auto LSD at that moment. I'll give that a try next time. Good to hear that may function like a true LSD. Thanks for the tip.

 

+1

I wanted a manual with a long bed so I was limited to an access cab. Beyond that I didn't get the TRD kit because I figured if I was going to wheel it I'd put air lockers in anyway and regular ol' 4x4 will get me wherever I need to go until then.

 

The only problem I've seen is when people don't use their e-locker on a regular basis.
You need to use the locker at least every other month. If not, the actuator can become stuck.
I've seen it more than once. Simply locking the rear end in a go forward and backwards a few feet
is all it takes.

 

233k miles and e locker still works. Bought truck at 225k so I don't know if it has had any work. Since I'm 2x4 I use it regularly.

 

+1, love the E-LSD. Engine regulation mode sucks

 

I am looking at buying a automatic trans. Not sure on bed length, does it matter? Not going to be doing any off-road driving, just every-day stuff and winter snow-ice conditions.

 

The factory E locker only comes on the TRD Offroad , which in a doublecab only comes with a 5' bed

DCLB ( 6') bed has no option for a factory locker , you could add an ARB

FYI , I have a 4x4 TRD Sport DCLB and have had no issues with any snow driving or problems getting around on service roads etc

If you're not doing any serious offroading the bed length / extended wheelbase is less of a concern

 

I guess my other question is: AUTO (LSD) what is that really, Is it a true limited slip diff with clutch packs etc totally mechanical like a old school diff. or is it a ABS controlled thing that Toyota does with braking?

 

Good to know. Reading some of the comments on this forum sounds like we can't get around without a locker. My TRD Sport got up my icy driveway in 4 HI without any issues. I also experienced a controlled stop on ice without blowing up

 

Why is e-locker not available on longbed?

 

It the latter. It's ABS controlled LSD. We have have it two ways. One with traction control which also modulates engine power, and without TC which leaves you in control of the engine.