Part/Lever on Rear End Housing

Apologies for the dumb question, but I just purchased an 01 Prerunner. Great little truck. Had to adjust the emergency break, and while working underneath the rear end, I was wondering what that lever thats to the right of the rear end casing is. Attached to what looks like a hydraulic line, but doesn't seem to be associated with the breaks. This is not a 4WD. Can anyone chime in? Is this some kind of differential lock on the 2WD? Appreciate any feedback.

 

Did it look like anything in the pic I posted? I'm gonna guess the per-portioning valve.

 

Not sure thats it. I have a stock pic (not mine).

 

Yep, load sensing proportioning valve.

The more weight in the bed the lower the bed sits, makes more braking action when having to stop heavier than normal load weights. More weight in the bed =more braking action needed to stop the truck.

 

Thats not the valve itself, but what the diagram refers to as a 'shackle' that allows connection of the LPV to the axle.

 

Just reading and learning. So, I guess if you have sagging leafs as many Tacos do this would screw up your braking even when the bed wasn't loaded?

 

I wouldn't say that it screws it up. It would slightly increase the braking force to the rear wheels, as its supposed to do.

However, if you notice the rear wheels skidding under moderate braking, then that would be an issue to addess.

 

Thanks for the replies. I now also know what to look for if there is a problem with it.

 

the most basic analogy is like the old toilet bowl floats, as the rod moves it allows fluid to flow, the more it moves the more braking pressure is applied to the rear drums.

our trucks are so damn light that for safeties sake, you are supposed have little to no rear brakes at all unless the bed is weighted down. it has to be that way or any abrupt applying of brakes would cause the rear end to slide around and do a 180 in the road.