Diff question

Can some educate me on this excerpt about different types differentials from http://www.tacomahq.com/4641/inside-tacoma-differentials/


"Most 4wd trucks have a locking front differential as a standard feature. However, some vehicles – like later model TRD package Tacoma’s – have an electronically controlled front differential that can be locked or unlocked as needed."

Does that mean that when I switch to 4WD my front diff automatically locks? I've never given much thought to differentials before so any help is appreciated.

 

We have a locking rear differential if you have the off road trim. You have to lock the differential though by hitting the button, 4wd does not auto lock anything.

You can add an aftermarket rear and/or front locker if you want, but if you need both a front and rear locker, you are into doing some serious shit.

 

My Jeep Wrangler Rubicon had both front and rear lockers, like said above I only needed to lock the front in extreme conditions.

My 2017 TRD off-road was awesome in the last few snow storms. Plain old 4 hi is all it needed.

 

Front Lockers are pretty rare, our beloved Tacoma's do not come with them but that does not mean you cannot add one.

 

@gearcruncher

 

Yeah most 4x4 do not come with front lockers.

 

Power wagon does. Also has auto disconnecting sway bar I believe. Pretty impressive. The new ZR2 will have similar options too.

 

This article is extremely inaccurate.

Most 4wd vehicles have open diffs. That is slowly changing since the introduction of the electronic locker. But front lockers are still fairly rare and that is also changing somewhat with OEM's trying to win on the spec sheet.

Previous generation LSD's were clutch based and wore out and needed rebuilds to maintain that LSD performance or else they reverted to performance pretty much like an open diff. Companies like Detroit locker created a gear based LSD that works awesome for a LSD. But those are aftermarket and I do not know of any gear based OEM LSD but that may be my ignorance and not there may in fact be some on the market. Someone would have to chime in if they know more on this.

The Tacoma LSD is more traction control than locker or LSD. Basically it uses the same systems as the ABS to control braking actuation instead of using components in the differential. Open diff (front) with brake assist to mimic LSD. Still effective but not a LSD. Now the TRD off-road does have an electronically controlled locker in the diff. Combine it with the LSD braking system and you have quite a combination.

 

So is Auto LSD on by default or do you switch it on?

 

I would check your manual. I know I would have to in order to answer your question.

 

I believe its on all the time unless u hit the button on the roof(3rd gen). When it's sees it needs it a symbol flashes on the dash as its working. Now when u put it in 4lo it will show on dash 4lo, the letters LSD OFF and the symbol is on meaning it's off.

 

The indicators are not always intuitive.

 

I learned it off of here actually.. the Tacoma from 2008 and older had a true LSD (maybe 2009 too) I just know that my 2008 had a true LSD/PosiTrac which worked great and didn't use the computer controlled brake set up. I would still prefer the LSD instead of the brake actuated b.s. I've never had an issue with mine and I also have it on a sports car with over 200k on the clock and still going strong.

Since you are in the 3rd gen forum, if you don't have an electronic locker (OFF ROAD) you might have the brake actuated limited slip.

 

Front lockers aren't cheap, I just priced them out and its around a grand.

 

And that doesn't include labor