2016 Tacoma Rear Differential

Hello Everyone, new account here. Also new to the truck world, so I am not familiar with too much on the technical side of things. Anyways, I went out and got myself a used 2016 TAcoma 2.7 SR5 2WD. As soon as I bought it and brought it home, my dads first question was, "I know its not a 4x4, but does it have a locking rear end?" I myself had no idea what this meant (noob) so he proceeded to look at it and he himself was not able to tell from the housing for the differential. I tried doing some research but the only thing I found was for the 4x4 models having the locking rear end. I saw something about other models like mine having a partial locking end or something like that. Does anyone know what kind it actually is, whether its locking, open, etc.?

 

The Locking Rear Axle is in the Off Road and Pro Models.

 

I think the locker is only available on the TRD models. If you had a locker, there would be a little button with a chassis and an x over the rear diff area. You probably have LSD.

 

I believe you have an open diff. The 4x4 ORs have locking rears from what I know

 

I see, so definitely not a locking differential. It could either be open or limited slip differential then. From what I was told, open is basically useless if I ever wanted to try some slight off-roading. How would having an LSD help?

 

I have a 4x2 and and ive done some slight off roading, wasnt too bad. At the time of my purchase i wasnt thinking about it but now that I have this truck and seeing the OR capabilities I might go swap.

 

Limited slip differential will basically help slow a spinning wheel and provide power to the other to help free the truck. It helps a lot when off-roading. There’s a great thread in the 2nd gen section where it is discussed with a lot of in depth info. Try looking for the thread A-TRAC/TRAC/AUTO LSD thread in the Tacoma garage, technical chat area........I would put the link here, but my stupid computer has decided to just be stupid.



It’s on page 7 of technical chat.

 

Yeah I wouldn't be doing anything too crazy knowing I don't have 4x4. I actually rented a 2017 offroad edition for a day while mine needed something done. That truck was amazing, if I had the funds I would go for something like that in a heartbeat!

 

Thanks a lot for that info, simple explanation and understandable. I will try and find that discussion, perhaps it will provide some insight on which one I truly have

 

I think you do have the "auto lsd". If I'm not mistaken all Tacomas have it. Basically it emulates an LSD with the brakes. It'll apply brakes to a spinning wheel so as to get power to go to the other wheel. A 2wd Taco is plenty adequate for mild offroad work but if you want to do anything technical or tricky have a plan for getting yourself unstuck before you attempt it. Tbh 4x4s should do the same anyway.

 

You don't have a limited slip Diff. They did away with those in 09.

 

Awesome, I hadn't seen anything about the auto LSD until I just searched that. And from what I gathered that is most likely what it is, judging by gainman's response. Very helpful stuff guys!

 

Yes, you have auto LSD. The 2016 Toyota brochure has listed exactly what goodies each trim has.

 

You're all awesome!