Nead more traction, lsd or locking diff options

Nice! There's a guy on the 'tube that built a turbo LS tacoma and used an explorer 8.8 and from what I remember, it seemed pretty bolt in, right down to the taco springs sitting on the 8.8 perches!

Edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKJwrJHPME&t=659s

 

I want to say I read once that the carrier is physically the same in our rear diff as it is in a standard rotation (not reverse rotation) front diff. I agree though that someone smarter than me should weigh in!

 

Where are you located?

 

Miami

 

The cheapest solution is to slightly engage the parking brake when one wheel starts spinning. This will force the other wheel to turn. By design the wheel with the least traction will get the power. Vehicles with traction control use the trucks computer to do this automatically. But drivers have been doing it for years manually.

 

Marshall has the right answer here, along with some extra weight in the back that was said at the beginning.
Next would be a rear locker, that first 7.5" one looks right but I would call to confirm. \
Next would be sell it and get the 4x4, so the front wheels with full traction can help out instead of the ones in the water.
You don't want an Lsd, you will have to spin the wheels before it limits the slip and with a boat attached not sure how well that would work.

 

YES! from both people's posts I linked in here as well it seems that it is not too intensive for the 8.8 swap at all. I'm seriously considering it more and more now when I do the regear. Seems fairly easy just get one from a junkyard and then I'll pay someone to do it for me. we'll see though, that's a ways out for me with my funds lol. Just wanted to give OP some ideas

 

does look pretty enticing! I don't know if they all come with an LSD so that might be an added expense but lots more options for the 8.8 than Toyota's 7.5.

 

The explorer axel seems to be $400-500 plus shipping on eBay plus A few other parts I will need and all the steps to get it in. Junkyards around here are very expensive and would probably cost the same.

For that money I’d rather get the Detroit locker mentioned but I’m not sure it will fit. I’m gonna call and ask them

 

I called about the Detroit locker but they were closed. From what I’ve researched, I don’t think it will fit my rear axle though.

The only locking differential that I can find that fits my axel is the spartan which I can get for around $250

As mentioned earlier there are drawbacks to this style but I’ve read reviews and seem to be pretty good. Plus it’s simple to install.

The other option is an axle swap but would require more work and money. I’m leaning toward the spartan unless you convince me otherwise

Btw I know the sandbags will work because I’ve been able to get out of the boat ramp when two or three people sit in the bed but it’s a pain in the ass to be loading 300 lbs of sand every time I go out.

 

It's maybe a bit tongue in cheek, but it's not a joke.

As you say, people always tend to ask what they can do to give their 2wd more traction. Sure, tires are always a good option. A lift doesn't do anything but allow larger tires, and a locker/LSD is good too. But none of those things will net you anywhere close to teh traction from a 4x4.

An open diff stock tire 4x4 will have more traction than any 2wd with big tires and a locker. Pickup trucks are the worst because we have almost zero weight over the drive wheels. You'd almost be better off with a front wheel drive, lol.

That said, if you really want to try and increase what little traction you can gain with a 5 lug, just get an LSD. You put it in, and forget about it. I just wouldn't expect to be able to go driving around in the snow with it.

 

I live in miami so no snow and I never go off-roading so I’m fine with the 5 lug. I’m not selling it for a 4x4. I love the truck and is fine for what I mostly use it. If I have to put sand bags to get me out of the boat ramp then that’s what I’ll do

Thanks for all the help from u guys, I learned a lot