Help needed: Just bought an 06 SR5 PreRunner Doublecab - Has an open differential

Hey guys, I just bought a 2006 SR5 PreRunner Double Cab (no TRD package). I love the way it looks, extremely clean and well taken care of Taco, even has Leather. Before I get any crap..I should have done more extensive research on the different packages before I pulled the trigger on it.

Upon bringing it home...I did a little research, and it dawned on me that I think this thing has an open differential, which I am pretty unhappy about. I put it up on the jack and sure enough, the wheels spin the opposite direction.

I probably should have gotten a 4wd, but hindsight is 20/20. But, I do have to tow a boat periodically, and I do NOT want to be the guy stuck on the ramp with a one wheel drive truck. I also will be spending some time in the mountains with this truck. Nothing severely off road, but it may come in contact with some snow.

What are my options? What is the estimated cost of swapping the open Diff for an LSD. Or, should I be thinking of going with a locker?

Help me out, thanks guys!

 

my prerunner had a locking diff. but it was the TRD OR too

 

Mine has no TRD package with it. Again, that is a mistake on my part for not looking into it further before the purchase.

 

I don't know what the boat ramps that you use look like but the one I use frequently has algae build up on it so it is really slippery and I can get out no problem. It has also been covered in about 1ft of sand and had no problems either

 

Someone will chime in here with a little more info than I have but I think that you may have a little cheaper of a swap if you go that route since you are a prerunner.

If I am not mistaken it could be just a straight swap out then wiring for the e locker

But also a lot of work..


So what did we learn here? Lol

 

I take it you have an open differential as well? I never really know the quality of the ramp I'll be on, but I don't want to find out with one wheel spinning I've had that issue before with my old Dakota and it's not a fun look.

 

I learned that I need to research the packages a little better before I pull the trigger. Hah, leeson learned.

 

Yep, I have 4x4 capabilities just incase though but haven't had to use them on a ramp yet

 

I will say that I have an open diff as well and have really no issues this far. Granted I have 4x4 for backup. But I have one gnarly steep driveway and this winter it really gave me no problems.. never really needed 4x4

 

You can swap third members with someone who is trading in their truck and has a mechanical LSD third from a 08' or before (I think after 08' Toyota started using the brakes as a fake LSD). That's your cheapest and easiest route that requires little tech knowledge.

Or Auburn sells a great LSD but if your not tech savy you will need someone to set it up and install it for you.

Or you can get a

$1,110 ARB RD129 Air Locking Differential

ARB RD129 and a compressor and add a locker. This will leave you with a open rear unless locked so not good for snow on roads like a LSD is. This would also be the most expensive method and unless buying the whole third from a place like East Coast Gear supply you will need the help of a pro for the install like the Auburn LSD.

Good luck man!

I personally swapped my LSD third with a member who was selling his truck and he had a East Coast Gear re-manufactured third they installed the locker into.

 

Thanks! I have installed an entire rear axle before (put an R/T rear on a sport dakota), so I would be find doing that. If I were to go to the easiest route of an auburn LSD + install, what would that route run me?

 

Is this the Detroit TruTrac by Eaton?

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Automotive/DifferentialsLockingDifferentials/PCT_317264

 

From my understanding all trucks now a days have open different for everyday street driving, or otherwise posit tracktion witch where on older trucks. Even with TRD package without hitting a button you still have open diff.
If I'm correct your boat ramp problem would probably be OK in 1st gear. Otherwise you shouldn't be on it without a traction control of some sort.

 

You need to set proper backlash with shims and a ton of other stuff that's over my head. Way more complicated than installing a whole axle.

LSD is $550 for pro series and less for non-pro

I did not recommend this because I know a guy who had issues, but his installer was a putz..... Just do some research and the one you need will be apparent. Read reviews on here by searching for both. PM members that have them and ask them how they like them. People tend to give you more truthful answers in PM's vs in the open.

 

I've backed and pulled many trailers out of boat ramps with two and four-wheel drives. Never once needed four-wheel drive to pull a 4-5k lb boat up a launch. The key is keeping a good tire under the truck, such as Michelin MS2 as an example. If your tires are worn, yes it will be difficult.

If your really worried about it Op, a couple 40lb sandbags in the box ( directly over the axle) should give you some extra assurance.

 

another case of someone not knowing what they are buying...... another case of someone wanting a locker.... and another case of 4x4 envy.

This is why they make the TRD off road 4x4 package.


Though like stated, a 2wd open diffed truck should do fine on the launch ramp, granted you have some good tires... and worse case scenario you have a buddy or someone else stand on your bumper for a lil weight.

 

Thank you. As I stated in retrospect I would have done so me research. No need to kick someone while they're down. I don't need 4x4, and In Florida the used market isn't that great.

Thank you for your help.

 

Up until the 2008 model, you could get a mechanical limited slip as an option in a SR5. So you didn't have to buy a TRD Sport to get it.

 

Your 2011 doesn't have an open differential. All 2009+ have brake traction control.

 

I have a 05 pre runner with the mechanical LSD and it's awesome. Although I can't climb rocks but it has helped in sticky situations. I've been in water upto my front bumper with mud and pebble and I had no complications, which I thought I would get stuck right away