2011 tacoma rear end identification

My friend is needing to fix/replace his rear end found a good used on but dont know how to identify if it has a LSD or not without opening it up and dont have the parts truck to look at the code. because my friends truck has the LSD. Is there any markings ont the housing or 3rd member...

 

There is an LSD sticker.

Also LSD spins both axles in the same direction. Open diff spins opposite of each other.

2011 never came with mechanical LSD. Only 05-08 sports I believe.

 

Jack up the pumpkin and spin a tire. If the opposite side spins the other way it’s an open diff. What model?

 

And special order on SR5

 

My friends truck is a 2010 TRD sport, I thought it was a open diff but the door sticker says A04C which means LSD also when you turn off the traction control theres a auto LSD light on the dash...

 

the differential itself is an open diff. The limited slip function is provided by the electronics

 

Bust baised off the vin decal by the door of my friends truck "A04C" the C means LSD. So how do I find out if 2011 used replacement diff is a LSD or not with out having the truck it came off, All I know is it came out of a same modle truck just one year newer. Automatic, 4wd, 4door, V6

 

OP, from model year 2009 on no Tacoma came from the factory with a true mechanical limited slip differential, the type that uses clutches inside to couple both sides of the rear axle.

However, from 2009+ all Tacos came with what is know as ALSD, which is short for auto limited slip differential. This type uses sensors on each wheel and a controller to activate the brakes and simulate the effect for traction control. In normal operations this type is a mild form with the ability of it to be enhanced under low speed for a short time by using that button on the dash you reference.

The button on the dash that lights up the Auto LSD icon may be a bit confusing but it works to activate software and give a little stronger limited slip effect than normal traction control, again for low speed and a short time.

Additionally, some trim models, notably the TRD Off Road, are equipped with something called ATRAC, which for the rear axle, and the front axle, is a stronger form of the ALSD whereby the braking wheel is grabbed much sooner and with a stronger bite than that on the other trims. It works by utilizing a special hydraulic assist brake controller unique to the TRD trims.

 

Thanks every one for the info I think we will do the spin test and count the drive shaft rotations to see if the gear ratio is the same as his stock rear and if it's close get it, take it home and open it up and inspect to make sure every thing is all good.