Detroit Truetrac lsd vs Trd rear axle swap

wondering if I should do a rear axle swap from a parted out trd or if I should get a lsd.
I’m only going to be doing moderate off-roading. No rock crawling or anything extreme.
I mainly daily drive my truck and just want it to be capable if I go off-road. And I don’t want any noise or abnormal tire wear.

Also does anyone know what part number for Detroit truetrac lsd.
It’s a 2001 rwd prerunner.

 

I've been chewing on the same question. From my research, unless you have a lead on a cheap axle, it's about the same price for the truetrac, and much easier to transport or have it shipped. If you've got to have the axle shipped, good luck paying for the freight.

Now, if your patient/lucky and find an elocker trd axle at a local "pull a part" that has standard pricing for any axle, (like $150-$300) that would be the way to go!

 

I really like the Truetrac and actually debate on removing my locker in favor of a Trueurac, because a Trueurac is a major traction improvement without needed input from the driver and beneficial regularly in rain/snow/off road, vs a locker that is just beneficial when off road and you hit the button. However, with 2wd, a locker would be a much better choice for off road capability. If you are keeping things mild like going down some forest service or basic trails roads the Trueurac will do fine, but if you start getting into hill climbs, soft soil, mud or anything that really should have 4wd, the locker will be a better option for a 2wd truck.

Here is the Truetrac part needed:
https://www.randysworldwide.com/product/tt-913a541/

 

I didnt have a whole lot of experience with the Truetrac but what I did have was good! I had one installed on my titan and before install I could get stuck in a mud puddle..after install it helped immensly. Only reason I got rid of it was because the truck was only a 2wd and I moved to north idaho. I got it stuck in my driveway and had enough of that...

 

It’s pretty amazing how far you can get with a Trutrac AND 4WD. I’d say if your a Prerunner to stick with a locker for your needs for the reasons mentioned by another poster above. If you decide to start doing more aggressive trials you will need the locker since 4WD is not an option.

 

If you want capability offroad then get a rear locker. An LSD is designed for better street performance, not offroad performance. Locker is where at if you want better traction off the street.

 

I’ve had mine for about two years and have been very pleased with it. My only complaint would be the annoyance of the tires chirping on turns - however this is something you get used to and can avoid with a bit of practice.

 

I've got the Trutrac LSD in my Wrangler and love it. Does great on road, and better off. I take the Jeep on trails that would rate a 3 out of 5 and haven't needed a locker.

 

All your input has helped me out a lot. I think living in Southern California it makes much more sense for me to get the e locker. I never deal with sketchy paved road conditions and if I’m gonna go off-road I’m gonna try to do some proper off-roading that requires a locker.
And it seems like it will be easier to install than the truetrac.
But it definitely sounds like the truetrac lsd is pretty capable as well.
I just gotta save some cash for the locker and hopefully one turns up soon.
Any buying tips for a rear axle assembly? I know I’ll need to check to see if the gears are in good condition. But anything else?

 

I drive with a heavy foot, and my TrueTrac shudders or chirps on just about every right turn I take (with fat 275/50r17 nittos). I can avoid chirping/shuddering by driving slower or faster; faster and a little slide is more fun. Honestly, aside from gaining amazing launches and the ability to trivially kick the back end sideways for fun, installing an LSD on a street vehicle introduces significant danger: kicking sideways when your trying to accelerate (rain, snow, in a hurry, acting stupid, ...). An e-locker is much more civilized on the street if you are not looking for daily performance but instead occasional traction aid: when you accelerate and start spinning without locker engaged you will at least have that other lame tire keeping your back-end going straight.

FWIW, I have a love hate relationship with my TrueTrac. My M Roadster has a torsen too, but it is smooth as butter around the turns under acceleration, unlike the TrueTrac. On a seperate note, the BMW has electronic traction control too, and that is almost essential with a torsen and enough horsepower to break the tires free on acceleration unless you enjoy always living on the edge My other cars have had clutch driven LSDs (camaro, IHC scout 2): fun for the street but lame off road for anything requiring more torque to one wheel.

 

If you want the TRD elocker you'll have to replace the whole rear axle with one from a TRD truck, which can actually be cheaper than buying a brand new ARB locker if you find a good deal on a used axle assembly.

Otherwise your other selectable locker options are the ARB air locker or a Harrop e-locker, both about the same price in the end (~$1300 not including install if you don't do it yourself).

 

I'm toying with the same ideas. I have a factory e-locker from a '96 4Runner retro'ed into my '91 and with a detroit locker up front. I'm getting ready to part the 4Runner and was curious is the that locker will drop in (after axle mods) my '04 Taco with a 4cyl.

 

What did you guys all decide? Truetrac or locker? I'm on the fence with my two-wheel drive myself. It's cheaper to go with the limited slip, but I want something that's going to perform well in sand and ruts of Southern California mountains and desert.

 

I would up selling the T4R as a whole and bought a LoctRite mechanical locker for the Taco. I've loved it. I had different axle sizes to contend with, and this was the most cost-efficient choice.