Lsd and arb locks on 2wd

Hi guys I have a 2wd base tacoma 2.7L. I live in canada and have snow obviously. I often get stuck in the snow because only one wheel is turning. I want to get a art lock. I spoke to people and they say I already have a lock and its called the the auto Lsd. I tried pressing the button last time I got stuck in my driveway and it didn't make a difference. Can someone inform me on this topic please do I need a locker or Lsd does a good job, what does it do anyway?

 

if you have auto lsd light on dash that
is lit when you press a button, that means

when one rear tire rotates faster than the other, to the point
the ecu decides it is slipping, that wheel gets the brake applied
by the computer, which will force the other wheel to start
to rotate...traction-wise this system behaves exactly like a limited slip differential
but instead of an internal differential clutch system, it is done by brake computer
on the open differential.

at worse, both rear tires should rotate. if that doesn't make you move, U R stuck

need to know what year taco u haz...
2009 ac automatic base ? does that even have any limited slip ?

I thought only the prerunner has limited slip, and the base 2wd is traction control only

 

You don't have a locker, Auto LSD is not the equivilent of a locker. Pre-2008 TRD Sports and some SR5 Tacomas had a mechanical limited slip differential. After that, Toyota started putting in the Auto-LSD which is a brake-activated limited slip. What it does is, when one tire starts spinning, it applies the brake on that wheel, forcing the power to go to the other wheel.

 

Sounds like you NEED 4WD.

Auto LSD is NOT what you think it is. Auto LSD is 'brake' actuated and the only thing it does...is apply the brakes to the wheel that is spinning so the power might go to the opposite wheel. If both wheels are stuck and/or spinning..... the AUTO LSD isn't going to do anything for you.

The ONLY benefit to installing an ARB locker - is both wheels will have driving power equally no matter what the terrain. But again.....if both wheels are stuck/spinning, it ain't gonna do you any good.

Do some research on an ARB Locker. It is VERY expensive to have installed because it requires gear setup, need air compressor, air lines, switches, etc. Another option is to install an entire rear axle from a Pre-runner that already has the TRD locker in it and wiring it up to work on a switch somehow.

But ultimately..... You live in Canada..... You should have a 4WD.

 

on an open diff if you brake the wheel that is spinning
faster than the other wheel, power must go to the other
non-braked wheel. period.
It is not 'might' or 'maybe' it is a 'will do it'

autoLSD via braking is as-good or better than a
clutch controlled limited slip...an open diff, mechanically, is stronger system
since no extra parts are needed inside the pumpkin, and physics
takes care of turning both wheels. the downside to autoLSD is, it
can eat brake shoes and heat up the drums excessively if used all the time

 

The reason I said 'maybe' is that it depends on the terrain/situation.

There's a point at which the 'Path of least resistance' will either cancel each other out or break loose the wheel that the brakes are applied. I highly doubt the Auto LSD will hold the brakes hard enough to overcome the torque that could be applied to the other wheel. And not to mention... The drum brakes are not all that perfect.

Just sayin....

 

Yes, lockers are better than LSD's but in your case I think the difference would be negligible. If your Auto LSD is in fact working, then a locker isn't going to help you out enough so to get you unstuck. I was driving an Army issue GSA Ford F150 in some snow a couple weeks ago and got it stuck in just a few inches. It was only a 2wd and had a similar traction control system. It was enough to get both rear tires spinning but I was still stuck. A locker wouldn't have done me any good there... If I were you I would invest in some chains and maybe a shovel and maxtrax or something similar. It will be much cheaper than an ARB air locker and will be much more effective than a locker for snow conditions for you.

Also, here's a good read on the Traction control systems in our Tacomas.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

 

Thanks alot guys! Very helpful comments. I also wanted to know the if the fact that i put bigger tires on my tire was the cause of the lsd not working correctly? And about the arb locker, is it a big job? How long would an average mecanic take to do it?

 

My LSD still works fine with bigger tires. Depends on how good the mechanic is. I don't know even have a guess for how long it would take though. No experience with installing one.