Locking rear differential

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

walt gibbs - 26 Nov 2005 20:32 GMT

I am considering purchasing a Tacoma and wonder if locking rear
differential can be bought as an option or found on any trucks that do not
have the TRD package? This being a common feature on Ford and Chevy trucks
if I am going to be in the middle of nowhere I want all the traction I can
get but don't need the most expensive Tacoma in the state. Is it really
needed like I am told it is or is this all sales pitch?

Reply to this Message

Doug Kanter - 26 Nov 2005 21:12 GMT

>I am considering purchasing a Tacoma and wonder if locking rear
>differential can be bought as an option or found on any trucks that do not
>have the TRD package? This being a common feature on Ford and Chevy trucks
>if I am going to be in the middle of nowhere I want all the traction I can
>get but don't need the most expensive Tacoma in the state. Is it really
>needed like I am told it is or is this all sales pitch?

If I say "Yes, it's worthwhile", I'd be answering without knowing enough.
What sort of driving do you plan on doing? Much off-road? Launching a boat
from a trailer on very slippery ramps?

Reply to this Message

Doug Kanter - 26 Nov 2005 23:56 GMT

>Launching 16ft jon boat on river ramp, some hunting, fishing, cruising
>timber from farm and logging roads - allot of mud.

In that case, do what you must to get a truck with that feature. I've used
it once in 3 years, in a place so far away from the nearest towing service
that it probably would've cost me $150 to be pulled out of some
half-mud-half-snow crap. On the other hand, I've pulled my boat up some
ramps that were almost too slippery to just stand on, but I've used the low
gear feature before the locking differential.

Reply to this Message

JSR - 27 Nov 2005 00:02 GMT

>>I am considering purchasing a Tacoma and wonder if locking rear
>>differential can be bought as an option or found on any trucks that do not
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> ramps that were almost too slippery to just stand on, but I've used the low
> gear feature before the locking differential.

I have a 2005 Tacoma with limited slip... it was part of the towing
package. It is not a TRD it is an SR5.

Reply to this Message

Bonehenge - 27 Nov 2005 01:07 GMT

>I have a 2005 Tacoma with limited slip... it was part of the towing
>package. It is not a TRD it is an SR5.

Limited Slip is NOT a locker.

I've got both on my '05 (and my '99 Wrangler), and they both solve
different problems. The LSD helps when pulling out and turning on
loose surfaces, the locker is used when you're either stuck or almost
stuck.

A locker turns the rear axle into a one-piece unit, functionally
eliminating the differential. LSD limits the speed difference between
the rear wheels, but still allows for a large difference. You can
still spin one wheel with LSD, you can't with the diff locked. A
locked diff will fight you as you try to turn.

I feel the OP's pain trying to get this stuff w/o the TRD package.

I wanted all the functional stuff, but had to buy power locks, power
windows, carpet, tilt wheel, cruise control, decals, premium sound,
etc... to get it. It's a NICE truck, but it's still a truck, so I
didn't want the bells and whistles. <G>

Reply to this Message

TOM - 27 Nov 2005 16:49 GMT

>>I have a 2005 Tacoma with limited slip... it was part of the towing
>>package. It is not a TRD it is an SR5.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> etc... to get it. It's a NICE truck, but it's still a truck, so I
> didn't want the bells and whistles. <G>

Kind of makes you wonder just exactly what Toyota Racing Development
means, doesn't it? To me, "power locks, power windows, carpet, tilt
wheel, cruise control, decals, premium sound, etc." does NOT constitute
any kind of racing development I'm aware of. However, it makes for a
great marketing tool... :>))

Signature

Tom - Vista, CA

Reply to this Message

Bonehenge - 27 Nov 2005 16:58 GMT

>Kind of makes you wonder just exactly what Toyota Racing Development
>means, doesn't it? To me, "power locks, power windows, carpet, tilt
>wheel, cruise control, decals, premium sound, etc." does NOT constitute
>any kind of racing development I'm aware of.

I agree, but bolt-on superchargers, 7th injectors, better brakes,
springs, etc... are.

http://www.trdusa.com/

Select "Tacoma" and click search. There's some interesting goodies
available.

All of it falls under TRD program.

Reply to this Message

TOM - 27 Nov 2005 18:00 GMT

>>Kind of makes you wonder just exactly what Toyota Racing Development
>>means, doesn't it? To me, "power locks, power windows, carpet, tilt
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> All of it falls under TRD program.

Neat stuff!

Signature

Tom - Vista, CA

Reply to this Message

J. A. Mc. - 28 Nov 2005 00:41 GMT

>>>I have a 2005 Tacoma with limited slip... it was part of the towing
>>>package. It is not a TRD it is an SR5.
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>any kind of racing development I'm aware of. However, it makes for a
>great marketing tool... :>))

It makes the yuppie nascarettes think they have 'da best' [in luxury] as
well.

however ... {you knew that was coming, eh?}

In the dusty desert, the power windows are a bit of a blessing when the wind
suddenly whips up and you've all windows open. <BcoughScoughEcoughG>

Reply to this Message

TOM - 28 Nov 2005 02:06 GMT

>>>>I have a 2005 Tacoma with limited slip... it was part of the towing
>>>>package. It is not a TRD it is an SR5.
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
> In the dusty desert, the power windows are a bit of a blessing when the wind
> suddenly whips up and you've all windows open. <BcoughScoughEcoughG>

Can't argue with that!!! :>))

Signature

Tom - Vista, CA

Reply to this Message