Limited slip in my Tacoma?
 

I've been searching all over and I really can't find a good answer. Should I get limited slip for my 03 Tacoma TRD? I'm really kind of confused. I've searched all over and I understand wht it does, just not really sure if I need it. I also saw someone mention that TRD already has it? I'm installing a SC soon and didnt know if it'd help

thanks,
nags

You cannot install an LSD in a TRD Taco w/o swapping for a non-TRD axel.. You have an electronic locker which is infinitely better than an LSD, imho... stick with the locker!

okie dokey then.

How exactly does the electronic locker work in my truck?

just to clarify, the LSD requires 8.4" axel, like the non-TRD tacomas, and tundras have. The TRD tacoma uses an 8" axel equipped with the electric locker.

Putting in an LSD would remove the locker -- which you don't want to do. Also, it'd be impossible to fit an 8.4" LSD into the 8" TRD housing.

Thanks for clearing all that up.

How does the electronic locker work though?

On the left of your stearing wheel, you should have a "RR Diff Lock" button. You can engage this when going between 0-5mph... Your ABS light will come on, and your RR Diff Lock light will blink. you'll prolly have to turn the wheel a little to get it to engage. You'll know it's engaged when the RR Diff Lock light stays lit (not blinking). the locker will "lock" the rear axel, so both wheels are applied the same power... this is important to get unstuck, or so get the most to the ground.

just a note, turning becomes a chore, and you will definitely wear your tires down. Do not engage the locker for normal street driving. You can use it offroad (low-traction surfaces) or at the track to get max-power.

ahh... ok, I tried it once a while ago just to see what it did.

When thats off though what is happening? How is the power being spread?

You don't need a LSD anyway. Unless you are going to run the truck in race events or drag race it. If you are going to drag race it, then I suggest doing the 2WD e-locker mod, which will allow you to run in 2WD with the locker engaged. Just remember to switch it off when you are done, or you will eat your rear tires eventually by going around turns - and it will be unsafe.

If you get the SC'r, don't forget the VB upgrade. Do a search for that one. Level 10 and another company offers this for the auto trans.

VB Upgrade?? This is the first I heard of that.. What is it?

My truck is only 2wd

when the locker is not engaged, it is operating as an "open" differential. Basically power is applied to the wheel with the least traction. For example, if you were to get a wheel stuck in mud, that wheel would be easier to turn, and would get all the power. this means you get stuck.

Always wondered the same thing about lockers. How they work, I mean, the difference of power/mechanics between locked and unlocked.

Level 10 does tranny upgrades. Gadget had them do a complete overhaul. I don't know if you've noticed, but there's a long-delay "luxury" shift between gears. Especially when flooring it, and shifting from gear 1 to 2... This kills the tranny. I think Level 10 wants $700 for the VB upgrade...

if anyone wanted further reading regarding how a differential works, and various types of differentials: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

the VB upgrade gets rid of the delay?

By the way.. this is a 2wd truck that never sees and off roading

Valve Body upgrade. Your tranny is designed to make relatively soft shifts because 99% of consumers want that. Now, when you add a SC'r to the mix, and do enough "spirited launches" - that clutch disk, which actually burns to soften the 1st to 2nd shift (the disk that goes out first), starts burning like crazy with all the added power. By upgrading the VB, you create more fluid exchange, which in turn causes the clutch to engage harder and faster. This prevents too much slipping, and saves you from a blown tranny. It also allows you to chirp second gear, which we all know is really cool. :)

yes, you have a prerunner, correct? Personally, I like the locker a LOT more than the LSD... I've heard some nasty stories about people burning up their LSDs.

If you're gonna S/C, you really should talk to Level 10 about what they can do for your tranny. Different upgrades are designed for different driving styles, so you should get a feel for what you want out of your transmission...

Hmm.. I wonder if anyone around here can do the upgrade... I dont even know where to begin looking

Where can I find out more about Level10?

See "Level 10" or just search for "VB upgrade" at the top.