I know locking the diff. will turn it off but what if I want to be in control of wheel spin on road/tarmac?

It's a good traction control system but I wouldn't describe it as fun.

Well, with your 4wd 4runner, you canNOT turn if OFF in any mode.

On 2wd 4runner models, you can turn off the traction control on the rear axle (there's a button for it).

You're stuck with it i am afraid.

Yeah. In my Limited 4x4 2003 4runner, VSC is always on, except when the center differential is locked.
It is VERY aggresive at limiting wheelspin in 2wd mode, but that's what happens when you put 245hp to 2 wheels. I haven't been able to get it to activate when in 4wd mode on dry roads. By distributing the power to 4 wheels, the torsen differential pretty much lets all wheels get what they can handle.
As far as driving around without VSC, I am glad it's there, the saftey features that make this truck so nice are one of the prime reasons I bought it. I wouldn't bother locking the center diff. unless going off-road where I knew conditions would be slippery (low and slow) or on road up very slippery hills, where VSC "may" halt your progress. I haven't encountered a snow covered hill the 4runner couldn't eat yet though, in normal 4wd.
On a final note, 2wd mode with the stock HT840 tires is USELESS on snow!! The truck is crippled, and darn it takes FOREVER to accelerate. 4wd is great, even with VSC.

Maybe a dumb question--- is the TORSEN standard on the 04 V8 2WD models-- I have a Limited and didn't see the TORSEN on the list of options --I mean I don't recall. Or is it an optional thing?

Thanks for your responses.

Torsen is the name for the type of center differential on the 4runner. Since ONLY 4wd 4runners have center diff, Torsen is standard on all 4wd 4runners (2003-up). 2wd models do NOT have Torsen.

Thai is right. The Torsen3 center differential is only on 4wd versions (V6 or V8).
If someone gave me the complete electrical schematic I could probably find a way to deactivate the VSC without shutting off the anti-lock brakes.

Thanks fellas --would it be beneficial for me to add a locking diff or LSD?

Well, by locking the center differential, you turn off VSC. ATRAC is still on as is ABS.

Unless you off-road a lot or use it over rough terrain, you probably don't need lockers or LSDs. Your 2wd 4runner ALREADY has traction control on the rear wheels, which provides a PSEUDO-LSD. That is, it is as effective as LSD. It is not as good as a true locker though.

Excellent work Thai!

Just a few clarificatory questions, I hope you won't mind.

My Surf has the A340F A/T transmission (don't know if it matters), can I fit a torsen center diff?

Can I fit a torsen LSD into my current differentials, front & rear?

Thanks.

What kind of 4wd system does your 1996 Hilux have?? Is it a part-time system (that is, you cannot run 4wd on dry land)?? If so, then i think that it's cheaper to upgrade to a new 4runner than to modify your 4runner.

I don't have a clue as to how much $$$$ needed to add a Torsen (if it is even possible) to your Hilux. Sorry.

It has the Multi-Mode 4WD (part-time 4WD with center diff) and can run 4WD on dry land/pavement.

What about the front & center diff, will a torsen LSD fit?

Thanks.

If that is the case, then a Torsen CENTER diff is not that much better than what you have now. Your center diff is mechanical (a good thing), instead of clutches. Torsen is basically the same except it can vary torque from rear to front depending on driving conditions. You probably will never notice the difference even if you make the switch. The ONLY time where Torsen may help is in high-speed cornering where the rear bias torque distribution will help handling and steering feel.

If anything, then you would want a Torsen LSD in the rear, not the front. Front LSD is usually not needed (UNLESS you're hard-core into off-roading). Front LSD will affect your steering...in a bad way. Most people would go with locker in front because you can turn it off in daily driving. However, i would not recommend this because the front suspension is independent, which is usually not as strong as a solid axle. With a locker, you need to have a strong axle.

For the rear, i would recommend a locker or Torsen LSD. If you're into off-roading, then locker is the way to go. Torsen LSD is better than having nothing (open differential) but it is inferior to a true locker in rough terrain.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Thai.

What Torsen LSD brand would you recommend for the rear diff?

How does the Toyota Torsen LSD differ from the Detroit TruTrac?

Thanks again.

Detroit TruTrac is probably the most famous one for Torsen LSD. I would recommend that. The Toyota's version is a more complicated version of the TruTrac and is adapted for use as a center differential...see link:

http://www.torsen.com/products/T-3.htm

My brother had a TruTrac on his Jeep. It was effective in the mild to moderate stuff, but in deep mud, it didn't do so well. Also, if you put one wheel on ice and the other on dry land, then Trutrac will not work.

So, bottom line, if you use your 4runner on a daily basis and want LSD to help out in most conditions, then Trutrac is the one for you. However, if you get into nasty off-roading conditions, then consider a locker.