2017 Limited REAR Differential

[MossJenks]

Well, TRAC traction control is similar to the systems in just about every vehicle made today and is on all the time unless you turn it off. ATRAC is an off-road focused program mode of this and is only available in low range. It must be activated by the touch of a button. I activate it whenever I shift to low range.

 

[4Runner_Rookie]

5th Generation SR5 Locking Rear Diff?

I've been looking for a 4Runner for a while, and pretty much have settled on the TRD Off Road, but the price of the SR5's is cheaper, obviously. My main reason looking at the TRDOR is the locking rear and KDSS. But I've noticed in looking at some SR5 4x4's, that the switcher knob has "Unlock" on it; so does that mean that some are equipped with a factory locker? Or is that something else?

Just curious as I will be doing some off-roading (no rock crawling though), and while I may not use the rear locker every time, I'd still like to have it.

Anyway, I've done some searches and couldn't find anything, so I figured this would be the best place to go for answers.

Thanks!

 

[fkheath]

I've been looking for a 4Runner for a while, and pretty much have settled on the TRD Off Road, but the price of the SR5's is cheaper, obviously. My main reason looking at the TRDOR is the locking rear and KDSS. But I've noticed in looking at some SR5 4x4's, that the switcher knob has "Unlock" on it; so does that mean that some are equipped with a factory locker? Or is that something else?

Just curious as I will be doing some off-roading (no rock crawling though), and while I may not use the rear locker every time, I'd still like to have it.

Anyway, I've done some searches and couldn't find anything, so I figured this would be the best place to go for answers.
Thanks!

On the SR5, the knob is locked, i.e. you can't turn it unless you press the unlock button on the side. It has nothing to do with a locking differential.

The SR5 has an open differential front and rear, and NO center differential, which means you can only do 4X4 on a loose surface road, gravel, snow, rain, etc.

But, the SR5 does have traction control, which means it will apply the brakes to a wheel that is slipping/spinning, sending the power to the wheel with better traction. Traction control is a bit like a poor mans limited slip differential. However, the traction control is sometimes turned off in 4X4 low mode.

About the only time that locking differentials are needed is if diagonal wheels are off the ground. I've had that happen only once in my SR5; the solution is to shift the weight to one side or the other so a third wheel gets traction.

I guess another scenario where a locking differential would be good is if you get high centered on a rock. The factory skid plates on are not that good, so if you get high centered, you are bound to do damage underneath, so it is best to avoid that.

 

[fkheath]

I've been looking for a 4Runner for a while, and pretty much have settled on the TRD Off Road, but the price of the SR5's is cheaper, obviously. My main reason looking at the TRDOR is the locking rear and KDSS. But I've noticed in looking at some SR5 4x4's, that the switcher knob has "Unlock" on it; so does that mean that some are equipped with a factory locker? Or is that something else?

Just curious as I will be doing some off-roading (no rock crawling though), and while I may not use the rear locker every time, I'd still like to have it.

Anyway, I've done some searches and couldn't find anything, so I figured this would be the best place to go for answers.

Thanks!

For moderate off roading (no rock crawling) the SR5 works great. Only suggestion would be to get a bit more clearance underneath with a modest lift or a "leveling" kit.

The KDSS is a great system that allows more articulation, i.e. allows greater up/down wheel travel into holes. Articulation on the SR5 is reduced because of the sway bars.

 

[1000MPH]

If you high center on your pumpkin, a locking rear diff does no good. but ATRAC will save you. Been there.

 

[SpiderSloth]

Plus IMO it is the best drivetrain option for driving in winter conditions.

Completely agree, 4WD with a high speed locking center differential. Besides the Limited I can only think of one other SUV that has this feature, the LandCruiser, but there must be others. There is nothing better for driving on snowy roads. The "planted" feeling is very noticeable, like you're on rails.

 

[downshift]

I think the Limited will suit you well. I drive on dirt roads regularly and the Limited's full-time AWD is awesome. I doubt you will have to engage the A-TRAC system. Plus IMO it is the best drivetrain option for driving in winter conditions.

I have forever been unable to understand why they don't use the torsen limited slip center diff in the TRD models. As you say, it's the better option for winter conditions. It's also better for wet roads. It's even better for general dirt roads. Basically it's better for 95% of all off-roading most people do. And you can lock it if you need to.

You don't have the option with the transfer case in the TRD models. It's locked all the time. Being able to choose between limited slip and locked is better than not being able to choose, right? Locking it is really only helpful in the most extreme situations, wouldn't it be better to have limited slip most of the time?

Edit: I'd like to see a lockable torsen limited slip in the rear as well. I mean, why not?

 

[03_4x4Runner]

All the 4th gens had the center torsen dif. It was a cost cutting move by Toyota on the 5th gens. This is one of the reasons i bought a Limited when I replaced my 03 V8 4runner.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

What setup would my ‘21 nightshade have?


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[downshift]

What setup would my ‘21 nightshade have?


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The Nightshade is based on the Limited, right? It would have the full time AWD with the Torsen limited slip center diff.

 

[mbm112]

I have forever been unable to understand why they don't use the torsen limited slip center diff in the TRD models. As you say, it's the better option for winter conditions. It's also better for wet roads. It's even better for general dirt roads. Basically it's better for 95% of all off-roading most people do. And you can lock it if you need to.

You don't have the option with the transfer case in the TRD models. It's locked all the time. Being able to choose between limited slip and locked is better than not being able to choose, right? Locking it is really only helpful in the most extreme situations, wouldn't it be better to have limited slip most of the time?

Edit: I'd like to see a lockable torsen limited slip in the rear as well. I mean, why not?

One benefit I can see to part time 4WD is if a front cv joint ever snaps while off roading , you can still get under way in 2wd.


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[2021nightshade4x4]

The Nightshade is based on the Limited, right? It would have the full time AWD with the Torsen limited slip center diff.

I wasn’t sure if anything changed between the 2017 being discussed and the 2021. I have the ATRAC button up top but hadn’t looked into what it did, specifically.

I haven’t hit any inclement weather yet but in the south we tend to get (un)lucky about once every other year or so.

I joke that the wife and I have the “most reliable” and “least reliable” cars ever in our driveway, parked next to one another: my nightshade and an L322 Range Rover. If we get some snow I’m taking both out.


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[downshift]

One benefit I can see to part time 4WD is if a front cv joint ever snaps while off roading , you can still get under way in 2wd.

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You can lock the center diff in a full time AWD system if you need to.

 

[mbm112]

You can lock the center diff in a full time AWD system if you need to.

Actually if the CV joint or any part of the front drivetrain fails, you want to disengage the front axle is what I was referring to. You can still drive in 2wd if necessary.


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[downshift]

Actually if the CV joint or any part of the front drivetrain fails, you want to disengage the front axle is what I was referring to. You can still drive in 2wd if necessary.


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Locking the center diff in an AWD would still work though, unless there was something stopping the front drive shaft from turning at all. If a CV joint was broken, the front drive shaft would turn but the front wheels would not get any power. With a locked center diff the rear drive shaft would turn, and it would be like you were in 2WD.