Do I have a LSD?

[tpu498]

How do I know if I have a LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL? The more I read the more confused I become about VSC, Auto-LSD, and ATRAC.

I have been reading and searching the forum about changing my rear differential oil. My 2009 SR5 (2WD/V6) has 45,000 miles at this point and it still has the original gear oil. Just want to make sure I am getting the correct oil before tackling the job.

"TOYOTA" GEAR OIL:
The NON LSD "LT" 75w – 85 GL-5 has a Toyota Part Number of 08885-02506 and costs $30.89 per quart from the dealer.

The LSD "LX" 75w – 85 GL-5 has a Toyota Part Number of 08885-02606 and costs $43.81 per quart from the dealer.

Clearly Toyota is saying that LSD differentials require a different gear oil (with additives) compared to non-LSD differentials.

Lots of owners are using Mobil 1 (Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-90) which is significantly cheaper, as well as Redline, Amsoil, etc. If I don't have a LSD, is this still okay to use?

Thanks for any guidance, information, and help.

Todd

 

[BCfish]

AFAIK our 4th gens don't have a LSD unless equipped with an aftermarket one.

 

[JDSupreme]

sorry cant resist...

 

[superman3043]

do you have an "auto LSD" button by your left knee?

 

[JB.]

Do I have a LSD?

No, not in the sense of needing gear oil with an LSD additive.

 

[tpu498]

I do have the AUTO-LSD button by my left knee. So I guess AUTO-LSD is not the same as a real limited slip differential?

 

[97hb]

I've always purchased the cheapest Walmart gear oil. Are those prices correct per quart? That's gold right there.

 

[Dominic]

I do have the AUTO-LSD button by my left knee. So I guess AUTO-LSD is not the same as a real limited slip differential?

It mimics a real LSD to a certain point, but no, its not a real limited slip.

 

[Joeggernaut]

LSD do not come on trucks/suvs. They are reserved for cars. They do not allow the axle to 100% lock for obvious reasons that a car must still be able to negotiate a turn on pavement.

Locking rear differential is what you want for off-road use. All 4th gen 4runners come with center locking diff and the trail-edition comes with an additional rear locking diff (ATRAC).

The auto-lsd is basically just traction control. Wheel sensors detect differences in rpm between rear tires and brakes the one slipping while the other is directed more power.

 

[WXman]

I've always purchased the cheapest Walmart gear oil. Are those prices correct per quart? That's gold right there.

Exactly.

Gears are not engines. They don't care what oil you use, they just want to stay cool.

 

[tpu498]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think you have convinced me to just get the Mobil 1 (75W90) and save some cash.

 

[Charlie brown]

I have a 1992 RV6 4Runner (v6 petrol) how do I find out if it has LSD. and what would be some good upgrades for 4x4?:lookout:

 

[jrm]

It wont be "LSD"

I have a 1992 RV6 4Runner (v6 petrol) how do I find out if it has LSD. and what would be some good upgrades for 4x4?:lookout:

it WILL be a rear locking differential. If you have this there will be a switch near your left knee/steering column..

 

[RonJR]

As far as I know, Toyota never put a locking rear diff or an LSD in a 2nd gen (1989-1995) 4runner. The locking rear diff was introduced in 1996 for the 3rd gens. So I expect your 1992 model is purely open.

You can retrofit a 3rd gen locker into a 2nd gen, but it takes some machining on the differential housing. There are online articles about how to do it.

You can also install an ARB air locker (expensive) or any one of several lunchbox automatic lockers (cheaper, but not as nice on the highway). Either will make your 4runner a much more capable offroad vehicle - in my mind a locker is the single most useful upgrade you can do for offroading on an IFS vehicle with limited suspension travel.

 

[KidVermicious]

I have a 1992 RV6 4Runner (v6 petrol) how do I find out if it has LSD. and what would be some good upgrades for 4x4?:lookout:

Pretty sure it doesn't, but maybe things were different in Australia. If you want to know for sure, put the rear axle on jack stands, transfer case in N, and spin one tire forward. If the other spins forward with it, you've got LSD or an automatic locker. If the other spins backwards, you've got an open diff. And if it doesn't spin at all you've got trouble .

First mod for wheeling is a good set of all terrain tires with stout sidewalls. Then recovery gear. Then go get the truck dirty. Unless you already know exactly what you'll need to get the truck to go where you want it to go (and it sounds like you don't), lifts and lockers and things can wait. The best mod for any 4WD truck is a driver who knows where to put the wheels.

 

[4-Funner]

If you have a limited slip diff in a 4th Gen your rear diff should have a tag saying so above the fill plug, at least that's what I gather from the TSB.