Hi Fellow T4R's, new guy here with some questions...

[03 Limited]

Hello everyone,

Im a proud new owner of a 2003 4Runner Limited V8 w/61K miles as of 2 days ago.

Its got everything, even Navigation etc, pretty much all optiosn except 4wd.

My question is, does Limited models come with rear LSD on 2WD models? Or is this a 4x4 only item?

Sorry for the dumb questions, im a hard core Nissan enthusiast that just got my first Toyota. (not exactly dumping the Nissan brand) just that i found the 4Runner, nicer, roomier then the Pathfinder's and Xterra's in the price range i was looking at.

I picked up my 03 T4R V8 Limited for $16,500 used with 61K miles.

Ill post some pics soon.

 

[Jaebster]

Don't know the answer to your question but congrats on the purchase.

 

[<<<<]

I know for sure that Limited Slip Differential is on ALL models AWD and RWD.

 

[J.A.]

An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models.

4WD models have a rear open diff and a Torsen torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature.

 

[03 Limited]

An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models.

4WD models have a rear open diff and a Torsen torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature.

Wow, thanks for the info, thats great to hear! Is it a VLSD type or Torsen type rear diff?

 

[Thai]

An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models.

4WD models have a rear open diff and a Torsen torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature.

Actually, the "auto LSD" function on the 2wd 4runners is no more than traction control on the rear axle. It is NOT a true mechanical LSD. Thus, the rear axle is still an OPEN differential, no LSD inside it. Traction control controls the rear axle slippage. Thus, there is a "TRAC OFF" button on the dash on 2wd models. If this was a true LSD, there would not be an OFF switch.

On 4wd models, there is a Torsen center diff along with 4-wheel traction control, or if you like, "auto LSD" in the front and rear axles.

Toyota is now using the term, "Auto LSD," because traction control similates the action (from a practical point of view) of a LSD. And since the public has heard of "traction control" for a long time now and thus is not a good marketing term, Toyota is now using the "Auto LSD" designation to wow consumers. The only Toyota vehicle with a true LSD nowadays is the Tacoma in one of it's variation (i think, not 100% sure on this).

Marketing is a powerful tool these days...and the right combination of words make a great impact.

 

[03 Limited]

Actually, the "auto LSD" function on the 2wd 4runners is no more than traction control on the rear axle. It is NOT a true mechanical LSD. Thus, the rear axle is still an OPEN differential, no LSD inside it. Traction control controls the rear axle slippage. Thus, there is a "TRAC OFF" button on the dash on 2wd models. If this was a true LSD, there would not be an OFF switch.

On 4wd models, there is a Torsen center diff along with 4-wheel traction control, or if you like, "auto LSD" in the front and rear axles.

Toyota is now using the term, "Auto LSD," because traction control similates the action (from a practical point of view) of a LSD. And since the public has heard of "traction control" for a long time now and thus is not a good marketing term, Toyota is now using the "Auto LSD" designation to wow consumers. The only Toyota vehicle with a true LSD nowadays is the Tacoma in one of it's variation (i think, not 100% sure on this).

Marketing is a powerful tool these days...and the right combination of words make a great impact.

Wow, ok, i was always under the impression "traction control" was a device used to prevent traction loss like in a burn out kind of situation where both wheels lose traction, this is how it is setup on the 350Z and it already has a mechanical VLSD in the rear end, it was basically engeineered to prevent a spin out or sideway slide. I never knew it was used as a LSD device on Toyota's.

 

[RamThis]

I dont know how they could even call it a LSD when all it does is control wheel spin by way of output power, not differential friction. LSD, or Limited Slip Differential, is a totally different concept to ETC or Electronic Traction Control and are in no way even similar. I thought maybe the Auto LSD button on my new 4Runner mean it had a magnetic LSD carrier like the Eaton E-Locker, never knew it was just a button for traction control. Damnit. Oh well, as long as it keeps the wife safe on the wet pavement I guess it's all good. She's spun out the Ram with the Auburn LSD once in the rain and scared the piss out of her, nearly totaled the truck!!

 

[Thai]

Traction control slows down (via pulsatile brake action) the wheel that is slipping/spinning so that torque/power can go to the other wheel with traction. Thus, it works in practical terms like a LSD.

It will even work when there is zero traction on the spinning wheel. This is where most LSD (mechanical ones) fail. For example, a Torsen LSD is fairly useless when one wheel has zero traction (on ice) and the other wheel on dry ground. Thus, many off-roaders learn to use the parking brake to create resistance for the Torsen to work. Traction control system does not suffer from this flaw and will work under all road conditions.

 

[03 Limited]

Traction control slows down (via pulsatile brake action) the wheel that is slipping/spinning so that torque/power can go to the other wheel with traction. Thus, it works in practical terms like a LSD.

It will even work when there is zero traction on the spinning wheel. This is where most LSD (mechanical ones) fail. For example, a Torsen LSD is fairly useless when one wheel has zero traction (on ice) and the other wheel on dry ground. Thus, many off-roaders learn to use the parking brake to create resistance for the Torsen to work. Traction control system does not suffer from this flaw and will work under all road conditions.

Im glad to know that it works in individual wheels via ABS system, the 350Z system basically bogs the engine, not applying the brakes, it just feels like it lost like 200hp all of a sudden and the engine feels like it wants to stall, it might be that the drive by wire throttle is backing off throttle though so it stops the wheel spin.

 

[tkr128]

Thai is right.

See the attached PDF for more information about the "Auto LSD"

 

[03 Limited]

Thai is right.

See the attached PDF for more information about the "Auto LSD"

Is the "Trac off" button the same as auto LSD? I dont remember seeing a button labeled "auto LSD".

 

[Thai]

Is the "Trac off" button the same as auto LSD? I dont remember seeing a button labeled "auto LSD".

I think that for 2008, the wording is changed.

 

[Uneek]

The only Toyota vehicle with a true LSD nowadays is the Tacoma in one of it's variation (i think, not 100% sure on this).

The X-Runner, certain SR5s and TRD Sport Tacomas have the mechanical LSD.

 

[Thai]

The X-Runner, certain SR5s and TRD Sport Tacomas have the mechanical LSD.

Ahh, thanks...i knew that some of the Tacomas have a true LSD.

 

[Koz]

I dont know how they could even call it a LSD when all it does is control wheel spin by way of output power, not differential friction. LSD, or Limited Slip Differential, is a totally different concept to ETC or Electronic Traction Control and are in no way even similar. I thought maybe the Auto LSD button on my new 4Runner mean it had a magnetic LSD carrier like the Eaton E-Locker, never knew it was just a button for traction control. Damnit. Oh well, as long as it keeps the wife safe on the wet pavement I guess it's all good. She's spun out the Ram with the Auburn LSD once in the rain and scared the piss out of her, nearly totaled the truck!!

The brake actuated electronic LSD in the 4Runner works better then a mechanical LSD. I've had LSDs in just about every vehicle I've owned (when available) and the 4Runner's system works better, you just need to get used to it & how it works. I still wish it had a rear locker also. The center locker works very good also. I

 

[Uneek]

I find it hard to break tractions even in bad weather!

Koz

Except beach doughnuts right Koz? :

 

[03 Limited]

Never got a chance to post a pic of my rig, so here it is:

Ill take better pics when i go up into the mountains.

 

[Koz]

Except beach doughnuts right Koz? :

Expensive doughnuts!

 

[Uneek]

Expensive doughnuts!