I've been reviewing prior threads on LSD:
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...Main=71402&Search=true#Post71425

I'm looking for better performance in wet/ice/snow conditions, and am thinking the LSD in the rear is the way to go. I had an e-locker on my '98 Limited - RIP - and know what that does; I'm more interested in better on-road traction in the above conditions at speed.
Questions:
Has anyone installed the LSD from Japan Gadget mentions in the above thread?
Dr. Z also mentions a TruTrac model (is this one also a Locker??)- but Rick's Rack and Pinion doesn't show a LSD for an 8" axle.
Opinions, experiences with either case are welcome. Also interested in any other changes required - for example would I need to change out the R&P even though I'm OK w/ the current ratio?

I have a Detroit TrueTrac (no locker FYI) LSD in the Unlimited. It is absolutely fantastic for on-road use - better traction on wet/ice and lays down the power in the dry, especially around turns. I don't think they work well for off-road, but that's not my bag.

I think it's the best performace addition I made, other than my engine of course. BTW - I kept the stock 4.10 ratio but I suppose it all depends on where you want your power.

Hey There,

Always with the questions... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> J/K

You're correct, the Randy's Ring and Pinion website does not list an application for the 8" rear. However, there is a TruTrac which does fit it and as NWRunner mentions, it is a worthwhile investment. Give Randy's R&P a call and they can quote you a price.

As NWRunner also mentioned, the TruTrac is not a locker, but a Torsion (Gear Driven) LSD. While it will help with traction off-road, it won't give as much grip as a full locker. But, it certainly has much better on-road manners than a full locker, and it will give a lot more grip than the stock open diff, which are both a plus. I think every 4WD truck should have an LSD in both ends from the factory, or at least one in the rear.

Hope this helps.
G

G - I probably derserve that. I can say that I do aspire to one day delivering advice, rather than only seeking it!
Thanks to NWRunner for the perspective.
Looks like I've got my marching orders. The LSD sounds like it will help this winter, which in Upstate NY terms, is probably only days (or hours) away; I've got my work cut out for me!
I do have one other question:
When in 4Hi, my front end tends to "bind" a bit when on a sharp turn. This summer I changed front diff fluid to Amsoil, and noticed no nasty stuff on the magnet. So, I see the binding as odd behavior for an open diff in seeminly good working order. Regardless, will a LSD in the front make for smoother tight turning?

You bind in 4Hi when taking sharp turns because your front and rear drivelines are attempting to turn at the same speed, while the front and rear of your rig are traveling different distances. Avoid really sharp turns at speed if possible.

Got it. The difference in radius from front to rear creates a sensation, that under power, is exaggerated. Thanks CB.

No problem.

4barrel,

Yes, I installed the TRD Japan LSD, as I stated in the thread you referenced.

Developments after a year of LSD:

Last month (11 month's of use) my Randy's R&P gear set broke. I took it to a different garage than who initially installed it. He felt the original garage installed it OK. It appeared that the pinion bearing failed which allowed misalignment of the gear set. The ring gear had two broken teeth. Randy's refunded the price under warantee.

Curiously, the guy who repaired it was not happy with the length of a certain sleeve. To be honest, I was waiting for his description to sink in, but I don't really understand which part he was talking about. Anyway it ran very nicely and quiet. It raises questions about the 4Runner LSD application.

An anomoly I was becoming aware of, even prior to the failure, was that the LSD didn't "slip" as soon as I thought it should. In other words, sometimes going around corners the tires would chirp as if they were still "locked" together. Maybe that's just the way it is supposed to be.

As far as street use, you have to be careful, especially in wet conditions. With open-wheel drive when you break your rear wheels loose, it is only one tire - the other still maintains a rolling traction.

With the LSD, when you break your rear tires loose, it's alway two wheels slipping and it is very easy to get that rear end coming around and get out of shape.

Then again it is quite fun to get into four wheel drifts on dirt roads!

ufjaz,

This is interesting, because I am currently trying to decide if I should mess with the original ring and pinion. Rick's Ring and Pinion stated that, along with replacing the carrier bearings, I should consider a new R&P, which to me seems a bit much for a vehicle w/ 61K miles. I did recently change out the RD fluid, and there were a few thin chips, the largest was about 5mm in size, on the magnet. The dilemma is changing out the all the above, only to find the original R&P to be just fine.

w/r/t performance, is the TRD LSD a "worm" type LSD like the TruTrac? Could a different POSI approach yield different results?

I get what you're saying on the potential for drift - I do want it, but only when I want it! I'm really trying to address the wet and snow I'll encounter this winter. Since my rig is 4WD, I'm seriously considering putting the TruTrac in the front diff as well.

Quick footnote to above:
Just got off the phone with a local shop recommended by Randy's. They suggest the TRD LSD over the TruTrac - saying that in the case of POSI failure, the TruTrac config will behave as a spool (dangerous), where the TRD will just revert to an open diff. Also commented that the TruTrac has "many more small parts," and therefore points of failure. Interesting, since Randy's was the one recommending the TruTrac.