One thing to takte note of is NW4Runner's vehicle has 500 Crank HP and the TruTrac is holding up just fine to that type of abuse... No clutch packs to wear out, etc. I think the Trutrac's have a great warranty as well.

And get one for the front if you can afford it, you'll like it.

I don't think you'll need to replace your Ring and Pinion.

My .02
G

The other reason you bind in 4HI, is we have a locked center differential. When you go into 4HI (or 4LO) the center is locked to send the power 50% front & 50% rear.

Only a 99+ Limited, or 2001+ Any (when they standardized on the full-time AWD) will not be effected. I think the 99-00 Limited tranfer cases were the best ever, as they allowed both an open (AWD) and locked 4HI position. From 01+, they eliminated the 2WD entirely, which I still think is/was a mistake.

Interestingly enough, my wife's BMW 325xi also "binds" under slow tight turns. It too has a locked center, but in this case 62& rear and 38% front - you still feel it though. On the other hand, my father's Escalade (and previous Landcruiser) has/had no binding as they are true AWD with an open center diff. Course he never knew what all the lockers were for in the cruiser! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Hope this helps.

BTW - I agree with the earlier post about durability. My Truetrac held thru one motor and is now supporting 500HP. To me there is less to go wrong with a simple mechanical design, but that's just my opinion <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all the great posts.
I just returned from the local shop recommended by Randy's (Randy's, Rick's - I just noticed I keep messing this up on my earlier posts - sorry folks - I do mean Randy's R&P). Alas, he can not obtain the TRD LSD, and now were back to discussing the TrueTrac. Turns out he was mainly concerned about its performance rockstomping - which isn't what I do everyday. He also seems to think my pinion bearing seal is leaking, and the best course is to replace all bearings. He quoted me $755 plus tax for the whole job. He didn't seem to keen on doing the front diff, which makes me wonder a bit.

Well, there are several forum members who have the Trutrac in the front diff on their 4Runners. I haven't heard any negatives from any of them concerning it...

G

In regards to a front diff, I don't think it's a question of negatives, but it does change the steering the dynamics of the car. I've never driven a 4runner with one, but I have driven a modified WRX with LSDs front/rear.

It does provide you with more control in cornering, but it also requires a more prudent use of throttle and steering input. So I guess it's a good/bad thing depending on your perspective. For example, my truck does outrun most cars on the road and idles/cruises pretty nice, but more like a well tuned muscle car than a TDR blown 4Runner. Some would love to drive it everyday (me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />), most of you might like to have it for the weekends <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />, and some may not like it all (any off-roaders out there?) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

I'm pretty much sold on the idea. I suppose I'm wondering more about the shop itself, since he didn't seem too willing to go this way - he felt the LSD in the front would cause extra wear in the front carrier bearings. Perhaps he just doesn't have much experience with the front, and in that case, I'm AOK with holding off. G, do you think his quote is on target?

b/t/w, NW4Runner, count me among those willing to drive your rig daily. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Front TrueTrac isn't going to cause premature wear on anything, don't worry about that for a second.

In the snow and ice, you will notice some distinct understeer - it's understeer when you turn the wheel but keep going straight, right? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> I've had a TT in the front of my truck for about 5 yrs and it helps and it hurts - slippery crowned roads can be a drag. Traction from a stop and straight-line in bad snow/ice are excellent, you just need to be careful when turning.

Sounds like you need to find a new shop - what you've been relaying here about this shop doesn't provide warm fuzzies.

In reference to the front, he has a '99 which has ADD and no manual hubs therefore a LSD will cause the driveshaft to spin. This would cause more wear. How much is very difficult to say. More importantly you'll take a gas mileage hit and it will steer more slugishly from the driveline drag.

For the rear, the TRD LSD is probably the Supra MKII clutch type LSD. The disadvantage of the clutch type is that you should use a gear oil additive. Auburn also used to make a LSD (cone type) for the 8" too. The TrueTrac is the most popular.

Of course even the stock "open" Toyota carrier is designed with some LSD properties. If you look at it closely you'll see that torque load imparts friction between the enlarged plates on the side gears and the carrier.

larsdennert;
Yes, what you reference regarding the front drive shaft is what the local shop cited as their concern. I still like the idea of LSD in the front, but have decided to go with the Tru Trac in the rear diff for now, and to hold off on the front. I'm checking other shops as I'm still not 100% on who to use for this work. Expertise in this area is surprisingly thin in my neck of the woods. If anyone knows of any reputable shops in Western New York, send me a message. Thanks!

Lars makes some excellent points and I can verify the statements made about the stock diffs having "some" LSD tendencies. I can get my truck to leave "Posi" marks with little problem and I have the stock diffs. I also second Little Joe's comments about the shop and it's lack of Warm Fuzziness...

I'd look for a differnet shop if it were me.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
G

EDIT: Looks like we were posting at the same time. :-)