So, is there a locking differential on the Toyota Tundra? No, a locking differential is not included with the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra utilizes a “Automatic Limited Slip Differential” in its place.
In reality, the majority of automobiles only have an open differential, commonly referred to as a standard differential or a standard open differential.
The engine drives the axle in this open differential system, causing the wheels to spin at various speeds when they round a turn.
Most of the time, this makes sense because the outer wheel needs to spin more quickly because it must cover a greater distance around the outside of a curve. Although off-roading is not a frequent application for any of these cars, it is the norm because it functions for the majority of them.
Generally speaking, the wheel with the least traction receives the greatest power. The majority of two-wheel-drive cars will use this system because they only need to get from Point A to Point B effectively and have no requirement for a more sophisticated system.
In This Article...
What model of Toyota has a locking differential?
A video that is part of this article illustrates how your Toyota Tacoma’s traction control and locking rear differential interact.
I believe we have all encountered a number of buttons and switches in our new cars that we are utterly baffled by.
If you own a truck and have ever had to escape a muddy, snowy, or slick situation, you are likely already familiar with locking rear differentials (also known as locking rear diff).
Others, though, could have noticed this button on their Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner and simply disregarded it. Maybe you didn’t need it up until now.
A locking rear differential button is available on your 2021 Toyota Tacoma and 2021 Toyota 4Runner (as well as models from earlier model years). It is situated where your map lights and sunglass holder would typically go.
By pressing this button, the locking rear differential forces the two rear wheels to spin at the same speed on the same rear axle. Continue to distribute torque to both wheels equally with your 4Runner. Regardless of traction, they move at the same speed.
In slick conditions, both wheels of your Tacoma or Toyota 4Runner will spin even if only one has any grip at all. You never know when you might come into an unexpected mud puddle, a downpour, or a snowfall on the trails.
What about a locking rear differential on the 2022 Tundra?
By absorbing the shock that occurs when you drive over bumps and pebbles, the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) will contribute to a smoother ride. It offers improved stability for towing and modulates damping force in accordance with road conditions. Rear air suspension, another suspension option, automatically levels the back of your truck to prevent your load from toppling. There are three settings available for this system: high, low, and normal. Each of the modes is ideal in a certain circumstance.
Toyota Tundra multi-terrain select
Does the Toyota Tundra have a variety of drive modes in 2022? Yes, you may switch between terrain settings like Mud, Sand, Rock, Mogul, or Auto thanks to the multi-terrain pick feature. Because they improved wheelspin, engine throttle, and traction control for the many sorts of terrain you might be driving over, Mud, Sand, and Rock are all drive modes that you might need to employ off-road.
Toyota Tundra electronically locking rear differential
Are you looking for a truck with a rear differential that locks electronically? An optional electrically locking rear differential is included with the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road kits. Both of the rear wheels are powered by this mechanism. After then, they travel at the same pace, which improves grip and traction in low-traction situations. Due to its importance for navigating rocky terrain, this trait is sought after by many off-road drivers.
Does the Tundra from 2021 feature a locking diff?
In response to your query, the tundra does not have a locking differential or even a real restricted slip; instead, it attempts to simulate a limited slip differential using the ABS system.
Are there any rear lockers on the TRD Pro tundra?
Off-road enthusiasts and fans of Toyota trucks have a lot in common; they complement each other like all-terrain vehicles and rear lockers. The issue is that the brand’s full-size truck previously lacked a factory back locker. Before we even discuss the truck’s standard twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, updates like those are what make the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro a better, more competent 4×4 in stock form.
No one can dispute the outgoing Tundra’s off-road prowess; like the Tacoma and even the Land Cruiser, it has its own cult following. Even the top-of-the-line second-generation Tundra TRD Pro has a lot of aftermarket support, but it’s reasonable to say that was necessary given how lacking these trucks were at launch. Last week, I spent some time driving one and discovered it lacked many features other competitors have had for a while, such as the aforementioned locking differential and surround-view camera angles.
Fortunately, the new top-trim Tundra off-roader does offer these amenities, and in the case of the TRD Pro, they come as standard. Updated versions of Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control, which aid in navigating steep, challenging grades, also get their own distinct appearances. If you’ve ever driven a last-generation Tundra and used either of these party tricks, you’ll be relieved to learn that they operate much more smoothly in the new vehicle; they aren’t as jerky as they once were, and the running gear doesn’t make a terrible grinding noise when engaged. it hints at the 2022 model.
(Pssssst! Here’s where I let you know that lower-trim Tundras with the TRD Off-Road package can also get the aforementioned enhancements! This will allow you to pair them with the standard, non-hybrid engine and still have a strong vehicle. You’ll have to settle for monotube Bilstein shocks, but hey, not bad considering how much money you’ll probably save.)
Let’s talk about the TRD Pro’s powertrain and suspension now that those critical improvements over the previous Tundra have been made. Its new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, which produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, serves as its only source of propulsion. The latter is superior than any half-ton truck outside of the Ram TRX with a Hellcat engine, even outperforming the Ford F-150’s PowerBoost hybrid, which isn’t even offered in the Tremor off-road variant. A 10-speed automatic transmission, whether the transfer case is in high or low range, distributes power to all four wheels. You’re unlikely to see much above second gear on the trickier trails.
The small-displacement turbo engine has advantages over the older Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8, which had to spin to 3,600 rpm to summon 401 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque now comes on at just 2,400 rpm. We won’t spend a lot of time discussing this update to the 2022 model because it is the most evident. You can read my complete review of the new Tundra, in which I discuss how fun the hybrid iForce Max powertrain is, here.
Any knowledgeable four-wheeler will tell you that when the going gets difficult and rocky, the suspension is essential. Additionally, the five-link, coil spring rear suspension on the 2022 Tundra improves hauling and comfort while also enhancing trail performance. On the route Toyota provided for us journalists, the articulation was rather excellent, and I captured these images as evidence:
Those 2.5-inch Fox dampers significantly smooth out the ride, and I regret not having had the opportunity to test them out at greater speeds. Although it doesn’t have an electronic disconnect like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Badlands, a hefty TRD Pro stabilizer bar aids in the front as well. However, the ride is smooth without a doubt, thus an aftermarket kit wouldn’t really be considered an enhancement without some specialized hardware.
The Tundra TRD Pro has a 10.9-inch running ground clearance with its 33-inch Falken Wildpeak AT wheels and a 1.1-inch suspension lift. Given the size of the Tundra, that’s a little less than what the Silverado ZR2 gives (11.2 inches). Its length from front to back is 233.6 inches, 2.5 inches longer than an F-150 Tremor, and just 228.9 inches longer than the previous Tundra. Additionally, it’s broader than the truck it replaces, so if you want to follow your friends through the underbrush, you’ll have to embrace the pinstripes. The TRD Pro weighs just over 6,000 pounds with its hybrid drivetrain and underbody claddingnot Hummer heavy, but still a lot.
These are the costs associated with using a full-size truck off-road. Its size won’t bother those who are aware of what they are getting into; otherwise, they would choose something smaller, like the Tacoma. The following few years should see the release of that truck’s new generation, so you’ll just have to wait a little while longer if you’re looking for all these 4×4 conveniences in a smaller vehicle. Otherwise, you may purchase the 2022 Tundra TRD Pro right off the dealer lot starting in the spring of 2022.
Are restricted slip differentials standard on Tundras?
Limited-Slip Differential that is automatic Auto LSD, a standard feature on all Tundras, functions similarly to a conventional limited-slip differential but with a modern twist. Auto LSD provides brakes to individual unresponsive wheels individually rather than physically managing slip.
Is there a locking differential on the Toyota TRD off-road?
The standard electronically controlled locking rear differential on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road evenly distributes engine power to both rear wheels so they drive at the same speed, increasing traction as needed.
What does the TRD package for Tundra include?
The wheels are upgraded from 18 to 20 inches with the TRD Sport package. The unique Luxury Sport P275/55R20 tires are fitted to these larger wheels. Like the TRD Off-Road package, the TRD Sport package also includes revised shocks and adds TRD Sport-only anti-sway bars.
Is there a locking differential on the Tacoma TRD Pro?
The TRD Pro trim has the majority of the TRD Off-features. Road’s Additional skid plates, a rear locking differential, and a manual transmission are also available.
Which trucks use locking differentials?
standard rear differentials that lock
- TRD Pro Toyota Tacoma.
- TRD Pro Toyota Tundra.
- TRX Ram 1500.
- Raptor Ford.
- Off-Road Chevrolet Silverado.
- Sierra AT4 GMC.
- Gladiator Mojave Jeep.
Which is preferable, air locker or e locker?
You may sugarcoat it all you want, but the fact remains that many of the aftermarket 4X4 modifications we spend our days gushing over are intended to enhance our vehicle’s performance in two different ways.
keeps momentum and gets over obstacles.
This is also true of a locking differential, but when choosing a locking differential, we must all make a crucial decision.
E-lockers versus air lockers?
But first, let’s go through the specifics of what locking differentials accomplish in order to understand why either decision can be the best one for you and your car.
What is a locking differential?
A differential is a mechanism that permits the two wheels on an axle to rotate at various speeds. Most road cars will have open differentials, which are good for normal driving but will quickly get you into trouble while going off-road.
An open differential transfers engine power to the axle, with the most power going to the wheels with the least amount of traction.
However, if you find yourself in a low traction position with one tire on the ground and the other in the air, all of the power would be directed to the air-bound wheel, leaving you stranded. This is absolutely fine for the majority of two-wheel-drive vehicles.
While a locking differential distributes the same amount of power to both wheels, improving performance and traction.
Naturally, a locked differential could cause issues when used on a regular basis because turning is restricted when both wheels are rotating at the same rate.
However, both e-lockers and air lockers are made to enable drivers to transition from open to locked state using an electronic switch or by applying air pressure.
Air or Electronic?
Both differentials accomplish the same goal, but they go about it in different ways. A source of on-board compressed air is used by an air locker to apply pneumatic pressure and lock the gears in place. The gears are often locked together until the pressure is released after the switch on the dashboard activates it.
Because there is no need to transform signals into actionit is effectively the analogue solutionair lockers are practically instantaneous (in fact, top ARB air lockers can engage in less than a second).
When two roller cams are pulled apart by a set of magnets in an electronic locking differential (also known as a “e-locker”), pins are then engaged that press into the side gearlocking the differential. They function similarly to air lockers in terms of appearance and don’t need a different power source than the conventional 12-volt.
As an on-board air compressor is needed to operate an air locker, this is the main benefit of an e-locker. This indicates that e-lockers are substantially more dependable, which explains why many commercial users and manufacturers prefer them.
However, some older types can take a few seconds to engage and are a little less instantaneous than air locks. modernized versions While 4 pinion e-lockers are substantially quicker.
Making your choice
Both locking differential systems will ultimately function as intended, and as long as the parts are of a reasonable quality, you should be happy.
In essence, your ability to justify an air locking differential depends on the intended use of your car.
Air is the only option if split-second engagement is more important to you than dependability, but in the great majority of situations, electric is definitely a better choice.