When you need to keep going forward in the sloppy, muddy sludge or slushy, slippery mush and you require grip, the Toyota 4Runner Auto LSD, Limited Slip Differential, comes in useful.
When you are in two wheel drive mode, the Auto LSD feature operates on the rear differential.
- Simply press the VSC off button once to activate Auto LSD.
- A light that reads Auto LSD and a car icon with two wavy lines will both be visible. This shows that the auto LSD has been engaged and the traction control has been disengaged.
- The indicator flashes to let you know that Auto LSD is managing the spinning rear wheels if the rear wheels start to spin.
- When you need a little bit of extra traction but don’t want to switch to four-wheel drive, this option is fantastic.
- The Limited Slip Differential mode can be turned off by pressing and holding down the same VSC off button for three seconds.
In This Article...
Is there a limited-slip differential on the 4Runner?
The automatic limited slip differential, a feature of the traction control that permits some wheel slippage to help the vehicle dig out of, say, sand or snow, is standard on 4Runner 2WD versions.
Automatic limited-slip differential: what is it?
There is a good chance that you have heard of the limited-slip differential if you enjoy driving sports vehicles or 4x4s. This equipment, referred to as an LSD for short, is a component of a car’s drive system and it is made to assist the engine in transferring power to the road more effectively for improved performance and handling.
The limited-slip diff, which is a device that restricts the degree of wheelspin when the driving wheels lose grip when power is applied, essentially does what it says on the tin. The LSD does this by dispersing engine power to the wheels with the greatest amount of grip, either mechanically, electronically, or by combining the two.
The benefits of a limited-slip differential
Although no differential is flawless, limited slip differentials do provide a number of advantages over a typical open differential.
When one tire loses traction, limited slip differentials adjust, giving you more control even on slick or bumpy roads.
A limited slip differential makes use of engine power more effectively to boost a car’s power and speed, resulting in a smoother and more pleasurable ride.
Even on common roads, LSD units can aid in maintaining near-perfect traction to provide a safer and more comfortable ride.
By keeping one wheel from spinning unnecessarily, limited slip differentials can help to reduce tire wear and tear. Axle shafts follow the same rules. A longer lifespan is the result of shifting torque because it results in reduced pressure.
A limited slip differential delivers significantly more traction and grip than a typical open differential system, even while driving over dust, sand, and rocks.
What does traction system mean?
When one of the car’s wheels loses traction, the traction control system (TCS) notices it. The technology automatically applies the brakes to each affected wheel or reduces the vehicle’s engine power to each wheel that is losing traction on the road.
A 4Runner is it never in 4WD?
For the 5th generation 4runner, Toyota removed the V8 engine but added full-time 4 wheel drive instead. You could only find that in Limited models.
All other 5th generation 4runners, save the Limited models, have a standard 4WD system. The center differential on the Limited models can be locked to assure a 50/50 torque split or unlocked to provide more of an AWD configuration.
When to use each 4WD setting in a 5th gen 4runner
Since most 5th generation 4runners have a standard 4WD system, you should only use 2WD when traveling. Change to 4hi if greater traction is required in slick situations. Crawling should only be done on 4lo.
Similar to how the V8 4th gens do, limited models also travel in 4hi unlocked. If you want a real 4hi, you can lock the center differential, but you shouldn’t drive like so on bare pavement.
How to engage 4WD in a 5th gen 4runner
For controlling the 4WD system, your fifth-generation 4runner will either feature a dial or a lever. While traveling at less than 60 MPH, select the H4 setting to go from 2WD to 4hi locked. At a complete stop, with the transmission in neutral, you must shift to 4lo.
In Limited models with full-time 4WD, you can instantly switch from H4F to H4 while traveling at speeds under 60 mph. As with typical 5th gens, shifting to 4lo is equivalent.
Is full-time 4WD on the 4Runner restricted?
For daily trips, front-wheel drive is standard on Toyota 4Runner models. A part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control and a two-speed transfer case are standard on the majority of Toyota 4Runner trim levels, including the Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. With this tough 44 system at its disposal, the Toyota 4Runner will transmit torque to any tire making contact with the road, and Active Grip Control will make sure you don’t lose traction in slick and bumpy circumstances.
Toyota 4Runner Full-Time 4WD System with Torsen Locking Center Differential
With a full-time 4WD system that uses a Torsen locking center differential, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited trim will raise the bar for off-road capability. Three 44 modes on the Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD vehicles enable drivers to maximize performance with a 40:60 torque distribution that is perfect for daily commuting. The Toyota 4Runner Limited may split its torque between 30:70 and 53:47 when the situation calls for it. An additional tool to help you keep control with low-speed control on hilly terrain is downhill assist control.
What version of the 4Runner has a locking differential?
The starting price of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road is $41,435 and it excels in all aspects of off-roading. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road has a part-time 4WD drivetrain as standard, unlike any of the other grades. The trim adds Crawl Control, a locking rear differential, and a Multi-Terrain Select system to the off-road specifications. The package also includes floor mats with the TRD Off-Road logo and 17-inch spoke alloy wheels.
In snow, does limited slip differential help?
In instances where the traction conditions are not the same for both driving wheels, the limited-slip differential was designed to increase the mobility of motor vehicles. To increase the vehicle’s capacity to escape mud or snow, more driving force is applied to the wheel with the best traction.
What is the lifespan of a limited slip differential?
As it refers to standard work vehicles rather than the countless articles I discovered that are written for performance-oriented dirt track racers, drag racers, drifters, and off-road aficionados, this information seems fairly useful.
Does anyone know what model, OEM brand, or component package the 2017 Transit Wagon axle belongs to? Any specifics on the LSD components, please? I suppose I should at the very least make an effort to learn more about the systems that our Transit is powered by so that we can take excellent care of it.
How can a limited slip differential malfunction?
Your wheels’ differentials may experience apparent indicators of wear or malfunction. Tyre damage, vibrations, trouble controlling, and grinding gears are the top 5 signs of faulty front and rear differentials. As soon as you notice these symptoms, you may take action and bring your car to a differential-specialist mechanic to have the issue evaluated and fixed before further harm to your vehicle is done.
Damage to Tyres
To minimize unequal wear and tear, your car’s tyres must rotate at various speeds when rounding a corner. Your tires will wear unevenly and have worn, flat tread if your differentials aren’t working properly. Before your tyres deteriorate and you have to replace them as well, having your LSDs examined early will save you money.
Whining Sounds and Vibrations
There are several ways that poor LSDs can result in this. First, the universal joints in your diff may fail, resulting in drive shaft vibrations and a whining sound. Second, you may experience severe vibrations due to a fluid leak in your differentials. They will start to malfunction very soon if that is the case.
Control
Since the purpose of LSDs is to improve vehicle control, if you feel like you’re losing some control of your car while driving, there’s a significant probability that something may be wrong with them. Time to have it looked at.
Grinding Gears
You will feel and possibly hear a perceptible grinding of the gears, especially during change, when your differentials malfunction or become faulty. You will hear a whining sound and a low humming sound that intensifies over time.
How can I tell whether my limited-slip differential is functioning properly?
By jacking up the vehicle and spinning one of the rear tires, you may quickly determine if you have an open differential. You have an open differential if the other wheel spins the other way. You have a limited slip differential, or LSD, if it spins in the same way.