1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Front LSD vs front locker. Which one ?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Forever, Mar 27, 2023.

  1. Mar 27, 2023 at 8:30 PM
    #1
    Forever

    Forever [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2023
    Member:
    #30965
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Alex
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    5th gen SR5
    Eibach Pro stage 1 suspension. Kenda Klever R/T 33x10.5r17 TRD wheels blacked out Freedom off road UCAs Cornfed 1/2” rear spacer Bodyarmor4x4 Hiline bumper Smittybilt X20 10k winch Roadshock LED light bar Badlands D ring shackles TrailGear roof rack Raptor lights, amber fogs, pro grill, etc.
    Background;

    Ben doing a lot of exploring in the PNW mountains lately in my 5th gen SR5. In low traction scenarios like deep snow and mud, the open diffs + ATRAC aren’t cutting it. I plan on installing an ARB locker in the rear, which leads to the dilemma of the front diff, either another ARB or a torsen helical LSD, similar to a TrueTrac. I’m leaning toward the LSD for simplicity sake and less stress on the IFS components.
    Here are the pros and cons of both that I’ve thought of so far

    LSD pros:

    cheaper
    Little to no maintenance
    Automatic engagement (potentially a con)
    Easier on IFS components
    Locks up hard in the snow, mimicking a locker (from videos I’ve seen)
    can be engaged with ATRAC when a wheel is off the ground.

    LSD cons:

    automatic engagement can lead to wonky handling, torque steer etc.
    Becomes disengaged under flexed out wheel off the ground scenarios.
    ATRAC + LSD only marginally better in cross axle rock crawling scenarios vs ATRAC alone. (I’m assuming).
    LSD Reactive nature vs proactive nature of a locker. Not a true locker.

    I know nothing beats a locker, and an ARB has the added benefit of being selectable. The drawbacks are the higher cost, added labor, higher potential of mechanical failure compared to a limited slip, and has the greater potential to break parts.

    Does anybody have experience with either? Would a front locker be the way to go or would a front LSD + ATRAC be good enough for most trails? I’d rather buy nice than buy twice.
     
  2. Mar 27, 2023 at 8:43 PM
    #2
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    5,309
    Gender:
    Male
    Just for this reason I'm thinking to get E-ton Elocker for front. The shop said its much improved now and hold it much better than previously releasing easily when rolling back. But still might release they said. They also said its less maintenance and no air lines and compressors to fail. They install ARB as well if needed. This is not my regular 4x4shop, so not very sure. I'm also at stock gears and so far don't have a need to upgrade yet. Just for a simple reason to lock the wheels on fresh snow or icy bits where I don't have to be on gas for a-trac.

    I haven't decide yet or have confidence in stock components. Just shared what I got from the shop and here to learn more from this thread whether I should go e-locker route or LSD route. May be even none for the front, LoL. Will see..
     
To Top