Limited Slip Center Differential

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M

Minjin

10 Year
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Threads
6
Messages
20
Location
01 LX
Question about the 100 series AWD system because I'm considering buying one. From what I understand, the 80 used a limited slip center diff and the 100 does not. I did some searching and I can't find anyone talking about how much that should decrease the capability of the vehicle in slippery situations. That makes me think I might be missing something, hence this post.

From what I understand, with three open diffs (what seems to be the normal LC100 situation), all it takes is ONE wheel with no traction to stop the vehicle. If you have a limited slip center diff, you now need to have TWO wheels (one front and one back) with no traction to stop the vehicle. That's a huge difference. Why is that not a large limitation when in slippery situations? Or is it? I am accustomed to Mitsu and Subaru AWD drivetrains that use LSD in center and rear and having incredible, nearly unstoppable traction as a result. I know that you have the ability to lock the CD so is that what everyone is doing as soon as they get any slip?

Thanks for any input.
 
Basically yes, you just lock the center and you're good. Check out JT's parts and accessories build in the vendor section. They elected to put the limited slip/select-able center diff section from an 80 into their 100, a very cool and rare mod IMO.
 
AimCOtaco said:
Basically yes, you just lock the center and you're good. Check out JT's parts and accessories build in the vendor section. They elected to put the limited slip/select-able center diff section from an 80 into their 100, a very cool and rare mod IMO.
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That mod is exactly what I was thinking of. I'm surprised it isn't more common (though I guess I don't know the cost of that rear tail section). And I wonder why Toyota choose to eliminate it.

Thanks.

Sandroad said:
You are missing a lot if you don't run some simple searches on this forum about the drive system. For example, this is in the FAQs:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/537946-trac-101-a.html#post7146543
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I guess this wouldn't be a car forum without some hazing of the new guys. I've read that (very interesting) thread along with the rest of the FAQ. It does not address my question, unless you are trying to say that "yes, the LC100's awd system was lacking in traction for two years until ATRAC was introduced".
 
The pre 2000 LX had a Limited slip while the same year LC had option locker. 00+ all have ATRAC. FWIW.
 
Land Cruiser:
1998-1999: Optional rear locker, CDL standard.
2000-2007: a-trac standard, CDL standard.

Lexus LX-470:
1998-1999: limited slip rear diff, CDL standard.
2000-2007: a-trac standard, CDL standard.

There was no rear locker option for the Lexus in the US.
 
OP is asking why the 80 had a LS(viscous coupled) CENTER DIFF w/select-able lock vs the 100 which has an OPEN CENTER DIFF w/select-able lock.

Good question, I can't imagine many conditions where a center LSD would not be better than an open center (they both are selective lock so that's a moot pt).

The only possible down sides I can see would be fuel mileage or tire wear but that's just a WAG. Carl knows. Carl?
 
Nevermind the viscous coupled center diff, let's talk about swapping in the Torsen center diff from the ~2005+ GX470.
 
hoser said:
Nevermind the viscous coupled center diff, let's talk about swapping in the Torsen center diff from the ~2005+ GX470.
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Yeah, a Torsen would probably be the best of both and you wouldn't need to lock it, it would always be ready for whatever you got into without compromise. Is it even a possibility for a swap?
 
Viscous Coupler Land Cruiser 100 series mod

Yes, I run the viscous coupler transfer case in my 100 series. The main reason was for added traction and more even torque split to cut down on torque steer brought on by the supercharger. Standard AWD mode offers much better traction now as well. I had several instances before where one front tire would slip coming into my icy driveway. With the VC and studded siped duratracs, it performs very well in the winter.

Here is the link.
 
So has anyone worked out if there is a Torsen centre that can be fitted to the 100 series Landcruiser.

I understand the 200 series and the 120 GX470 have torsen centres - will either of those fit?
 
No there is not a torsen available. Above You Can See My Post About The Viscous Coupler swap. Similar Results, easy, and is available.
 
A torsion would be useless in most off road situations. If the front axle slips AT ALL it turns into an open differential.

Torsion works as a limited slip diff ONLY when both sides have good traction, lift a wheel or get too much slip and its an open differential as it has nothing to work against in locking the output.
 
ENGINE er said:
A torsion would be useless in most off road situations. If the front axle slips AT ALL it turns into an open differential.
Click to expand...

I agree, but with front and rear diff locks in place or an aftermarket torsen up front with a rear locker, the torsen center diff would be nicer than an open centre. This may reduce the need to activate centre diff lock so much when in soft sand.

If the parts existed, would be interested in building an automatic cruiser with torsen diffs in front, centre and rear to compare with my fully locked cruiser. I suspect it would be a relatively foolproof for others to drive, and low maintenance with reduced risk to breaking CVs. I don't plan to take it over difficult rock work.
 
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