LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

[01TXPrado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 01TXPrado]

I have only recently purchased a 2001 TX prado and have been going over the whole fluids etc and whilst checking the rear I noticed the TX models with Traction control have an Open type diff, I have read a bit more into it and it uses the individual brakes to regulate traction, I can understand that concept.
My question is, how will the TC ECU view it if I fitted a Lokka or LSD setup to aid traction as well as using the TC? My logic would have it that it should work ok, TC having to do less work as the wheels should grip and rotate in unison.
But not having really driven the prado offroad yet, maybe not worth doing, let the TC do the work.
Would I be better off fitting all new Slotted RDA rotors and good pads instead just to give the system a margin before brake fade if it really gets worked?

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

Traction control will give you all the traction you need up to a point, the Traction Control does not like sand or mud as it overworks and takes momentum away from you so you may find sections like that harder, fitting a diff lock will have no effect on the Traction Control System as long as you use and Air Locker. You can use the normal Traction Control for most sections of 4wding but when it gets too hard (Traction Control overworking) the you can switch the Air Locker on. If you fit an auto locking diff lock, the Traction Control will hardly work, so it would be pointless having it.

[01TXPrado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 01TXPrado]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

Thanks for the fast reply, the idea of braking to gain traction had me a bit off put as my use will be mostly sand driving, my other car is a stock t/d auto surf with only a LSD in the rear and have never had any issues, but have had to snatch many high tech late model 4x4 off what I would call just a "normal" soft bit of sand.
I wasn't sure if the traction control was very fast acting etc or was 4 channel, If it is 4 channel, I don't know if it could tell if there was and air locker or an auto locker making both rear wheel turn in unison, it would just see both rear channels rotating at X speed evenly.
I would like to know if anyone has fitted LSD, LOKKA or air lockers to the TX, VX or grande models and how it went.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

I would not rush in to fitting a diff lock until you have used your Prado.
I have 2002 VX with traction control and have had no issues with the traction control on sand.
When I did the Simpson my Prado handled the sand the best of the 5 vehicles on the trip, mainly due I believe in that instance to tyre size verus vehicle weight and naturally pressures. Being a Brisbanite I have obviously done Fraser & Bribie on a regular basis, again with no issues.
Yes if the traction control is continually working it will overheat the brakes but if your aware of whats happening I believe most of the time one should be able to allow for that in your driving.

Yes, a diff lock will give you more control and greater traction it depends on what your main use will be if it is really needed or cost effective.

Enjoy your Prado

Lee

[01TXPrado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close 01TXPrado]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

Thanks for that reply, yes I will give it a good shakedown first, I back onto the national park so I have lots of very soft test areas I use to try stuff out, the only reason I was thinking LSD was I have a few and easy to fit, but prob not really worth bothering.
people slag the Toyota LSD yet at 200'k the one in my surf still is very tight, I hear it bind when pulling into cat parks and offroad seems to always run both the same, poss oil issues with the others?

[jjgsxr1000 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jjgsxr1000]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

Hi there.
If youre using the vehicle for Sand work only, a locker will give you no real benefit.

Regards, Jay.

[dhula Member Find all posts View Profile Close dhula]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

not being 100% sure how the 90s prado TC works. If you have a lokka in the back only and come across a situation where the left front wheel looses grip and start to spin, will the TC brake only the front spinning wheel or try to brake any wheel that is going faster than the slowest turning wheel (the right front). Will it also reduce engine power to assist with the regaining of traction.
If this is the case you might have to switch TC off once you engage the lokka.
If you get 2 lokka's then I doubt it will be a problem as all wheels will be turning at the same speed so long as the centre diff is locked up as well.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: LSD or Lokkas with Traction control

dhula,

The traction control will apply the brake at the wheel or wheels that are spinning faster.
That is, I have had one only wheel having its brake applied (usually a front) however have had diagonally opposite wheels working at the same time .. surprise surprise lol

With a manually activated locker (airlocker, elocker etc) everything should work fine, however with a auto locker (or unlocker to be precise) I am not so sure (on the rear obviously)

Lee