LSD Install Advice

[Lumpskie]

So, my family was kind enough to buy me a Kazuma LSD for Christmas. I just read through the instructions and am a little concerned about the shimming and washer replacement when reassembling the diff. I am new to Toyotas and trucks in general, but have experience in the import car arena. Do you guys have any advice I could use before starting the project?

Thanks,

Justin

[thefatkid]

Buy a bunch of shims, I have over $100 in shims for the front differential. I still need to buy more even.

[RedRunnertc]

Better yet, give it and the chunk to Brian (thefatkid) and have him do it.

Setting up gears is fiddly work if you don't do it all the time.

[Lumpskie]

Sounds like you guys would not suggest trying to dig into the backlash and shimming??

[TacoBlanca97]

Do it right the first time, give it to Brian and have him set it up. He installed 4.88's and a kazuma in my truck. The gear patterns were perfect.

[Lumpskie]

Ok, you guys have convinced me. Brian, I'll send you a pm. Can you contact me and talk over pricing and your availability?

Also, TacoBlanca97,

How do you like the LSD?

[TacoBlanca97]

So far so good. I'm still getting used to it in 2wd on hard pack snow, have to go easy on the throttle around corners though.;) Haven't had a chance to really take it out and wheel it yet. Snowbashing on Jan 10th will be the first run. Make sure you buy a couple of tubes of LSD additive for the break in period, it will keep it from chattering.

[ike]

why did you go with a LSD instead of an auto locker?

[TacoBlanca97]

It's my daily driver. It spends alot more time on the road than off. The LSD is quiet, more tolerable than an auto locker. It is a modified LSD with heavier duty springs and clutch pack manufactured by Eaton to TRD specs.

[Asha'man]

More to the point, why did you choose an LSD over a selectable? Once you pick a tire up on the trail, you'll have only slightly more traction than you would with an open diff.

[ike]

The aussies are supposed to have good manners on the road.

[TacoBlanca97]

More to the point, why did you choose an LSD over a selectable? Once you pick a tire up on the trail, you'll have only slightly more traction than you would with an open diff.
Brian, I didn't get a selectable/ARB locker mainly because of cost. The Kazuma will provide better traction than a stock LSD but not as good as a true locker. I am ok with that. Most everything that I wheel I can do open/open anyway.

The aussies are supposed to have good manners on the road.

I thought about an aussie locker. According to their website they don't make a rear locker for 1995.5-2004 tacoma 4x4, just the front. Now, they do make a rear locker for the Tacoma 4x2 with the 7.5" ring gear.:confused: So my question, is the ring gear for tacoma 4x2 different than the 4x4?

[ike]

7.5" vs 8.4"

[Lumpskie]

It's my daily driver. It spends alot more time on the road than off. The LSD is quiet, more tolerable than an auto locker. It is a modified LSD with heavier duty springs and clutch pack manufactured by Eaton to TRD specs.


I'm in the same boat as you. My truck was originally supposed to just be a "winter beater" to save my car. Let me know how it works for you on the 10th!

[Quick Draw]

From my understanding, LSD works great in the snow. Your disadvantage is going to be when you lift a wheel. So crawling in the summer, you may wish you had the locker.

I actually love my auto lockers. You hear so many horror stories about them that I wasn't so sure. But they have worked out great. I get an occasional tire chirp, but no racheting or clunks. In the snow you quickly get used to the way it's going to behave, because its very predictable. Even with the front locked up, you just stay on the gas and it will turn without a problem. Of course, manual hubs are mandatory to be locked in the front however. Sure a selectable would be nice. But there is something to be said for just wheelin' and always having the most traction available, without having to mess with it.

[Lumpskie]

Yeah, my car has limited slips in the front and rear... that thing is a BLAST in the snow. ...don't really wheel it though...

TacoBlanca, you mentioned the break-in period on the LSD. I don't have any instructions on break-in. Do you have anything specific on it? Also, I've only got 1 tube of additive... do I need another?

[TacoBlanca97]

The break in period is for the new gears. If you are just installing the LSD, there is no required break in period for that. I used two tubes of the additive just because the clutch pack is new and wanted to make sure there would be no chatter from the LSD.

[TacoBlanca97]

From my understanding, LSD works great in the snow. Your disadvantage is going to be when you lift a wheel. So crawling in the summer, you may wish you had the locker.

I actually love my auto lockers. You hear so many horror stories about them that I wasn't so sure. But they have worked out great. I get an occasional tire chirp, but no racheting or clunks. In the snow you quickly get used to the way it's going to behave, because its very predictable. Even with the front locked up, you just stay on the gas and it will turn without a problem. Of course, manual hubs are mandatory to be locked in the front however. Sure a selectable would be nice. But there is something to be said for just wheelin' and always having the most traction available, without having to mess with it.

Kyle, what type of lockers are you using?

[Lysmachia]

So sad we won't have Ron Running for the 10th... But Scott we'll need a butt seat, if ya have one!

Oh and I 2nd having a pro (thefatkid or another yota-tech) set up your gears!

[Lumpskie]

I've traded a couple PMs with him. I'm hoping we can set something up ASAP. Thanks, again, for the advice you guys.

[Lumpskie]

Hey Brian,

If you see this, can you pm me or call me? I got your message that said you were going to give me a call, but I never got the call.

thanks,

Justin

[Quick Draw]

Kyle, what type of lockers are you using?

Detroit rear, Lockright front

[Lumpskie]

So, I haven't heard from Brian at all. Do you guys know a better way to get a hold of him? I was hoping to get this thing scheduled out pretty soon.

[thefatkid]

Just got home, will call in a minute

[Lumpskie]

Thanks for the call, man!