Any locker suggestions for the TRD Sport rear differentials?

I had three criteria for my new Taco purchase: Access cab, manual transmission and TRD O/R configuration. With USA audiences, now it's "pick any two". So, I picked the first two in a TRD Sport configuration with the hope that I could at least install a smart LSD. As I do like mild off-roading and overlanding, I figure this could be workable.

However, I found out later my stock rear diff is an 8.75" open diff instead of the very common 8" version. It turns out that only ARB makes an air locker for my application (no interest in air). I prefer to use something completely internal like an Eaton TrueTrac. However, an Eaton tech rep said NO GO on my application for the forseeable future. So, I have a few options:

1) Install an OEM TRD O/R third member as they have the same 8.75" ring gear and hope my harness is the same as the O/R version to allow for the interlock switch installation.
2) Install an 8" rear diff which is very common with all current Tacos except mine and TRD O/R versions and then I would be able to install a vast variety of LSD/Locker options.
3) Just live with it and rely on the e-diff system (probably what I'll do).
3) Trade my vehicle in for something else (certainly not my first pick).

Any suggestions?

 

Whats wrong with air?

 

Not sure if Detroit locker is available for a third gen but this style locker is one of the best and been around for 50 plus years

 

Yes but not very efficient or effective on a rig primarily driven on the street.

 

Nope, it's a NO GO for anything other than an ARB locker for my 8.75" open diff. The TRD Sport (6MT) is the only config that uses that diff. I guess the low volume of sales for that config makes it kind of a unicorn. :/

Although I claimed to be an engineer at one time in my life, I have no desire for the complexity of air lines & compressors. I just want a clean look with as few mods as possible.

Thanks!!

 

I had numerous daily driver jeeps with Detroit lockers , never had a driveability problems

 

It’s not a drivability concern, it’s a comfort. People with newer vehicles don’t typically want to deal with a Detroit.

 

Yeah I had an auto locker in my older 2wd Tacoma and while it worked beautifully on the trails, dealing with it's squirrelly behavior on the street was kind of annoying. Not to mention the 'clack clack clack' sound they make when disengaged while cornering, that turned a lot of heads on the street lol.

 

I've been driving cars and trucks with spools or Detroit lockers for over 30 plus years and feel very comfortable

 

That's the fun part of driving with a spool or Detroit locker hearing the tires chirp

 

That’s great! You’re one of the minority.

But you don’t have a truck now and you obviously don't care about a lot of the luxuries a 3rd gen owner desires.

 

I've got a 2002 Tacoma Pre Runner with a Detroit locker !!!

 

Which is an upgrade from the tin can Jeeps you mentioned you had as daily drivers back in the day. Again, you are very clearly not interested in the luxury features of newer vehicles.

Everyone has different desires.

 

I'm in the same boat with my AC Sport MT. But looking back there were times when off-roading in my 85 and 02 I was glad I did not have posi-trac in slick conditions (mud or ice) while traversing an angled or sloped road. The non-powered wheels kept my rig from sliding off the edge or off into deeper ruts. Of course with an air locker you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The factory Auto LSD has great reviews, looking forward to trying it out.

SR5 using Auto LSD
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BXYFxXUcdYA

 

I thought a TrueTrac, with worm gears, didn’t make all the noise?

 

You have a lot of contradictions going on here.

 

Give it a chance. You might find that with the right tires, driving skills and how you actually use the vehicle that you don't need any more than that. If you don't, it's obviously the easiest/cheapest option

This would be my #2 plan, but determine the harness issue (or any alternatives) before starting. 'Hope' is not a plan in things like this.

Last choice. Prefer the larger diff.

Let us know how it shakes out.

 

Have you looked at mechanical lockers, like the LOKKA? Several people here run that setup.

 

I just looked into traction options for the 8.75 non elocker diff and was disappointed to find that ARB is still the only off the shelf option out there. Couldn’t even find a spool.
I guess one could always weld the side and spider gears but I’d much prefer a Detroit

 

Correct. I have a TrueTrac in my 2nd gen and it behaves nicely and is silent. If there is an option for OP's "weirdo" config of the 8.75" diff, it should be a consideration.

This site is showing that your only option is an ARB Air Locker.
https://www.drivetrainshop.com/Articles.asp?ID=271

You could also do what my truck has (ignore the 2nd gen Off-Road/Sport/differential sizing differences, and think about the concept):
Replace the 8.75" diff with an 8" diff from another truck and then your options open up to the option of a Detroit Locker or Eaton TrueTrac.