Detroit TrueTrack differentials for Tacomas

**GearHead** · 11-14-2011, 08:57 PM

Was just wondering if any members here with a 97-2003 4x4 taco have installed a Detroit TrueTrack front or rear differential on their truck. I want to upgrade my 2000 from stock and want to know if anyone has had any problems.

**tbplus10** · 11-19-2011, 02:04 AM

I ran a true track in the rear of my 99 for about a year, when it broke on the trail I put the factory TRD electronic I had taken out back in and it's run for over 8 years now. Personally I feel the factory electronic is a superior locker to the True trac.
I'd say look for a factory TRD locker r/r axle and swap the whole thing, you should be able to find one fairly easy since they were offered in Pre Runners and 4x4's, 4 Runners also had an electronic r/r option and the axle is similiar but uses a coil spring suspension, which might not be a bad idea if you could graft the coils over for use on your Tacoma.

**GearHead** · 11-19-2011, 03:33 PM

Interesting-- haven't heard from too many people that they like the TRD axle better. I guess if it works, it works. Nothing like trying to upgrade components and having them fail. Thanks for the insight, I'll look around.

**tbplus10** · 11-19-2011, 09:48 PM

The Factory "E" locker works better because of its selectability.
The True Trac causes issues when run on pavement by catching, and in off-road situations its not always better to be locked, when dealing with terraign like granite or slick rock where you already get good traction a locked axle can sometimes get you a broken axle, much like when running on pavement you need the tires to slip sometimes.

**GearHead** · 11-19-2011, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by tbplus10

The Factory "E" locker works better because of its selectability.
The True Trac causes issues when run on pavement by catching, and in off-road situations its not always better to be locked, when dealing with terraign like granite or slick rock where you already get good traction a locked axle can sometimes get you a broken axle, much like when running on pavement you need the tires to slip sometimes.

Makes sense now, thanks. I can see why this is the case.

**cutliedotcom** · 01-12-2012, 11:57 PM

have you installed? what happen, success? let's share here

**tbplus10** · 01-15-2012, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by cutliedotcom

have you installed? what happen, success? let's share here

I ran a true track in the rear of my 99 for about a year, when it broke on the trail I put the factory TRD electronic I had taken out back in and it's run for over 8 years now. Personally I feel the factory electronic is a superior locker to the True trac.
I'd say look for a factory TRD locker r/r axle and swap the whole thing, you should be able to find one fairly easy since they were offered in Pre Runners and 4x4's, 4 Runners also had an electronic r/r option and the axle is similiar but uses a coil spring suspension, which might not be a bad idea if you could graft the coils over for use on your Tacoma.
True trac installation isnt hard if you have experience at building r/r diffs. But like I said I'd use a factory E locker.