Traction control vis-a-vis Limited Slip Diff

[DesmondD]

A novice question from an old fella trying to keep up: I understand the concept of a limited slip diff, and I know there are about three varieties of them. I have one, thankfully, on my 1993 Isuzu. But what I don't know is whether they are still used, or the concept is even needed with newer vehicles (eg a 2005 Prado) that have so-called "traction control". I take this to mean constant computer monitoring of traction on all wheels and transfer of power to those with most traction - it would then seem that a LSD is not needed? Am I correct?
(Sorry if this is a FAQ elsewhere on the site but I did a search and couldn't find such a basic discussion - maybe too stupid a question to discuss?)

[mudlva]

T/C will obsolete lsd diffs purily by appling brake preasure to the free spinning wheels and de'excelarating at the same time. Works well in the majority of instanacnes although an absolute killer in sand or when you are wanting wheel speed to clear the tyres
That is when diff lockers come into there own
But thats a differant subject

[tweake]

a good example is some of the navaras.
japan version (au,nz) has lsd but no traction control, but usa version has electric locker and traction control.
the usa guys complain about rear brakes wearing out rather quickly!

[Dirtydog]

i saw a good video about it with the new rubicon i think, was really goo at explaining it.

its the same idea as fiddle brakes but automaticly cotralled isnt it?

[mudlva]

my understanding is it works with the abs system side of the brakes and yes applies braking pressure to the spinning wheels just like fiddles do on either tractors or trials buggies

[IcedJohnno]

One of the ex girlie's old man had a 50th edition Prado that I used to use occasionally, the way Mr Toyoda never intended.

In deep snow running 4 chains the traction control would last about 10 mins and then start beeping. Another 10 mins later the truck would go into limp home mode. Became somewhat limpwristed IMHO!

Give me a genuine diff-lock any day thanks.

[Dirtydog]

thats something about the old ways vs the new ways that will prevail most of the time.

atleast with a carberated engine for example if it starts running a bit rough you just have to get the old screw driver and adjust a few things,

or with a pto winch vs a electric one, at least ya know when its broken and not something silly like a loose earth etc.

Really dont like the idea of a 4x4 going into limp mode, had that in the terrano a couple of times, and boy did it suck trying to get out of sticky situations.

[callum007]

You unfortunately also may find that over time, your LSD will need adjustment so it may not be working well at all.
The TC on my truck has photo sensors on all four corners and if one wheel spins faster, I assume by a percentage, than the other it applies the brake to that wheel.
I turn it off in mud or when I need jandel, but its awesome in snow n ice, almost like driving on rails. New Hilux TC is prehistoric feeling and harsh by comparison to Mitsi. But like all things mitsi, Im sure mine will break someday.

[DesmondD]

May I thank you all for this discussion. I now understand better what traction control is all about. I expect it was developed for continental (eg USA, Europe, Japan) winter highway situations, of which I have had several years experience. But I think I will stick to limited slip diff for the sort of vehicle I can afford and the sort of driving I do here in NZ.

[Petemcc]

My old mans old 2002 prado had traction control and in most offroad situations i had it in it was great! Could have two wheels high off the ground and would keep going. No lsd will do that. The only alternative would be diff locks and they have pros and cons too. One time it was a pain was in deep mud with all four wheels spinning where the engine just bogged down to an idle. I took my foot off the gass and back on and away it went again. Didn't play with it enough in like that to see how to handle it best but on uneven ground, ruts and coss axle situations it was very capable.

Cheers,
Pete