LSD for snow?

[theruckus]

Hello all, this is my first post and I have a question that I'm hoping someone can answer. I am currently driving an all wheel drive car (non Toyota) but I'm planning to get a new Yaris within the next month. I'm concerned about winter driving, I spend a significant amount of time in Northern Ontario where there's often serious amounts of snow. I will certainly get good snow tires but here's my question... would it be worth installing a TRD limited slip differential to help with deep snow conditions (driveways, blasting through drifts, etc.) I'm curious to hear from anyone with Yaris / Echo winter driving experience in deep snow.

Thanks.

[HoboJoe]

Well, I don't have a LSD in my camry, but my 73 Lincoln Mark IV has one. I drove it when we got about 1.5 feet of snow earlier this year. I could not imagine driving that car with all that power without a LSD. I think it's a worthwhile investment. After all, you're buying a car. What's a few extra dollars?
I don't think it's an absolute neccessity, but it could help you out in more than a few ways.

[MRQtwinturbo]

money better spent on a good set of winter tires instead...they would do you much better than an LSD....

[theruckus]

Originally Posted by MRQturbo

money better spent on a good set of winter tires instead...they would do you much better than an LSD....

I agree that snows are a necessity. Snow tires are great on slippery roads and moderate amounts of deep snow but if you’re really trying to get through deeper snow (I’m talking about low speeds, driveways etc.) I’m thinking that the LSD would make a big difference. Effectively 1 wheel drive VS 2 wheel drive, double the traction with the LSD?

[echo_hrs]

With a high-horsepower RWD I could see it making a larger difference in the snow...With the Yaris (yes I own one), the moderate power coupled with FWD, I think tires would be the best investment, the LSD probably helping more with straight line drag racing over winter traction...

Cheers

[HoboJoe]

^That's probably why an LSD is so helpful on my Lincoln. It wieghs 5,600 pounds and has massive low end torque.

[Wraith]

I dont know the actual tran code of the Yaris yet but most likely the LSD will not fit in the C150 trans. Which is normally found in all the Echo and Yaris chasis...

[echo_hrs]

Originally Posted by Wraith

I dont know the actual tran code of the Yaris yet but most likely the LSD will not fit in the C150 trans. Which is normally found in all the Echo and Yaris chasis...

My new Canadian Yaris RS is stamped the NCP91 Chassis, same as the new JDM Vitz RS, which has an LSD available from TRD...

http://trdparts.jp/english/list_new-vitz.html

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by echo_hrs

My new Canadian Yaris RS is stamped the NCP91 Chassis, same as the new JDM Vitz RS, which has an LSD available from TRD...

http://trdparts.jp/english/list_new-vitz.html

soo ??? My echo is ncp12 same as a Vitz ... and the TRD lsd doesnt fit my tranny ...

[echo_hrs]

I've downloaded the Specs for the 06 Yaris transmission, it says that the previous 05 Yaris used the C150, the new 06 Yaris is using the C50 Transmission....

Not sure what that means for LSD compatibility...

[theruckus]

Interesting, it didn't occur to me that the LSD for the Yitz may not fit our Yaris but I guess it makes sense. I have to get out of the lease on my current car before I can get a Yaris anyway so I have time to figure it all out.

Curious, what's the differential gear ratio? Does it effect the final drive ratio?

[Porter]

Originally Posted by theruckus

Curious, what's the differential gear ratio? Does it effect the final drive ratio?

The "differential gear ratio" is the same as the final drive.

Based on these numbers, the '06 Yaris should accelerate more briskly than the '05 Yaris given the same engine power.