I think that Akoch is not understanding the Torsen center diff. Torsen center diff made it's first appearance on the 4runner in 2003. The Torsen center diff is lockable just like on the LX470. It is a mechanical center diff, just like on the LX470. It is maintenance free just like on the LX470. You lock the Torsen center diff by a button on the dash (in the 4runner)...just like you do on the LX470. No difference in how it is activated.

Like your LX470 center diff, the Torsen can get stuck off-road in rare situations IF you do not lock it (zero traction in either axle). If you lock the Torsen, then it works just like your LX470's center diff when it's locked off-road. No difference whatsoever. The benefit is that the truck is better off-road with the Torsen than an open center diff (UNLOCK). Torsen provides limited-slip capability when it's not locked up, which is better than an open center diff (when it's unlocked).

In other words, the Torsen center diff and your LX470 center diff are equally effective off-road.

The big difference between the mechanical center diff on the LX470 and the Torsen mechanical center diff on the 4runner/GX/LX570 is that the Torsen performs better ON-ROAD. The Torsen sends different amounts of torque to the front tires depending on road conditions and steering angle. The LX470's center diff splits torque 50/50. The Torsen can split 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30 depending on whether you're slipping or whether you're turning a corner. Around corners, Torsen favors 30/70 split to aid in sporty handling.

Here is the Torsen center diff in the 4runner/GX (and likely LX570): http://www.torsen.com/products/T-3.htm

The LX470 center diff is similar to the Torsen T-2 system.

Also, here is a thread on VSC/torsen: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...5&pagenumber=2

 

Wow, informative post, thank you very much. I do notice my 570 going around corners much more quickly than my 470, perhaps this is the reason. I have no problem having a Torsen center differential, I believe there is one in the LS 600hL. It is supposed to be an improvement. I don't even care if it vibrates, I just don't understand why I have to feel it in my steering wheel. I am hopeful that Lexus can isolate it somehow.

 

yeah, your vibration is strange...have you driven other LX570s to compare?

 

I still think that it has something to do with your front tires, alignment, or something...for me, i would not jump to the Torsen center diff as my first guess. Remember, little known fact, you get 1 FREE alignment before 12,000 miles or 1st year...it's not a bad time to use it IMHO.

 

TIGMD, I'm glad youre here.
I am so untechnical...
My translation of this is:
The thingy shakes because of the thingy, here's a picture of the thingy that makes the thingy shake...
are you in the automotive biz or just love of off roading?

 

Just love cars....

 

I also tried and could not. Mine used to do it predictably when I first got it. Now I can not remember the last time it did do it and I can not make it happen today no matter what I do.

I turned 6000 miles this week.

 

The only other one I have driven is the dealer demo, I did not notice any vibration. That is why I was so interested in pemarsh's post, he described pretty much what I was feeling. I first noticed my vibration on the drive home from the dealership. I am much encouraged by recent reports that this vibration has "gone away" on other members 570's. Perhaps the solution is a few more miles. Mine is not a daily driver. I did try locking the center differential and the vibration seemed noticably reduced....don't know what that means. I appreciate your interest and feedback.

 

i never drove another 570 except for the one I have.

 

Tigmd, I think if you re-read my post you would find that it does not contradict what you have said there. Anyway, not important.

 

My 2008 LX570 has the vibration in the steering wheel and gas pedal also. Called Lexus the day after the purchase to complain and was told I would get a call back within 48 hours. When contacted, Lexus rep asked that I take it to the dealer. Several trips to the dealer followed with poor communication along the way. Lexus acknowledges the condition and a Lexus mechanic referred to it as a droan. Lexus flew an engineer out to Nashville to inspect and nothing was resolved. 53,000 miles and still vibrates/droan inthe gas pedal and steering wheel. As this circus of phone calls and dealer visits concluded, I was told that they (all LX570) do this and I was welcome to drive another to prove this. Very disappointed in the car and no resolution.

 

Mine vibrates first thing in the morning when the engine is cold, the vibration is in the center where the transmission is mounted