LSD questions...
 

Did the 97+, auto, TT, Supras not come standard with an LSD? I'm looking at a TT diff for sale that has a TRD lsd in it, but was told by someone that that year/model Supra didn't have a standard torsen. I thought they all came with torsens, but I could be mistaken. Here's a pic of the pumpkin. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Just play it safe and buy a new unworn lsd just my $0.02

93-98 TT 6spd = LSD
93-96 TT Auto = LSD

97-98 TT Auto LSD was an option

Ok, so this was a pumpkin that originally didn't have an LSD, and got a TRD put in it. Is this a better option than going with one of the original, auto, lsd's, that CAME with a torsen? The TRD is a good diff, but I'm not sure if it's a better idea to have one that had a Torsen to start with.

As long as it was swapped by a professional and shimmed correctly, the TRD unit is just as good if not better than the factory Torsen.
Be aware that the TRD unit requires a different lube, because it's a clutch-type, not a gear type like the Torsen.

Cheers,
~Alan

Actually that LSD is mine and has less than 8000 miles. I'm no drifter. The TRD LSD was installed by Woodfield Lexus in Schaumburg (by a professional).

I would say the TRD is CLEARLY better than the Torsen if installed correctly. Most all of the big power Supras are running them successfully whereas the Torsen starts taking a dump after a few too many runs in the 10s.

For a mild to moderate street car, the Torsen is awesome because it is cheap and easy. But, the TRD is definitely a more stout unit regardless of whether or not big power is on your mind.

Installed by a Lexus dealer themselves, I would not be concerned in the least about this specific differential. Having never rebuilt a diff in my life, even I was able to shim the carrier and pinion to get the backlash and contact patch within spec when I rebuilt mine.