2006 Tundra with Vehicle Stability

First of all, if the dealer found 3, then Toyota *does* put it on Tundras. And, if the dealer can't answer the question, it's time to find another dealer.

"Grumpy" sez:

Our household has both a Sequoia with VSC and a Tundra without. I'm quite happy that the Tundra doesn't have it as I've found the system only to be a benefit to someone that has no feel for their vehicle. If you do have a feel for what your vehicle is doing, the VSC system only gets in the way. In winter driving conditions, I'll happily lock the center differential on the Sequoia to override the VSC system. YMMV ...

Good drivin' to ya, VLJ

Is a limited slip rear differential - which Edmunds lists as an option for Tundra - beneficial with a 4wd Tundra when driving in snow/ice? Can find no mention of a limited slip rear differential on the Toyota web site.

One Toyota sales guy said they did not make a Tundra with a full size bed - picked up his brochures and pointed to a picture of one - "Learned something today" he said. Betcha he knows the commission to a penny.

sez:

Yes and no. On flat conditions, the LSD can assist by diverting power to the wheel that will slip the least where an open differential will send all power to the wheel that will slip the most. More traction is good here. Where it may not help is on a "crowned" surface or a sloping surface in very low traction conditions (like ice). By sending power to both wheels, they will both spin and the rear end of the vehicle will tend to slide down-slope. I've seen more than one yahoo thinking that 4x4 is magic, stomping on the gas and crabbing right into the ditch with a funny look on their face. In conditions like that, I like 4x4 with cables/chains on the tires and a light foot on the gas pedal. :-)

I believe the LSD rear differential is only available with the "TRD" package and includes upgraded shock absorbers, progressive springs in the suspension and 16" rims (at least that's the way my '04 D-cab was spec'ed).

Good drivin' to ya, VLJ

Apparently, product knowledge is not a top priority at some dealerships. When I was shopping for a new vehicle in 2002, my first stop was a Dodge dealership. I was looking for a sedan with rear wheel drive for towing my small boat. I asked the sales monkey had front or rear wheel drive. His response: "Hmm....probably one or the other". Test drove the car anyway, and decided to move on after a piece of the dashboard fell off. :-)

tundra does offer a LS option for $227, and it does not have to be on a TRD package. LS is good for towing and for good grip on start off. for example if you're pulling your boat up the boat ramp. if you're looking for offroad. LS is okay, but you want lockers on your rear-end. chevys and nissan offer lockers on the rear.

because most double cabs dont go off roading that much. plus big trucks arent design for offroading, basically they dont have the ground clearence.

And dont use the dealer. dealers only wanna sell what they got in stock first before they shop for you. instead shop with carsdirect.com or other options like costco auto, they give you better price and better options on whats trucks are out there.