LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

Basic LS460 AWD questions: limited slip differentials?

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Old 08-03-20 | 05:24 PM
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Default Basic LS460 AWD questions: limited slip differentials?

I'm hoping to get some info about the LS460 AWD drive system. Keeping it short and sweet.
1) Is the front differential a standard open unit or limited slip?
2) Is the transfer case some kind of limited slip unit? If so, what type? (clutch type or Torsen)
3) Is the rear differential a limited slip unit? If so, what type? (clutch type or Torsen)

Just curious. The liquid Latinum (LL80 fluid) that is specified for the transfer case made me actually yelp out loud when I saw the price. With that exorbitant price in mind, I'd like to know more about these drivetrain components that are being serviced; hence the above three questions. Thanks!
Old 08-03-20 | 05:43 PM
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The center differential of the 600 is a TORSEN limited slip unit, not sure about the 460 though. The 2010 LS brochure speaks in terms of the 600 AWD system "working in conjunction" with traction control to "transfer power to the wheel with the most grip." Draw your own conclusion as to what exactly that means.
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sdls (08-03-20)
Old 08-03-20 | 05:53 PM
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This is an excellent question. I just reviewed the 2015 brochures and there was anything that indicated any specs. I'm curious to hear the answer.

(Here's my guess: limited slip transfer case and the front and rear rely on the anti-lock brakes to clamp a slipping wheel.)
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sdls (08-03-20)
Old 08-03-20 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by sdls
I'm hoping to get some info about the LS460 AWD drive system. Keeping it short and sweet.
1) Is the front differential a standard open unit or limited slip?
2) Is the transfer case some kind of limited slip unit? If so, what type? (clutch type or Torsen)
3) Is the rear differential a limited slip unit? If so, what type? (clutch type or Torsen)

Just curious. The liquid Latinum (LL80 fluid) that is specified for the transfer case made me actually yelp out loud when I saw the price. With that exorbitant price in mind, I'd like to know more about these drivetrain components that are being serviced; hence the above three questions. Thanks!
The center differential (transfer case) is a Torsen Limited Slip system. I don't know about the differentials for the front and rear axles.
https://pressroom.lexus.com/2012-lex...-refined-ride/



I am getting my complete transmission service done in a few days at Lexus along with the low pressure fuel pump recall.
Automatic Transmission (Toyota ATF WS), Front and Rear Differentials (Mobil1 75W-85) and Transfer Case (Toyota LL80). Total cost ~$600.
My independent shop would have cost about $80 less using the same fluids.
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DavidinCT (08-07-20)
Old 08-04-20 | 01:59 AM
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From the 2007 UK LS600h launch pack:

The LS 600h’s all-wheel drive has a three-differential configuration and a propeller shaft, coupled directly to the hybrid transmission. A central, permanently engaged Torsen limited slip differential distributes drive power between the front and rear axles.

Because both Type A and Type B Torsen differentials provide an equal 50:50 torque distribution, Lexus engineers developed a highly compact Type C Torsen differential for the LS 600h. This gives a 40:60 rear axle bias that successfully suppresses understeer and gives the ride comfort and stability under acceleration that are characteristic of rear-wheel drive and fundamental to a premium segment saloon. The Type C differential’s highly responsive torque distribution qualities are continuously controlled and, according to driving conditions, can be varied from a 48:52 to 31:69 split between the front and rear axles. This helps enhance grip, traction and cornering stability under acceleration to class-leading levels.

In order to accommodate the gear transfer without sacrificing legroom in the cabin, Lexus rejected even the smallest and lightest Torsen system currently available. It took three years to develop a new unit that is smaller and lighter than any other available, with both elements of the transfer and differential gearing housed in a single casing.

The new transfer replaces conventional chain-drive with a compact three-axis gear configuration that is also quieter overall. Further reduction in noise from gear engagement was achieved by precision polishing of the gear teeth. Also, the optimum number of teeth was determined, to negate resonance.
You can see the central differential unit in this cutaway model of an LS600h transmission, all the way to the right:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C...xus_LS600h.jpg

No idea whether the LS460 has the same transfer case and central diff setup, but I recall hearing that they are available separately...

However, I'm not finding USF45/USF46 (LS460 AWD variants) from the parts catalogue here, so can't cross-reference the transfer case part codes with the LS600h.
https://lexus-usa.epc-data.com/ls460_460l
Old 08-09-20 | 01:11 AM
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The LS600h and LS460 AWD both use the LF1A transfer with the Torsen LSD (41301-50041). It is also used in the IS300h AWD, Toyota Crown Hybrid, LS500 and LS500h.

The front diff is open, the rear diff is an open diff with a preload spring to help traction when starting off on low-friction surfaces. If you wanted to add a limited slip to the rear, part number 41110-24270 is a complete differential with the correct gearing and a Torsen T2 LSD. You would need to use your original differential cover (41108-50050) to match the mounting.

Jeff

Last edited by Jeff Lange; 08-09-20 at 01:15 AM.
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Old 08-09-20 | 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff Lange
The LS600h and LS460 AWD both use the LF1A transfer with the Torsen LSD (41301-50041). It is also used in the IS300h AWD, Toyota Crown Hybrid, LS500 and LS500h.

The front diff is open, the rear diff is an open diff with a preload spring to help traction when starting off on low-friction surfaces. If you wanted to add a limited slip to the rear, part number 41110-24270 is a complete differential with the correct gearing and a Torsen T2 LSD. You would need to use your original differential cover (41108-50050) to match the mounting.

Jeff
Awesome information, thanks man!
Old 08-12-20 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff Lange
The LS600h and LS460 AWD both use the LF1A transfer with the Torsen LSD (41301-50041). It is also used in the IS300h AWD, Toyota Crown Hybrid, LS500 and LS500h.

The front diff is open, the rear diff is an open diff with a preload spring to help traction when starting off on low-friction surfaces. If you wanted to add a limited slip to the rear, part number 41110-24270 is a complete differential with the correct gearing and a Torsen T2 LSD. You would need to use your original differential cover (41108-50050) to match the mounting.

Jeff

Can part number 41110-24270 work on RWD?
Old 08-12-20 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Tnxx
Can part number 41110-24270 work on RWD?
I’m pretty sure it would fit but the axle ratio is different. If there is a way to fix the speedometer reading and the computer wouldn’t freak out, it would definitely make the RWD quicker off the line.
Old 08-12-20 | 11:06 PM
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41110-24270 would work on the RWD or AWD. The speedometer reads at the wheels, so there should be no issues as far as speed readings are concerned.

Jeff
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