I went with my cousin this afternoon to look at 4 wheel drive Toyota 4 Runners and Nissan Pathfinders. It appears neither offer limited slip type rear ends! That was a surprise for me.

They do offer a limited slip system that uses the antilock brake system (ABS) components to monitor wheel slippage and then apply the brakes, adjust the throttle, etc. (Per the brochure, the 4 Runner only offers this in 2 wheel drive, but the Pathfinder has it for 2 WD and 4 WD.)

This type of limited slip approach is new to me. I do not read the off-road mags, so I have not heard of this system and have not read any test reports.

I was wondering what you all think of this system and how it compares to the conventional limited slip differential. Is one system better than the other?

Intuitively, I would think the limited slip differential, as in my Duramax, is the better deal for regular off-road driving, but I cannot explain why. I would think the ABS system is intended for occasional use. Is that right? I do not want to be closed minded to new techologies, so I would sure appreciate your opinions on this system.

Thanks.

They are more of a traction controll system than anything. They are a great system letting the wheel with the most traction get all the power front or rear.

Good system. Land Rover has been using a similar setup for years. The main downfall I see is that it is electronic and if it were to fail, you would be left with a completely open ALL-wheel drive system that would get stuck with just one wheel spinning.

The H2 has this set up along w/ a rear e-locker.
W/o the locker engaged 3 wheels on rollers on a 10% slope, it will pull it's self w/ only one wheel traction.
It does work but the e-lockers are better for most stuff except ice.

limited slip would be worse for off-roading i would think...kinda like saying 2wd is better than 4wd.