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Toyota 4WD systems explained

2392 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 3:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma, Truck, SUV

#2383 of 2392 Well, it has been confirmed by nedzel Sep 30, 2009 (3:33 am)
The 2010 4Runner SR5 and Trail Edition do NOT have a Torsen center differential. They have the VF2A transfer case. In other words, it is a part-time 4WD system that is not suitable for use on the road. Offroad only.   This is a major step backwards for the 4Runner. Replies to this message: wwest (Sep 30, 2009 7:47 am) steve_ (Sep 30, 2009 10:28 am) wwest (Sep 30, 2009 11:20 am) wwest (Sep 30, 2009 11:24 am) nedzel (Oct 01, 2009 7:51 am) wwest (Oct 01, 2009 8:44 am)
#2384 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [nedzel] by wwest Sep 30, 2009 (7:47 am)
Replying to: nedzel (Sep 30, 2009 3:33 am) Don't be so quick..!!   The shop manuals still show a "Torsen" type diff'l, perhaps a "clone" design (patent has run out..??) and not allowed use the "Torsen" name.
#2385 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [nedzel] by steve_ HOST Sep 30, 2009 (10:28 am)
Replying to: nedzel (Sep 30, 2009 3:33 am) Source for your confirmation? Thanks. Replies to this message: wwest (Sep 30, 2009 11:20 am)
#2386 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [steve_] by wwest Sep 30, 2009 (11:20 am)
Replying to: steve_ (Sep 30, 2009 10:28 am) As of 2010 the 4runner can be ordered with a simple transfer case, PART-TIME 4WD, or with the Torsen, FULL-TIME R/AWD or PART-TIME selectable mode.   "...But..., frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!..."   Can someone tell me, PLEASE tell me, why full-time AWD/4WD is so all-fired desireable..??   IMMHO an IDEAL AWD system would be predominantly RWD and only couple drive torque to the front if the rear wheels begine to slip/spin. But in NO case should the front wheels be "driven", leading or lagging, with the brakes applied, in a tight turn, a low speed accelerating turn, or if should VSC activation be required.   The only full-time AWD that comes even close to that is the Acura SH-AWD system.   Think about it, if your vehicle has TC/TRAC, Traction Control, of what use is full-time AWD/4WD...?? Unless you have turned it off then the instant wheelspin/slip is detected TC will INSTANTLY moderately brake the slipping wheel(s) and just as INSTANTLY dethrottle the engine.   Yes, you could now turn TC off, but I would just as soon be in the TRUE 4runner and switch to a LOCKED center diff'l/transfer for teh duration of travel on the slippery surface.
#2387 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [nedzel] by wwest Sep 30, 2009 (11:24 am)
Replying to: nedzel (Sep 30, 2009 3:33 am) "...not suitable for use on the road.."   Methinks you overstate slightly.   The VF2A transfer will be perfectly fine, quite acceptable, for those of us that must content with wintertime adverse ROADBED conditions. And maybe an occassional venture off-road to get around all the FWD and F/awd either wrecked, stuck, or just simply stalled in the roadway. Replies to this message: nedzel (Oct 01, 2009 7:51 am) wwest (Oct 01, 2009 8:44 am)
#2388 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [wwest] by nedzel Oct 01, 2009 (7:51 am)
Replying to: wwest (Sep 30, 2009 11:24 am) wwest, I've already explained it quite well, and will not continue any conversations with you as long as you continue with that sort of tone. If you wish to have a civilized conversation and leave behind your all caps and eye-rolling and mocking and sarcasm and arrogance, fine. Until then... Replies to this message: wwest (Oct 01, 2009 8:44 am)
#2389 of 2392 Re: Well, it has been confirmed [nedzel] by wwest Oct 01, 2009 (8:44 am)
Replying to: nedzel (Oct 01, 2009 7:51 am)
#2390 of 2392 Sequoia 4WD system by guch Oct 13, 2009 (5:48 pm)
I need help with understanding sequoia system. I am planning on buying this truck for my wife. Since it is a RWD truck I worry about her driving it on wet roads and in snow. Switching to 4WD seems to eat a lot more gas so it seems like a waste to drive in 4WD in just little rain or snow. How is Sequoia's traction control and vehicle stability control going to do in these conditions? Dealer says it does greatith VSC alone withput need to turn on 4WD. My other option is to get Lexus GX 470 or 460 when it comes out , these are full time AWD.   Thank you for your advise and help Replies to this message: wwest (Nov 08, 2009 3:58 pm)
#2391 of 2392 Confused about 4WD/AWD by robnny123 Nov 08, 2009 (2:31 pm)
Do any current SUV's have a selectable 4WD/AWD mode, it seems to be more fuel efficient while most of your driving is generally 2WD. Thanks
#2392 of 2392 Re: Sequoia 4WD system [guch] by wwest Nov 08, 2009 (3:58 pm)
Replying to: guch (Oct 13, 2009 5:48 pm) In reality RWD vehicles are a lot more safe in adverse roadbed conditions than their FWD and/or F/awd "brotheren". Even if your wife should leadfoot it a bit inappropreately the RWD vehicle will still have available traction at the front with which to sustain or assume directional control.   Whereas with FWD or F/awd absent Trac she would be in rather serious jepordy. That's why owners are complaining so LOUDLY about the aggressiveness of TC in their FWD and F/awd vehicles. Absent TC's aggressiveness upon detection of even the slightest level of wheelspin/slip there would undoubtedly be a lot more accidents attributed to FWD and F/awd vehicles.   Just think of TC as the inverse equivalent of ABS, it's there to save your life.

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