Toyota 4WD systems explained

"..Guess some AWD are getting stuck !!..."

No kidding, and even some that are FALSELY labelled 4WD.

Lots of sins created under the AWD "term". Most are simple FWD with some minor level of part time, "automatic" part time, rear drive augmentation. With the rising public awareness of the patently unsafe nature of FWD vehicles for wintertime adverse roadbed the manufacturers are attempting a "bait and switch", "find the pea", sales technique.

Any "base" FWD vehicle, sideways mounted engine, that has some level of rear drive augmentation should NEVER be referred to as AWD, nor even 4WD as some manufacturers seem wont to do.

F/awd, awd only in lower case, is the only appropreate marketing designation, label for these patently unsafe FWD vehicles.

#2442 of 2487 Re: AWD or 4WD [onoffroad] by wwest

May 27, 2010 (7:07 am)

Replying to: onoffroad (May 26, 2010 12:33 pm)

"..Guess some AWD are getting stuck.."

The sign could be more definitive, narrow the restriction, if F/awd vehicles were kept out that make use of TC braking to implement some form of F/awd, apportion some minor level of engine torque to the rear via the use of braking at the front.

Slow to a virtual stop, get stuck, TC instantly dethrottles the engine, call for a tow.

#2443 of 2487 Re: Replacing Tires Question [kingfans1] by wwest

May 27, 2010 (7:13 am)

Replying to: kingfans1 (May 25, 2010 8:52 pm)

I find myself perfectly happy in "snow" with my F/awd '01 RX300 even running summer only tires....

EXCEPT on ice or packed down snow. At that point I immediately install rear tire chains and add the fronts if conditions(***) warrant.

*** Conditions might involve surrounding traffic, INCOMPETENT driver traffic.

#2444 of 2487 Re: Replacing Tires Question [kingfans1] by wwest

May 27, 2010 (7:23 am)

Replying to: kingfans1 (May 25, 2010 8:52 pm)

On the other hand should, when, the transaxle in my '01 RX300 finally fails, expected prior to 100k miles, now at 80K, I will be converting the RX to R/awd.

The center differential front drive spider gears will be removed and the rear drive spider gears will get welded into place. Eliminating front mechanical drive and SOLIDIFYING the engine drive coupling to the rear. I will also be installing a new VC from the 99-00 RX series so that torque coupling will automatically be coupled to the front upon/with rear wheelspin/slip.

So, my preference is quite clearly some sort of R/awd system such as is in my '94 Ford Aerostar. In the absence of R/awd availibility I would always choose RWD, tire chains on board, for travelling on wintertime adverse roadbeds.

#2445 of 2487 surf fishing OBX by beachfish2

May 31, 2010 (10:59 am)

I've been surf fishing the Outer Banks since the early '70s and it's more about knowing how to drive on the beach than it is the vehicle. We started out using rear wheel drive trucks with large nearly bald tires. Tread only aids in digging you into the deep, soft sand when a wheel spins.

I haven't taken my '10 HL Limited out yet, but there were a few older ones at Cape Hatteras 3 weeks ago and they were getting around. It's funny having 19" wheels now, after driving an '86 Subaru GL wagon with 13" wheels on the beach for 14 years. It's all about ground clearance and letting enough air out.

Take a tire gauge, a shovel, a board and a snatch strap no matter what you drive.

#2446 of 2487 Torsen Center Differential by 2toyotas

Jun 08, 2010 (6:42 pm)

The new Sequoia, land Cruiser, FJ with a stick, and Limited 4runner, all use a torsen center diff that can be used on all surfaces. The Tundra, and tacoma still use a part time transfer case with no center diff. I have a 2006 tundra and it is really good in wet conditions in rear wheel drive. I know what you mean though. I keep saying if they put a full time transfer case in the tundra I would buy a new Crew Max. So I keep waiting and hoping. But yes the Torsen is still being used despite what "SOME PEOPLE" say.

#2447 of 2487 Toyota 4WD in recently models by shangyd

Dec 22, 2010 (11:36 am)

Don't go through all those 2000+ post. Please forgive me if someone asked before.

Could some explain what the 4WD/AWD systems are in recently Toyota models? Are they full-time 4WD, full-time AWD, or just part-time/auto AWD? I am specially looking for Sequoia, 4Runner, Highland, and Sienna. The first post of this thread is from 2001 and lots things have been changed. Thanks.

Replies to this message:

stateofmaine (Dec 22, 2010 3:08 pm)
- shangyd (Dec 22, 2010 10:32 pm)
  - stateofmaine (Dec 26, 2010 6:54 am)
  - wwest (Dec 26, 2010 11:41 am) and 10 more...

#2448 of 2487 Re: Toyota 4WD in recently models [shangyd] by stateofmaine

Dec 22, 2010 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: shangyd (Dec 22, 2010 11:36 am)

this will help you get started: http://www.majormedia2.com/4WDSimplifiedv5/4WD.html

please note that it is dated 1/09, so not all the model information is entirely up to date.

Replies to this message:

shangyd (Dec 22, 2010 10:32 pm)
- stateofmaine (Dec 26, 2010 6:54 am)
- wwest (Dec 26, 2010 11:41 am)
  - vavavavolvo (Dec 26, 2010 1:57 pm) and 5 more...
  - mdhutton (Dec 26, 2010 5:12 pm) and 3 more...

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