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Toyota 4WD systems explained
2487 messages, Last post on Apr 28, 2012 at 12:48 PM
You are in the Toyota Land Cruiser Forum.What is this discussion about? Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma, Truck, SUV
#5 of 2487 Highlander and RAV4 by cliffy1
May 16, 2001 (4:01 pm)
These utilize a limited slip center differential and open front and rear differentials. It is a viscous coupling center differential. If one of the front wheels begins to spin faster than the rear, the heavy liquid in the center begins to firm up which routes more power to the rear. Once torque is equalized, the 50-50 power split is resumed. This system is always engaged and requires no driver input.It is possible to become stuck with this system. This is because of the open front and rear differentials. If both right tires were on ice, all power would be routed to these wheels. This is a fairly unlikely occurrence on a light duty vehicle like these. On the Highlander, you can get VSC, which includes traction control. If the right wheel begins to slip, brakes are applied to this wheel and power is sent to the left. On the 4WD model, there is no rev limiter associated with the traction control.
- jmay (Jan 14, 2006 1:11 pm)
Replies to this message:
#6 of 2487 4LO by loma1
May 24, 2001 (2:44 pm)
On the 4Runner can you use 4Lo without locking the center differential? If you can, you still have traction control I assume.#7 of 2487 loma1 by cliffy1
May 26, 2001 (10:47 am)
That is correct. On the Runner, you can run with the full TRACS/VSC system in 4 Low or lock up the center and have a conventional 4WD system.#8 of 2487 question by leomort
Jun 04, 2001 (7:42 am)
on 4Runners. Can you use the 4 wheel drive in hi mode when driving on snowy highways? I know you're not suppose to on Dry roads. How much benefit do you get from the locking diffy when off-roading? Don't see many 4Runners with this option. Looking at possibly getting a used 4Runner.Leo
#9 of 2487 by drew_
Jun 04, 2001 (10:25 pm)
Off-roading in a TRACS-equipped '01 4Runnner:tbird45 "Toyota 4Runner" Jun 4, 2001 8:03pm
Drew
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#10 of 2487 Drew by leomort
Jun 05, 2001 (6:25 am)
I thought Toyota got rid of the locking rear diffy on the 2001's? I thought I also read somewhere that this option can't be had with an automatic transmission?Leo
#11 of 2487 leomort by cliffy1
Jun 05, 2001 (12:21 pm)
My first question for you is, what model year is your Runner? If you have a 2001, there is a center differential lock, and that places it into a conventional part time 4WD mode. This should not be used on dry pavement. With the 2001, it is safe to use 4WD high (unlocked center differential) on dry pavement.If you are talking about an older one, they had a conventional part time system. Read back to the section here that discusses the Tundra and Tacoma systems. That should answer your questions.
#12 of 2487 cliffy1 by squeakersadie
Jun 05, 2001 (7:11 pm)
To summarize, do you mean to say the the HL with 4wd and VSC is the least likely to get stuck in moderate snow conditions? Also, is the limited slip dif a clutch or plate type? What is the likelyhood of its needing service?Thanks for all your informative posts.
JM
#13 of 2487 looking at used '99 SR5 v6 4x4 by leomort
Jun 06, 2001 (4:55 am)
if I can only use the 4x4 off road, then it really isn't worth getting if it can't be used on pavement in snowy or bad road conditions during winter.Leo
#14 of 2487 looking back at Tacoma&Tundra post by leomort
Jun 06, 2001 (5:00 am)
it appears that I can use the 4x4 during adverse weather condtions on pavement, as long as it's not dry. Just how "bad" is the key.Leo
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