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

#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

#15 of 2487 squeakersadie by cliffy1

Jun 06, 2001 (6:22 am)

On the HL, the least likely version is the 4WD with the VSC. The limited slip differential in the CENTER is a viscous coupling, while the optional rear LSD is a clutch type. The down side to clutch types is that they wear out. When they do, you may not even know it. They will just behave like a normal open type.

#16 of 2487 Highlander , mobile-1 syn gear oil? by teeceeb

Jun 08, 2001 (6:02 am)

Cliffy,
 
  On the awd highlander there is a sticker on the center differential that states 85w-90w , would it be ok to use mobile 1 syn 75w-90w gear oil? you mention that when the front wheels spin faster than the rear, the heavy liquid firms up. so should a 75-140 be better?
 
thanks
tc
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