Quote:
Originally posted by noserider
Guys
Thanks for the info. It makes sense. This is my first 4 wd so I'm starting from scratch on the mechanics. Would you ever want to be in 4 wheel high with the center diff locked? When you lock the center differential how does this send more torque to the wheels that have the most traction? I guess I dont understand the gearing when you lock the center differential.
thanks
|
Driving through deep snow on an unplowed road might be a time when you'd use high range and center diff lock.
To understand how a locker helps, you have to be familiar with the basics of how a differential works. With an open differential the amount of torque sent through each shaft is equal. If one shaft is driving a wheel with no traction, no torque is delivered to that wheel. This means that no torque is delivered to the other wheel, even if there is grip. A locking differential allows torque to be sent to the wheel with grip.
In a nutshell the output shafts of an open differential get equal torque but can turn at different speeds. The output shafts of a locked differential turn at the same speed, but can get different amounts torque.
Your 4Runner has 3 differentials, a front, center, and a rear. Only the center has a locking feature. The front and rear don't have a locker but the control system can apply the brakes independently to emulate a locker.
By the way you can drive on pavement in 4 low if you want to, just be easy with the throttle. I've done it several times and to my knowledge Toyota doesn't advise against it.