Center diff- how much pull?

[mliebal]

4th gen newb.
My 3rd gen w rear diff locker has hit 300k miles, I'm now looking at new rides.

a)So if the center diff is not locked, and just the rear wheels are on very slick ice, and have a slight uphill, will the 4Runner pull in 4 hi?
I have tried to search and got a bunch of tech info, but none answers the question.
b) With dif locked and the right side is on slick ice, will the 4Runner pull up a hill or sit and spin? I guess the TE w diff lock options will pull?

On my 3rd gen I know I have one rear and one front pulling in 4wd, then an additional rear wheel in rear diff lock. But does a differential lock when unlocked provide enough power to the front to actually provide significant pull?

I also rewired my rear dif lock to come on in 2hi, which is fun on the beach, lol.
I guess I need to see if anyone has defeated the front wheels on the V8's to get better mpg? Locking wheel hubs?

Thanks
Mike

 

[ARunner]

a) Yes
b) It will pull up the hill.

In both cases, TRAC would be active.
It limits wheelspin on the low traction wheels to allow those with grip to do some good.

No idea if anyone has converted a V8 to 2wd (unless it came that way originally). Don't think it would be cost effective if you're looking to make it up on incremental fuel mileage.

 

[mliebal]

Thanks ARunner
I guees those tests would put the TRAC system to the test.

On the 3rd gens folks were buying wheel lockout hubs, to save cv joints and some mpgs, but that did not really take off to big in the market.