Does the V6 4WD have 3 electronic actuators?

[MICA4R]

Question for the Techy's here.

The other day I wanted to find out if my front differential was active when in 2WD mode OR if each front wheel was independently spinning.

So this is what I did.

1) Put both front wheels in the air in 2WD and N. (parking brake on) Spun the driver's side wheel NOTHING happened to the passenger side wheel!

2) Put the 4R in 4WD [I can hear 2 distinct motor sounds, engine was off, but key was in ON position] spun the Driver's side wheel and the passenger side wheel spun the opposite direction! Differential Active.

3) When I click it into 4LO I hear a third motor activate.

This leads me to only one conclusion which is there are 3 electrical servos in the V6 4WD models.

1) TRANSFERCASE
2) FRONT DIFF
3) 4LO GEAR

Can someone please concur with this or tell me what the reality is?

Thanks!:cowboy:

 

[scottm]

I was amazed to find my front driveshaft turns freely when in 2WD, sure made it easy to lube. Apparently there is a locker that disengages the front driveshaft from the transfer case, and another sleeve that disengages one front axle from the differential. Seems over complicated, I'd much rather they'd put lockers in the front and rear diffs. I'm sure they didn't do it just for fun, it must save money somehow.

 

[Acidmeld]

The op is correct. One actuator for the front diff, two for the transfer case 4wd and 4lo. "Use em or lose em"
To clarify a locker is not the same as an actuator. Locking diffs cost a lot more than open diffs and would still require an acuator.

 

[scottm]

I haven't looked at my FSM, but it seems there would be one in the front axle carrier, one in the transfer case to lock the front driveshaft to the center Torsen diff, one to lock the center diff, and one to shift 4LO to 4HI. So I'm guessing four actuators in the drivetrain after the transmission.

 

[Acidmeld]

I haven't looked at my FSM, but it seems there would be one in the front axle carrier, one in the transfer case to lock the front driveshaft to the center Torsen diff, one to lock the center diff, and one to shift 4LO to 4HI. So I'm guessing four actuators in the drivetrain after the transmission.

You're right. Good catch.

 

[MICA4R]

I haven't looked at my FSM, but it seems there would be one in the front axle carrier, one in the transfer case to lock the front driveshaft to the center Torsen diff, one to lock the center diff, and one to shift 4LO to 4HI. So I'm guessing four actuators in the drivetrain after the transmission.

Plus 1 Scott!

4 Actuators, nice catch.