T4R 2006 Differentials

[magnumfan]

4Runner Differentials

Folks, my dealer is telling me that all late model 4Runners (I own an 06 Ltd) have open diffs and that LSDs and Lockers are only available on the Sequia/Tundra/Landcruiser/FJ/Tacoma.

Does that make a 4Runner really an AWD, not a 4WD?

My 4Runner is fitted with the Torsen center diff lock and open differentials on the front and rear axels, how the heck does the system put power to the tires?. To my mind the center diff lock capability is negated by the two open differentials

Or am I completely missing something?

Many thanks

magnumfan (thats magnum caliber handguns and rifles)

 

[RonMAIDEN]

This is a 3rd gen forum so maybe post over in general tech.

 

[neliconcept]

Re: 4Runner Differentials

Folks, my dealer is telling me that all late model 4Runners (I own an 06 Ltd) have open diffs and that LSDs and Lockers are only available on the Sequia/Tundra/Landcruiser/FJ/Tacoma.

Does that make a 4Runner really an AWD, not a 4WD?

My 4Runner is fitted with the Torsen center diff lock and open differentials on the front and rear axels, how the heck does the system put power to the tires?. To my mind the center diff lock capability is negated by the two open differentials

Or am I completely missing something?

c
Many thanks

magnumfan (thats magnum caliber handguns and rifles)

ouple of guys like Alex and this other guy who are running ARB airlockers

dont believe a dealer bro.

Your 4runner is not AWD, it has an option for full time 4wd in harsh conditions when you push the button but you can still drive in 2wd

 

[magnumfan]

Appologies - I previously posted this question in the wrong place

Folks, my dealer is telling me that all late model 4Runners (I own an 06 Ltd) have open diffs and that LSDs and Lockers are only available on the Sequia/Tundra/Landcruiser/FJ/Tacoma. Meaning that eLockers and LSDs are not available on current gen T4R.

Does that make a 4Runner really an AWD, not a 4WD?

My 4Runner is fitted with the Torsen center diff lock and open differentials on the front and rear axels (according to the dealer), so how the heck does the system put power to the tires?. To my mind the center diff lock capability is negated by the two open differentials

Or am I completely missing something?

Many thanks

magnumfan (thats magnum caliber handguns and rifles)

 

[jharris2]

Threads merged.

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Tosen's website lists the 4Runner and FJC as AWD vehicles. The center Torsen Type III diff splits torque front/rear on an AWD vehicle. The "locking" feature of the Torsen Type III locks the torque bias in a specified range, which is between (f/r) 65:35% to 35/65%. That is why unlocked you can turn without wheel hop and locked you get the hop (because during a turn where you get the hop, you are experiencing torque levels that are out of the "locking" torque range). My Runner is full-time 4WD, or otherwise known as, AWD. I don't have a 2WD option. Good question though, I only looked up Torsen's website, so I might be missing something as well.

 

[Northof49]

Full-time 4wd = AWD

Different terms for the same thing. Toyota traditionally uses "Full time 4wd" over "AWD," other manufacturers do the opposite.

In addition to the center torsen diff, the 4R creates a LSD effect on the front and rear axles by individually braking spinning wheels via A-TRAC.

 

[Thai]

READ these two threads: (esp. the 2nd thread)

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=12

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5036

Power from your engine is routed thru the center differential. This is where your Torsen center diff works. It distributes power to the front and rear axles. Locking it means equal power going to front and rear.

At EACH axle, ATRAC functions to distribute power side-to-side. Thus, ATRAC is the equivalent of LSD (limited-slip differential) on both front and rear axles. In other words, with the 4runner, it is like a traditional SUV with a center diff lock and LSDs on both axles.

As for modifying the rid, it is possible to get ARB rear locker on the 4runner...and it works just fine with ATRAC!! I would NOT recommend front locker on the 4runner because it has IFS (independent front suspension). IFS is traditionally weaker (from a stress point of view) than a solid axle.

If you off-road a lot, then i would recommend getting an ARB rear locker with air compressor. That would make it a very awesome rig!

 

[OUTRNNR]

Full time 4WD is different than AWD because it has low range gearing. Most cars with AWD (Audi, Subaru, crossover SUV's) lack low range gearing.

 

[fitzt4r]

Re: Re: Re: 4Runner Differentials

Magnum -

I think in your original post you mentioned you owned an 06 Limited? If so, then you don't have the option for 2WD. The sport & Sr5 classes have this option, but the limited is full-time 4WD only (you do have an option for 4LO).

Jonas

If I recall, all V6 models (regardless of trim level) are 2WD with the dial on the dash to switch into 4WD if equipped. The V8 (regardless of trim level) are the Full Time 4WD being debated in this tread.

Fitz

 

[Falls]

Full time 4x4 is NOT the same as AWD , please know you 4wd systems before you make statements and freak people out.

As far as the axles go they are open diffs , but have a feature called Atrac which works electronically to apply traction to all wheels when it kicks in . I've had all 4 wheels spinning at once hill climbing in snow. It works very well. I think the dealers do not have a clue about this stuff.

A 4wd system also has selectable transfer case ie: low range , and in the 4r's case a locking center diff.

Some people prefer locking diffs , some ( like me ) prefer Atrac or LSD's , some dont care either way.

Bottom line the 4R will take you most places you need to go with Atrac it works well IMO. Really heavy off road rock climbing ect... lockers work the best .

 

[magnumfan]

Ah the light is on at its burning at 130W

Guys, thanks for the replies especially Thai

I guess my biggest problem was being raised on LSDs, Lockers and open front diffs.

I have to wonder why the T4R marketing collateral, the folks in the service drive and the sales guys at my local dealer (Folsom Toyota - yes near that prison - but Im not a guest, thankfully) - cannot explain how the ATRAC and VSC work - like you guys did.

Now I get it and I feel a lot more comfortable and Im looking forward to taking it out and bending it some more.

One more question in terms of drive line capability, what is the difference between the new FJ and the 4Runner? It seams to me they have the same equipment options, although I think the FJ has an option on a rear eLocker.

Last question, is there anywhere on a TR4 (2006) that can be used to lift it with a high lift jack (safely)?

 

[Northof49]

Full time 4x4 is NOT the same as AWD , please know you 4wd systems before you make statements and freak people out.

Even within Toyota there is crossover of the 2 terms....RAV4's and Highlanders get the "Full-time 4wd" designation, whereas the Sienna gets "Full-time AWD." AFAIK, the Sienna and Highlander system's are near identical.

The Matrix models have "4wd" stamped right on the back, and that was a front drive, rear when needed type system; different again. Definetly no low-range or locking diffs in any of these.

Back in the day (late 80's, early 90's), the Camrys and Corollas had the same "Full-time 4wd" nomenclature, whereas Subarus of the time would have used "AWD" for the same type of system.

 

[Thai]

Re: Ah the light is on at its burning at 130W

One more question in terms of drive line capability, what is the difference between the new FJ and the 4Runner? It seams to me they have the same equipment options, although I think the FJ has an option on a rear eLocker.

Last question, is there anywhere on a TR4 (2006) that can be used to lift it with a high lift jack (safely)?

The FJ uses a shortened 4runner/GX470 frame. The suspension is modified a bit by Toyota to increase wheel travel front and rear. I believe that the major change is that FJ has thinner anti-roll bars front and rear. There may be other minor changes. The underbody is slightly modified for better protection (e.g. fuel tank and fuel tank skids are trimmed for breakover clearance). Spare tire goes on the rear door instead of underneath. Approach and departure angles are slightly better than 4runner.

As for off-road gear, the FJ comes with rear locker as an option. In addition, FJ's ATRAC option is very aggressive and is only for use off-road (in low range, similar to locker). FJ's ATRAC is a more aggressive form of the 4runner's ATRAC system.

As for the hi-lift placement, i would just get a nice sturdy pair of rock sliders and use that as the place to put the hi-lift.

 

[Falls]

Even within Toyota there is crossover of the 2 terms....RAV4's and Highlanders get the "Full-time 4wd" designation, whereas the Sienna gets "Full-time AWD." AFAIK, the Sienna and Highlander system's are near identical.

The Matrix models have "4wd" stamped right on the back, and that was a front drive, rear when needed type system; different again. Definetly no low-range or locking diffs in any of these.

Back in the day (late 80's, early 90's), the Camrys and Corollas had the same "Full-time 4wd" nomenclature, whereas Subarus of the time would have used "AWD" for the same type of system.

Incorrect, the Rav , Highlander , Matrix are AWD and not 4wd, hence the no transfer case , lo range ect...

The 4x4 term is used loosely by mfg's for marketing purposes . makes people feel good because it says 4x4 on it . Its an AWD system which is great for what these vehicles are used for.

 

[BC4Runner]

Incorrect, the Rav , Highlander , Matrix are AWD and not 4wd, hence the no transfer case , lo range ect...

The 4x4 term is used loosely by mfg's for marketing purposes . makes people feel good because it says 4x4 on it . Its an AWD system which is great for what these vehicles are used for.

Say what you like but the back of my 2003 Highlander Limited says 4WD not AWD.

 

[Northof49]

Incorrect, the Rav , Highlander , Matrix are AWD and not 4wd, hence the no transfer case , lo range ect...

The 4x4 term is used loosely by mfg's for marketing purposes . makes people feel good because it says 4x4 on it . Its an AWD system which is great for what these vehicles are used for.

My initial point was not to get hung up on the terms, because they are used interchageably by the manufactuers, specifically Toyota, which they clearly are. To get to the level of detail you are trying for, additional descriptors are needed over and above these 2 ambigious terms.

Such as the Highlander example, Full-time 4wd = AWD