Transfer Case Question

[CJ3Flyr]

At this point, if I consider a new 4Runner at all, it will be a 2wd. I live in the "rain belt" not the snow belt, and full time 4wd is great in the rain. But my main use of 4wd is pulling large boats up wet ramps and around the storage lot. I use 4-lo/unlocked on my 4th gen and it's the greatest feature you can imagine for this. The Limited still has full-time, but I don't like the 20 inch wheels or the price. And it still doesn't have 4lo/unlocked mode.

I'm actually considering looking for a new 2009 v8 before they are all gone...

As an Atlanta/Florida guy I agree 100%. What were they thinking! FJC sales suck. I'd bet a percentile balked on purchasing the FJC as I did based on the t-case, the second big turn-off was the non-rolldown rear windows. In a few years I'll be looking for a clean '09.
:cheers:

 

[gsrthomas]

I am kind of glad the new 4runner has a part time 4WD system. I love to off road and I definitely want and need a 4x4 system with ATRAC and Rear Locker. I do not need a full time 4WD for everyday driving. I do not mind at all switching to 4high if I go snowboarding in the mountains, etc. Its not hard. So I dont know why people complain about this. I think its kind of fun actually instead of doing nothing. I guess I like the old fashioned style. I am also glad we have a level now to switch between 4low/4high. I HATE how with the 4th gen t is an electronic dial. A manual 4x4 level is a better and robust method.

I'm happy with the new 4runner. I will most likely purchase one after the 2nd or 3rd year it comes out.

I'm all saying this since I live in So Cal. If I lived where it snowed 6 months out of the year.. Yes I would want a full time 4x4 system. For my location I am very happy its a part time system. Sometimes when I off road I like to whip out the tail and see how far I can go in 2wd mode in muddy or steep conditions. With a 4x4 full time system I would not be able to have fun explore both 2wd and 4wd modes while off roading.

 

[M1911]

I am kind of glad the new 4runner has a part time 4WD system. I love to off road and I definitely want and need a 4x4 system with ATRAC and Rear Locker. I do not need a full time 4WD for everyday driving. I do not mind at all switching to 4high if I go snowboarding in the mountains, etc. Its not hard. So I dont know why people complain about this.

Because during a snowstorm, I could have to shift into and out of 4WD every 1/2 mile. Because the part-time system with a locked differential means that every time I turn a corner while in 4WD, a tire is slipping. That's not true for full-time 4WD. Furthermore, the Limited comes with ATRAC, and a there is nothing about a Torsen center diff that would prevent the installation of a locking rear diff.

With a 4x4 full time system I would not be able to have fun explore both 2wd and 4wd modes while off roading.

Huh? Do you not realize that the 4th Gen V6 had a multi-mode system, where you could drive on drive pavement in 2WD, or 4wd?

A lockable Torsen center diff gives you more capability, not less.

 

[JB.]

I am kind of glad the new 4runner has a part time 4WD system. I love to off road and I definitely want and need a 4x4 system with ATRAC and Rear Locker. I do not need a full time 4WD for everyday driving. I do not mind at all switching to 4high if I go snowboarding in the mountains, etc. Its not hard. So I dont know why people complain about this. I think its kind of fun actually instead of doing nothing. I guess I like the old fashioned style. I am also glad we have a level now to switch between 4low/4high. I HATE how with the 4th gen t is an electronic dial. A manual 4x4 level is a better and robust method.

I'm happy with the new 4runner. I will most likely purchase one after the 2nd or 3rd year it comes out.

I'm all saying this since I live in So Cal. If I lived where it snowed 6 months out of the year.. Yes I would want a full time 4x4 system. For my location I am very happy its a part time system. Sometimes when I off road I like to whip out the tail and see how far I can go in 2wd mode in muddy or steep conditions. With a 4x4 full time system I would not be able to have fun explore both 2wd and 4wd modes while off roading.

You can be happy that you don't have to pay the built in cost for the Torsen center diff if you don't want it, but that's it. There's no operational advantage to not having it. It only increases drive mode options.

 

[sandcrawler]

I'm all saying this since I live in So Cal.

well that pretty much says it all, friend. :
if i lived in socal i wouldn't give a hoot about the torsen diff either!

 

[sandcrawler]

You can be happy that you don't have to pay the built in cost for the Torsen center diff if you don't want it, but that's it. There's no operational advantage to not having it. It only increases drive mode options.

amen. but really, for the price of a loaded Trail Edition, you'd think the cost of the torsen would already be "built-in." i really think Toyota screwed the pooch with this decision...

 

[jh26]

lever is probably fake anyway

I HATE how with the 4th gen t is an electronic dial. A manual 4x4 level is a better and robust method.

Don't be fooled - On the 3rd gen, the 4WD lever than you saw in the cab was just a fancy switch that operated servos on the transfer case and front axle. Of course, I haven't crawled under a 5th gen to see for sure, but I bet I would see the same. The lever may look "back to it's roots", but it probably isn't.

 

[M1911]

You can be happy that you don't have to pay the built in cost for the Torsen center diff if you don't want it, but that's it. There's no operational advantage to not having it. It only increases drive mode options.

Preach it, brother!

 

[fjrjim]

Because the part-time system with a locked differential means that every time I turn a corner while in 4WD, a tire is slipping.

Usually locking the diff is a push button option in 4WD Low for no more than a couple of miles per hour.

 

[tineman06]

possible good news:

Some good news about the TE and SR5. The rep at the show said it does have a Torsen center differential. He said you can drive up to 62 mph on pavement in 4wd. The differential engages automatically. I hope this guy knows what he's talking about. When I first asked him, he didn't know the answer. He found me later and said he called to find out the correct answer.

found at this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=455143

 

[M1911]

Usually locking the diff is a push button option in 4WD Low for no more than a couple of miles per hour.

If you have a true part-time system with no center differential, then in 4WD the front and rear driveshafts are turning at the same speed. As a result, when you go around a corner one of the tires has to slip.

In contrast, if you have a Torsen center diff and you have not locked it, the front and rear driveshafts can turn at different speeds, so you don't have slipping when you go around a corner. As a result, a Torsen center diff 4WD system is superior in the winter on snow covered roads when compared with a part-time system that has not center diff.

 

[M1911]

Some good news about the TE and SR5. The rep at the show said it does have a Torsen center differential. He said you can drive up to 62 mph on pavement in 4wd. The differential engages automatically. I hope this guy knows what he's talking about. When I first asked him, he didn't know the answer. He found me later and said he called to find out the correct answer.

Huh? I can drive in 4WD in my 4th gen at any speed on pavement. A 62 mph limitation makes no sense at all.

 

[jharris2]

Huh? I can drive in 4WD in my 4th gen at any speed on pavement. A 62 mph limitation makes no sense at all.

Probably another misinformed rep at the show. On the 4th gen, you can shift into 4WD at speeds up to ~62 mph, but there is no speed limitation for driving in 4WD (as has been discussed on T4R previously).

 

[Martinjmpr]

I don't see it as a big deal and I do live in the snow belt (Colorado.)

Think about it - neither the Tacoma nor the FJC have ever been available with either full time 4wd or the torsen center diff and it doesn't seem to have hurt them in the cold parts of the country.

I agree the multi-mode T-case with the torsen center diff is a nice addition, and I wish I'd been able to find a limited that had both the locking rear diff and the torsen center diff. But the only choices in my price range were an 01-02 with the torsen center diff but no rear locker, or a 99 with the rear locker but no torsen center diff. I chose the latter and I'm fine with my choice.

Honestly, my Tacoma (with it's 2wd/4wd "conventional" t-case) did fine in the snow. It's not like you have to get out of the vehicle to lock hubs like you did back in the day - you just shift into 4wd when you're on a slippery surface and shift back into 2wd when you're on dry road. :shrug: It's not that hard.

 

[M1911]

With a part-time 4WD system, anytime you turn a corner at least one of your tires is slipping. It has to, with no center diff. So you have less traction and less control.

 

[chip4]

This multi mode T-case/lockable center diff is what set it apart from the rest, the tacoma’s, FJ’s, even landcruiser couldn’t do it, nor any other brand I know. Anyone can make a conventional 4x4 (for offroad) or even AWD. But how many have been able to create a system that will allow you to go back and forth between 2wd and 4wd in whatever driving conditions while giving you fulltime 4wd capability?

What was once standard is no more. Maybe it will make my 4g more valuable :boink:

 

[PredBlue]

I don't see it as a big deal and I do live in the snow belt (Colorado.)

Think about it - neither the Tacoma nor the FJC have ever been available with either full time 4wd or the torsen center diff and it doesn't seem to have hurt them in the cold parts of the country.

I agree the multi-mode T-case with the torsen center diff is a nice addition, and I wish I'd been able to find a limited that had both the locking rear diff and the torsen center diff. But the only choices in my price range were an 01-02 with the torsen center diff but no rear locker, or a 99 with the rear locker but no torsen center diff. I chose the latter and I'm fine with my choice.

Honestly, my Tacoma (with it's 2wd/4wd "conventional" t-case) did fine in the snow. It's not like you have to get out of the vehicle to lock hubs like you did back in the day - you just shift into 4wd when you're on a slippery surface and shift back into 2wd when you're on dry road. :shrug: It's not that hard.

Typical snowy day trip to work in current 4th Gen 4WD system:
-Start 4runner
-Place vehicle in drive
-Drive to work
-Stop vehicle and exit

Typical snowy day trip to work in SR5 or TE with 5th Gen 4WD system:
-Start 4runner
-Place vehicle in drive
-Shift to 4WD to cross mound of snow left by plow
-Shift back to 2WD to drive to stop sign if at least one lane is clear of snow
-Shift to 4WD to get up hill from standing start where plow doesn't clear intersection
-Shift to 2WD if at least one lane is clear of snow to next stop sign
-Shift to 4WD to get though snow at intersection left by plow
-Shift to 2WD if at least one lane is clear of snow
-Shift to 4WD to go up hill at next stop sign
-Decision: One plow width of street clear, --Driver side on wet pavement, passenger side on fresh to compacted snow to allow for oncoming traffic to share roadway--engage in 4WD with only two wheels in snow, or in 2WD?
-Shift to 4WD to climb last hill and enter highway ramp
-Decision: right lane clear, middle lane mixed, left lane totally snow covered. Shift into 2WD and stay in slow single lane, or shift into 4WD and stay in left lane only?
-Approach exit ramp, shift into 4WD to climb steep hill and leave highway
-Shift into 2WD to drive in mostly clear surface street
-Shift into 4WD to enter parking lot if lot is not cleared.
-Stop vehicle and exit
-Pray I didn't get stuck in 2WD somewhere, or didn't bind the driveline in 4WD due to mixed pavement conditions.


Doesn't seem like any kind of hassle, does it?

 

[M1911]

Typical snowy day trip to work in current 4th
Doesn't seem like any kind of hassle, does it?

Well said.

 

[Uneek]

Think about it - neither the Tacoma nor the FJC have ever been available with either full time 4wd or the torsen center diff and it doesn't seem to have hurt them in the cold parts of the country.

The 6-speed manual FJC is full-time 4WD. The 5-speed auto is not. I guess Toyota's thinking for the FJC is either you're rowing through the transmission or you're shifting between 2WD and 4WD.

I don't get why they made it part time with the 5-speed auto, when the system is already available in the 4Runner. If anything, the 6-speed could've been part time since it would be the Tacoma's drivetrain.

 

[Uneek]

Typical snowy day trip to work in current 4th Gen 4WD system:
-Start 4runner
-Place vehicle in drive
-Drive to work
-Stop vehicle and exit

Typical snowy day trip to work in SR5 or TE with 5th Gen 4WD system:
-Start 4runner
-Place vehicle in drive
-Shift to 4WD to cross mound of snow left by plow
-Shift back to 2WD to drive to stop sign if at least one lane is clear of snow
-Shift to 4WD to get up hill from standing start where plow doesn't clear intersection
-Shift to 2WD if at least one lane is clear of snow to next stop sign
-Shift to 4WD to get though snow at intersection left by plow
-Shift to 2WD if at least one lane is clear of snow
-Shift to 4WD to go up hill at next stop sign
-Decision: One plow width of street clear, --Driver side on wet pavement, passenger side on fresh to compacted snow to allow for oncoming traffic to share roadway--engage in 4WD with only two wheels in snow, or in 2WD?
-Shift to 4WD to climb last hill and enter highway ramp
-Decision: right lane clear, middle lane mixed, left lane totally snow covered. Shift into 2WD and stay in slow single lane, or shift into 4WD and stay in left lane only?
-Approach exit ramp, shift into 4WD to climb steep hill and leave highway
-Shift into 2WD to drive in mostly clear surface street
-Shift into 4WD to enter parking lot if lot is not cleared.
-Stop vehicle and exit
-Pray I didn't get stuck in 2WD somewhere, or didn't bind the driveline in 4WD due to mixed pavement conditions.


Doesn't seem like any kind of hassle, does it?

Precisely, why I got my Taco in 2WD form and a 4WD 4Runner in addition to it. Otherwise, I could've killed two birds with one stone and stuck with a 4x4 Taco. I wouldn't be driving to work, but to play in the snow... but it's extra work. Yes, I'm lazy, that's why I got 4WD and not have to deal with chains.