V8 transfer case question

[CJ3Flyr]

For you V8 guys: Has anyone attempted to make the transfer case work in a 2HI mode? The model # of the t-case is one letter off, does anyone know if there

 

[BlackRunner]

But it does beg the question... why the fulltime 4WD on the V8s, why isn't it selectable like the V6s? Is there some component of the transfer case that is strengthened by leaving out the 2WD option?

 

[boston_kevin]

I think the reprogramming of the ECU plus the parts required to make the change would be cost prohibitive, for very marginal gains. Most people see the full time 4WD as a benefit.

 

[MicaBlue03]

Not just transfer case

The V6s also have a front driveline disconnect mechanism (in addition to the transfer case) that's the V8 models don't have, because they're driving the front wheels all the time. I don't know if all that could be added to the V8s, but I can't imagine it would make sense in dollars and trouble.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I was thinking about the mpg. I wonder how much of the difference on my V6 4wd is running 2wd and how much is disconnecting the front axle... In my case there seems to be about 1.5mpg difference so is that .75 for each?

If most of the internals are the same AND somebody figures out how to do 2wd I'd be very gentle in 2wd. I think BlackRunner is on to something.

 

[MicaBlue03]

I suspect you're right about the MPG. Another advantage of the 2WD mode is that the vehicle drives a little better that way. Some folks have said it's a little "stiff-legged" and that sums it up for me. It's not a big difference, though.

It may be that the lack of 2WD with the V8s started with Toyota's efforts to keep the prices close on the V6 and V8 versions. In 2003 it started out at only about $800 I believe. Removing the extra gear from the transfer case and front axle may have saved significant manufacturing cost.

 

[BlackRunner]

I suspect you're right about the MPG. Another advantage of the 2WD mode is that the vehicle drives a little better that way. Some folks have said it's a little "stiff-legged" and that sums it up for me. It's not a big difference, though.

It may be that the lack of 2WD with the V8s started with Toyota's efforts to keep the prices close on the V6 and V8 versions. In 2003 it started out at only about $800 I believe. Removing the extra gear from the transfer case and front axle may have saved significant manufacturing cost.

But if they were using the powerplant out of the Tundra and the Tundra has selectable 4WD/2WD (albeit a different system), I'd be suprised if they had any shortage of parts to choose from if they wanted to make it selectable.

 

[boston_kevin]

It may also have to do with the available space under the hood and between the frame rails. The V6 is an obviously smaller block and has smaller exhaust manifolds which means there is more room to add these extra goodies. The V8 (especially the early V8's) may not have had enough room to add the disconnects and solenoids to make this work, or maybe I'm full of it and they decided that since the V8 is more "luxurious" customers would not want to be burdened with the notion of selecting 2WD vs 4WD (that's what GM did with their Cadillac and Denali versions).

 

[Koz]

It may also have to do with the available space under the hood and between the frame rails. The V6 is an obviously smaller block and has smaller exhaust manifolds which means there is more room to add these extra goodies. The V8 (especially the early V8's) may not have had enough room to add the disconnects and solenoids to make this work,

:iagree:

Koz