Why is V8 Full Time AWD?
- Thread starter DaveK22
- Start date
The CV joints are turning all the time even on multi-mode 4runners that are in 2WD. 2WD-only 4runners have no CV joints, of course.
flipflopnfly
New member
Ah, ok, so I was just plain ignorant. Sorry, carry on.
flipflopnfly
New member
CV boots are rubber, treat them like any rubber. I use a good soak of Aerospace 303 on them monthly when I condition the leather. Same thing with the rubber hoses under the hood, the steering boots, door and window seals.
sport2004
Member
I've used spray silicone for such applications, not sure which is better.
mayneattraction
New member
Totally love my '06 Sport with the V8. Love the sound and acceleration (good for a truck) and the V8 is specifically why I bought it. Found a 1 owner with 59,000 miles, just purchase a month ago.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Yes, the selectable knob as well as "4wd" as part of the side badges. Such as "Limited 4WD" instead of just "Limited"
Ruffian
New member
I'm fairly certain that all V8's are statistically AWD, so thus in 4 WD at all times. The selector turning knob to the right of the steering column only allows you to turn it to 4 Low. This is also why the V8 comes with the nicer Torsen transmission that has it's own brain box matched to it.
BlackWorksInc
New member
There's plenty of 2WD V8's out there. I personally am not a fan of the term "AWD" in this instance because it is a bit of a misnomer. Granted both the terms 4WD and AWD are a bit vague, but the main difference I would argue is design.
AWD typically are biased systems, they're rarely designed as a true 50/50 system and oftentimes are "add-ons" to existing power trains. Either they're RWD, or more commonly, FWD biased with limited capabilities. Newer torque-vectoring systems utilize ABS function and electronically controlled differentials to be a bit more robust; but ultimately the system is single stage with typically with I want to say very close to 1:1 gear ratios for transfer (I could be entirely wrong on that though.)
4WD typical is multi-stage (most commonly seen as 2 gear sets with different ratios) with a true 50/50 split of power (hence why Part-Time systems bind up in turns). The cases are typically more robust and designed from the get go to be un-biased. In the case of "All-Time 4WD" it just means that the vehicle forgoes 2WD, to counter-act the binding issue inherent in this a mechanical Torsen T3 is used to allow slippage between the front rear axles to greatly reduce/eliminate binding that is there in traditional 4WD systems. The Torsen T3 itself is purely mechanical in our transfer cases, our version I believe does not have the clutch discs some variations of Torsen do.
I know it's almost semantics at this point with how 4WD and AWD get mis-used (it doesn't help that Toyota among others for a long time used them interchangeably on their vehicles), but I see newer members get confused between the Part-Time & Full-Time 4WD systems because a lot of people are used to using "AWD". 4WD is what 4Runners have, AWD is what a Rav4 or a Honda Ridgeline has.
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As true as that may be, it's easier for Toyota and marketing to say 'AWD' to the *masses* to distinguish 4Runners with the ability to unlock the center differential and can drive in 4H on dry pavement and those that cannot do that, like my 97 3rd gen.
Plus, by saying AWD, it makes them think Toyota is more like Audi or something.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
As true as that may be, it's easier for Toyota and marketing to say 'AWD' to the *masses* to distinguish 4Runners with the ability to unlock the center differential and can drive in 4H on dry pavement and those that cannot do that, like my 97 3rd gen.
Plus, by saying AWD, it makes them think Toyota is more like Audi or something.
I get that, but 4Runners have never had "AWD" (as a label) it's always been Part-Time 4WD or Full-Time 4WD as the official marketed terminology.
Now some older Rav4 and I believe Corolla did have the "4WD" moniker, which is why I said it confuses things, because they used 4WD on some of their AWD vehicles and muddied the waters.
Thanks!
green_manalishi
New member
Both Audi Quattro and the 4th gen center diff use a planetary Torsen T3 (also known as type C) which is biased towards the rear. They're literally the same mechanical system. So, like you said, semantics. AWD and Full-Time 4WD are marketing terms. One sounds tough and truck-like, the other sounds cool slick.
BlackWorksInc
New member
That doesn't change the fact that Audi's set-up is a single stage and less robust system; in most cases it's just a tiny ring gear and pinion bolted on to a transaxle/transmission. Versus the 4Runner's dual-stage, chain-driven transfer case. Yes they both use a Torsen T3 for the same desired function (to power both axles without the front axle binding in turns), I will concede that a "Ful-Time 4WD" system with a Torsen T3 like the 4Runner's is probably as close to a "hybrid" AWD/4WD system as one can get as you get the on-road flexibility a AWD system provides with the robust durability of a true 4WD system; but it doesn't change the fact that they are essentially two separate systems.
Most every 4WD system I have seen in a 4WD vehicle is a multi-stage system designed towards a near 50/50 split when engaged, with an often chain driven transfer case that has one or more gear reductions (older systems were gear driven so I won't rule them out completely).
The biggest distinction I would say is that AWD systems are designed mainly for Cars and CUVs and are typically biased with no gear reductions sets. They also have very few actuated parts (some do have a "Center Differential Lock" feature to try and make up for their inherent bias, but even this is often electro-magnetically controlled with a magnetic clutch pack, such as in the Rav4 and Highlander. Where as CDL in a 4WD system is mechanically engaged by physically locking gears such as in the 4th gens). 4WD systems on the other hand have typically have one or more gear reductions, provide near 50/50 torque split when engaged, and are more robust at handling that torque. Which is why you see them in Trucks/SUVs mainly.
I have not seen a car with a dual stage transfercase or anything other than an "add-on" differential like most FWD biased AWD systems used. Conversely I have not seen a true Truck or SUV with a single stage "add-on" AWD system. There are some CUVs that use a dual-stage system, but those are all advertised as 4WD not AWD and while I consider them vile uni-trash imposters; they are for the most part running a Truck/SUV system not a car AWD unit.
Functionally they do both power all 4 wheels, but as I said before the distinction is somewhat semantic at first glance, but becomes important when you realize that they are designed and function differently. They also drive, operate, and perform differently as well. It'd be akin to saying that an independent rear suspension and solid rear axle are the same thing because they both drive the rear wheels and they both can have LSD/lockers in them. But while similar in function and components, they are designed and operated much differently.
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chaz
New member
this has been debated for years, no matter what opinions are, why cant people just call it what toyota refers to it as on that model. no matter how similar the system performs the badge they put on the 4r doesnt say AWD, but 4WD. imo, its like going to a paint shop for a bottle of touchup & saying the color is maroon red even tho toyota says its salsa red pearl.
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Still loving my V8 4R. I drove my buddy's 5th Gen and while it actually drove nicely, I wish they had kept the 4.6 as an option. I'm a bit spoiled. I'd consider a 5th geo but for towing, I will have to stick with a bigger motor. I finally bought a travel trailer (Lance 1575) and the 4R will be the horse. It now has ~137,000 miles and I better start doing the diff fluid changes and trans drains more often.
