Alright, I emailed Toyota. I'd like to get a clear answer from them. Alot of this makes sense from seasoned off roaders but other things don't. Guess we'll wait and see.
IByouitoldyousofromalotofpeople
haha
Part time 4WD means that you have a vehicle that acts like a 4WD off road and like a fuel-efficient 2WD on road.
If you find a scenario that you need to be driving in 4WD at speeds you normally only drive at in 2WD you either need to slow down or get a car that can drive that fast in 4WD (like a Subaru or a 6MT FJ or a car based ute).
The part time 4WD isn't some magical traction device that will let you tear up a snow-covered road at highway speeds--all you'll be tearing up is your transfer case. People do it anyway. That's a problem with selling SUVs in a market that doesn't really understand how they work--and why manufacturers prefer to sell 2WD models, so crap like this doesn't happen. Push button transfer cases are pretty popular, too, since they can be coupled with a computer that overrides your decision to wheel at 35mph in 4L. That or get an SUV without a transfer case, like a Pilot or an Endeavour.
Why would you want to drive 35mph in 4L? That's a reduction gearing that is designed for steep hills, mud, and other hazards. You could have just as easily handled that obstacle in 4WD with the center diff unlocked or even 2WD if you can hit such ungodly speeds in 4L.
It's your rig.
Do what you want.
But suddenly I'm getting more in tune to why all these FJC's are having problems and why mine has zero drivetrain issues, just minor fit and finish issues.
__________________
i was once a rich man. spent my fortune on whores and drink.
Part time 4WD means that you have a vehicle that acts like a 4WD off road and like a fuel-efficient 2WD on road.
If you find a scenario that you need to be driving in 4WD at speeds you normally only drive at in 2WD you either need to slow down or get a car that can drive that fast in 4WD (like a Subaru or a 6MT FJ or a car based ute).
The part time 4WD isn't some magical traction device that will let you tear up a snow-covered road at highway speeds--all you'll be tearing up is your transfer case. People do it anyway. That's a problem with selling SUVs in a market that doesn't really understand how they work--and why manufacturers prefer to sell 2WD models, so crap like this doesn't happen. Push button transfer cases are pretty popular, too, since they can be coupled with a computer that overrides your decision to wheel at 35mph in 4L. That or get an SUV without a transfer case, like a Pilot or an Endeavour.
Why would you want to drive 35mph in 4L? That's a reduction gearing that is designed for steep hills, mud, and other hazards. You could have just as easily handled that obstacle in 4WD with the center diff unlocked or even 2WD if you can hit such ungodly speeds in 4L.
It's your rig.
Do what you want.
But suddenly I'm getting more in tune to why all these FJC's are having problems and why mine has zero drivetrain issues, just minor fit and finish issues.
You have made some good points and I agree with most of them. You should not plan to go much over 8mph in 4low, it just isn't made for that. Plus if you actually get it to upshift, that upshift is going to throw you for a surprise. Stay below 8mph and you'll be fine.
What I don't agree w/ is your limit of 50mph or lower in 4Hi. This 4Hi system is meant to be able to cruise normal highway speeds at. In fact, the V8 4runner is in fulltime 4hi with all the same components (less the locker in rear of course). When I drive up to Mammoth and it gets a bit icy, I'll switch 4Hi on just in case, but I'll still go well over 55mph. It's not dangerous if you know what you are doing. What is dangerous is following too close, not slowing down for a turn, and expecting that you can stop on a dime.
Even offroad, I go over 55mph on occasion. I have buddies with long travel setups that go upwards of 70mph in dirt and I try to keep up (not ever going much over 60) and I do fine.
So yeah, I completely agree w/ you on the 4Lo, but not really on the 4Hi. I think the majority of 4Hi should be slower than 50-55mph (obviously when really offroad), but it won't kill your vehicle to go faster.
You have made some good points and I agree with most of them. You should not plan to go much over 8mph in 4low, it just isn't made for that. Plus if you actually get it to upshift, that upshift is going to throw you for a surprise. Stay below 8mph and you'll be fine.
What I don't agree w/ is your limit of 50mph or lower in 4Hi. This 4Hi system is meant to be able to cruise normal highway speeds at. In fact, the V8 4runner is in fulltime 4hi with all the same components (less the locker in rear of course). When I drive up to Mammoth and it gets a bit icy, I'll switch 4Hi on just in case, but I'll still go well over 55mph. It's not dangerous if you know what you are doing. What is dangerous is following too close, not slowing down for a turn, and expecting that you can stop on a dime.
Even offroad, I go over 55mph on occasion. I have buddies with long travel setups that go upwards of 70mph in dirt and I try to keep up (not ever going much over 60) and I do fine.
So yeah, I completely agree w/ you on the 4Lo, but not really on the 4Hi. I think the majority of 4Hi should be slower than 50-55mph (obviously when really offroad), but it won't kill your vehicle to go faster.
The way you put it I completely agree.
__________________
i was once a rich man. spent my fortune on whores and drink.
Why would you want to drive 35mph in 4L? That's a reduction gearing that is designed for steep hills, mud, and other hazards. You could have just as easily handled that obstacle in 4WD with the center diff unlocked or even 2WD if you can hit such ungodly speeds in 4L.
It's your rig.
Do what you want.
But suddenly I'm getting more in tune to why all these FJC's are having problems and why mine has zero drivetrain issues, just minor fit and finish issues.
Look man, I didn't say I drove 35mph in 4L on a regular basis. It was a one time thing to see what the gearing was like since I'm new to this. One of the reasons I was curious was because of where I drive, on the beach.
Where sometimes when going thru deep sand you want to stay on top of it and perhaps run the rear diff locked. Didn't make sense to me that the rear diff would only be benificial from 0-8mph or so. I mean you want to keep the speed a little bit higher in this situation. And like stated earlier, I'm still new to off roading and have lots to learn in regards to what my vehicle is or is not capable of in various situations scenarios.
You have to think when wheeling, throwing all your buttons on and going for it might not be the best way to learn. The diff lock should only be used to get you unstuck.
Visor Cliff Notes:
"Use only to free your stuck vehicle in an emergency escape....Operate diff lock at speeds below 5 mph....do not operate diff lock switch while wheels are spinning to prevent unexpected movement"
In the sand, it's a combination of...is the sand too loose to drive in this spot?; is my tire pressure right for the conditions/tire?; to climb this dune do I need my diff lock on?...
I took my MTR's to 15psi in the sand, use the diff lock on one hill (competition hill in Pismo in the winter). turned in on before going up, turned it off when the truck was stopped. Tried going up old comp hill, sand was too loose and deep. There are various scenarios and then there is conquering everything. If you want to conquer sand, get a sand rail
Alright, I emailed Toyota. I'd like to get a clear answer from them. Alot of this makes sense from seasoned off roaders but other things don't. Guess we'll wait and see.
IByouitoldyousofromalotofpeople
haha
TMS USA is a communications person...poor guy is probably getting inundated with PM's
Unfortunatley for all of us new comers to wheelin', there was no off road testing track at our toyota dealer. No one jumped in the truck and said see that mountain over there well lets show you how to use this puppy. So the closest most are going to come to understanding the thing is the owners manual.
Unfortunatley for all of us new comers to wheelin', there was no off road testing track at our toyota dealer. No one jumped in the truck and said see that mountain over there well lets show you how to use this puppy. So the closest most are going to come to understanding the thing is the owners manual.
Don't get me wrong I'm glad to see people asking questions!
Linear Mode
