unlocking differential
 

I have a 1998 4runner 4x4. I was wondering if I can somehow engage in 4wd without locking the center differential? When driving in icy conditions I would like to have maximum traction by having 4wd, but since there is a lot of dry pavement it would put too much stress on the drivetrain with a locked center diff. I know on certain years you can drive in 4hi with the center diff unlocked, is it possible in mine?

Say again? I have a 2002 and can drive it in 4Hi and I think 4Lo w/o diff lock engaged. Soo go into a grassy field and try it. I know what works easiest for me it to throttle up roll a bit and while rolling shift to N then shift 4Hi dont push the center diff lock button, if Im not mistaked you have to push the button to engage it. Please some-one if Im wrong correct me.


Aaron

I don't have the diff lock button. all I have is a manual shift lever that has different 4wd modes (H2, H4, L4, N). Does this mean I don't have capability of having an open differential or AWD?

The center diff lock just does that LOCKS the front and rear drive shafs together placing a 50/50 split of power from the transfer case. You have an open diff as it is unless you have a rear locking diff but you have a 98 not a 00 so prolly not a locking rear diff. So what you probably have is a open or limited slip rear differential open diff in the front and the center lock just locks the 2 drive shafts together. It is a common misconception that this center diff lock is a locker because it is not. There is a post around here somewhere Ill see if I can find it. Go ahead and see what you can find.

Aaorn

98's didnt have locking center diffs. torque is equally split f/r 50/50. i think only in 00-02 w/ multimode AWD can you drive in 4HI on pavement.

yeah, 00+ or maybe 01+

4WD with open diffs in the axles + open center diff = 1 WD on slick surfaces...

Okay, so I'm still a bit confused. 98's have a transfer case instead of the center differential right? and the later years (00-02)have a center differential. so i guess there's no way to drive in 4hi w/out causing binding. unless there's some mechanical fix where i can swap in a center differential. it's mainly for safety purposes. i had a bad experience last year when my rear spun around after coming in contact with icy surface and slammed into a snow bank. ive invested in a set of revos so hopefully that will help somewhat with traction issues.

4WD doesn't help on ice ... if it's slick enough to do that, you don't have to worry about binding.

i think only the 01-02's had the multimode AWD. you can drive in 4hi on snowy/icy surfaces, but i wouldnt recommend it in other conditions where there is more traction ie: rain. im guessing you could swap in a multimode tcase..but that might be alot more work than youd want.

driving in snow/icy conditions is tricky as it is...awd or not. best thing you can do is just excercise extreme caution, esp when cornering & accelerating at the same time...and yes proper winter tires would fair better than an AT or all season street tire.

Center "diff lock" or not you still have a transfer case. The diff lock is an electrical/ mechanical type of option. I dont believe its a locker like you are thinking of. You probably read "you will expirience driveline bind if on pavement in 4wd" because the way you say it sounds just like whats in the owners manual.

Aaron