So being a sports car guy a majority of my driving life (I started w/ a 4wd but it didn't have this feature) I have to ask the experts. What exactly does that nice button on the left side of the wheel do ? The diff (un)lock. I know you are not supposed to use it on the pavement, but that's about it.

 

The little drivetrain button locks the diff so that traction is split 50/50 front and rear

 

JGAGE,

Here is a post from before when I asked about the LSD and center diff lock.

HBOSS has some pretty good writeups linked in this thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&threadid=7402

 

No expert here, but a small point on the info in that link: The Torsen LSD and diff lock only operate on the center diff. Both front and rear diffs are open. Available side-to-side torque split on each axle is controlled by braking action directed independently on each wheel by the TRAC/VSC/ABS/DAC/HAC (did I get them all?) ECU's.

The diff lock can be engaged/disengaged in either L or H at any speed up to, uh, is it 62 mph (100 kph)? I forgot, but it's all in the book. Also, VSC automatically disengages whenever the diff is locked. I think it's to keep the ECU from interrupting forward progress at the wrong time like TRAC can do any time. I haven't done any serious wheeling yet, but have used the lock on soft beach sand and a couple of times during heavy rains on a gravel road when VSC was a little too active.

 

Woodbert, I just noticed something in your sig that maybe you've mentioned before. You don't have the 1GR-FE 4.0 V-6 over there? Maybe the 4th Gen is geared shorter than the 3rd Gen, but if not 4,400 lbs seems like quite a load for your engine. Probably doesn't matter as much at sea level, though.

 

No, that engine and the V8 are not available here. Mine has the 5VZ-FE 3.4L. The other two engine options are the 2.7L 3RZ-FE and the Turbo Disel 1KD-FTV Common Rail.

The Turbo Diesel was almost 3K more and offered only slightly more torque than the 3.4 and less horsepower.

For me, the 3.4L moves the 4,400 pounds quite quickly, is very responsive and is ALOT quicker/faster than my previous 3.0L which didn't have near the same weight to move.

 

This is true. I was surprised to see that myself, but it's true.

 

Here's one good thing JGage that I can say:

DISCONNECTS VSC... that this is whack when offroading.... POS!!!

Also I wish it disconnects the TRAC, cuz that's a POS too...

There's a thread going on figuring out how to disconnect the TRAC by a external switch... hopefully someone will come up w/ a solution!

But in all... that button locks the center diff to give equal power to the front and rear. However, this does not mean that it'll give equal power to the left and right (for both front and rear). You'll need additional lockers (which are not availabile yet).

Lance