[Jim_Chow]

[quote author=Phaedrus link=board=2;threadid=13238;start=msg122172#msg122 172 date=1079465192]
OK
here goes with my understanding of the subject,
2. 4wd,
vehicle with a selectable transfer case that will give you the option of only engaging the rear drive line or the front and rear drive lines. also will usually have a low range gear set in a transfer case for lower gears in 4wd mode. slight variant being twin sticks wich can send power to front or rears alone or both. these will usually not have spider or viscous couplers between front and rear drive lines and will send power to the frotn and rear at a 50/50 basis, usually no variation on torque split but not sure on this one.
[snip]
Dave
[/quote]

I don't think part-time 4wd rigs, at least Toyotas, have torque splitting in the t-case. Typically, you're either in 4wd (power going to the front driveshaft) or not. When you are, it's like driving a full time 4wd w/ locked center diff (since there is no center diff on a [part-time] 4wd rig). The 105 is still like this, right?

A buddy of mine in boston bought a Subaru AWD wagon...raves about its abililty on slick roads. In Japan (at least Hokkaido [snow country]), many vehicles including Toyota Corollas and the new Toyota Crown are AWD. I've even seen a Ford minivan in AWD. You'd be surprised at what a AWD vehicle like a subaru w/ good studded snow tires can do! FYI, most of the 4wd rigs I see there are 80's, 70's w/ front leaf springs, or Prado's w/ front leaf springs, mostly diesel since it costs 10-40 yen/liter less for fuel and gets better fuel economy.