FJ AT 4x4 Usable on the street?

Superstar555 · 11-02-06, 09:45 PM

Here in Texas we don't get much snow, but we do get some hellacious rains and icy/slushy streets on occasion.

With a AT, is it OK to use the 4x4 in cases like this, or is there still too much traction to use it on the streets?

Why couldn't the AT be AWD like the MT? :(

Beowulf · 11-03-06, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superstar555

... or is there still too much traction to use it on the streets?

Too much tractions to use PT 4wd on pavement; wet or dry. I also share your thoughts on the AT being PT 4wd but others would disagree. Most of us that have driven FT 4wd vehicles with a center differential love the way the truck handles and I prefer the AT for off-road.

I'm hoping Toytoa will make the FT 4wd drivetrain available with the automatic tranny in the future.

-B-

FirstToy · 11-03-06, 09:14 AM

The 4wd system can be used 'fulltime'. engage the 4hi lever and keep it there- you now have 'fulltime 4wd'.

The only thing you should not do is use the center diff lock/ rear locker on high traction surfaces like pavement.

bulldog-yota · 11-03-06, 10:04 AM

The AT FJC is only a part time 4WD as the transfer case does not have a center diff like the MT or 4Runner.

When engaging 4WD in the AT it will disable VSC which is a nice safety feature to have on low traction roads. It wil however improve your forward traction. THe biggest issue I have with part time 4WD systems on low traction surfaces at spped is that because the front and rear axle are forced to rotate at the same speed it causes the rear to pushed out more than in a ful time 4WD system. This is mostly apparent at speed though adn can cause oversteer and the rear to step out on you.

Try both at lower speeds and see which one you like best, however at higher speeds I would be very careful in 4WD as the rig will be more inclined to step out on you.

76FJ40 · 11-03-06, 10:33 AM

I find that I can use 4wd in my wife's auto FJC when the streets are wet without causing any bind in the driveline. I've also done this with other 4wds I've owned to periodically "exercise" the front drive components to keep them lubricated like the Owner's Manual recommends. Never had a problem as long as you disengage 4WD before hitting a dry surface for more than a few yards.

FirstToy · 11-03-06, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulldog-yota

The AT FJC is only a part time 4WD as the transfer case does not have a center diff like the MT or 4Runner.

Oh nice catch, forgot about this... yes it is a issue then...

LandCruisers4Life · 11-04-06, 08:26 AM

A friend of mine just got his FJ Cruiser and was asking me if he could run his MT in 4Hi lock in the rain on pavement?

He said he did that in his previous truck with no problems. I told him I didn't know and would ask here. It's my opinion that you wouldn't want to because of bind with the central differential locked.

firetruck41 · 11-04-06, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

A friend of mine just got his FJ Cruiser and was asking me if he could run his MT in 4Hi lock in the rain on pavement?

He said he did that in his previous truck with no problems. I told him I didn't know and would ask here. It's my opinion that you wouldn't want to because of bind with the central differential locked.

He could, but it will handle better without the center diff locked. That is what FT4WD is made for, excellent street handling in rain/snow.

utah tojo · 11-04-06, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

A friend of mine just got his FJ Cruiser and was asking me if he could run his MT in 4Hi lock in the rain on pavement?

He said he did that in his previous truck with no problems. I told him I didn't know and would ask here. It's my opinion that you wouldn't want to because of bind with the central differential locked.

On the MT HL puts 50/50 power front to back while H puts 60/40 power back to front. IMO I would just use H just to save wear. Both are still 4WD