4lo and the center diff???

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kreiten

kreiten

10 Year
Joined
May 6, 2013
Threads
60
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4,196
Location
UP Washington
so have what might be a dumb question:confused: In order to put the rig in 4Hi essentially you just lock the center diff, and then you have a true 50/50 power split, right... but if you put the rig into 4 low without pushing the center diff lock switch the diff lock light does not come on:confused: So here's my question, while in 4 low is the center diff automatically locked? I pushed the diff lock button while in 4lo and it lit it... Pretty sure with other rigs I've owned the minute you go into 4lo it locks the diff:confused::confused::confused:
 
No, the center diff does not automatically lock in 4L - at least it is that way in my '13 and the operators manual describes it that way as well. This behavior carries over from the latter model year 100s

Sam

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD
 
elkaholic said:
No, the center diff does not automatically lock in 4L - at least it is that way in my '13 and the operators manual describes it that way as well. This behavior carries over from the latter model year 100s

Sam

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD
Click to expand...

so correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to get maximum traction in 4lo the center diff needs to be locked:confused: other wise you will not get a 50/50 split with the front and rear diff...
 
This behavior started with the model year 2000 LC. Eliminates the need for the "pin 7 mod" that the 80 series guys have to do. There are times it's nice to have the gearing of 4 lo without the handling compromise of a locked center.
 
re_guderian said:
This behavior started with the model year 2000 LC. Eliminates the need for the "pin 7 mod" that the 80 series guys have to do. There are times it's nice to have the gearing of 4 lo without the handling compromise of a locked center.
Click to expand...

I prefer to lock the center myself and allow low range and open center as an option. That is me in my terrain. I miss the triple locker on the 80, but it is more an emotional thing rather than a necessity. It was a real handful at times and it could never really compensate for less than optimum rubber choices I made. The 13 LC200 works for me. But I acknowledge that others have different priorities.
 
If you have really taken these off road you will find you don't need to lock the diff. Have not had to yet and been in some of the most difficult you will see a 200 on.
 
what if any are the disadvantages of having the center diff locked while in 4lo other than the handling comprimises?
 
When you lock the center diff, the transfer case spins the front and rear prop shafts at the same speed. In theory, you drive in straight line you will not have any issues. Not that you should try it. However, if you are driving with the center locked on roads that have curves, then your front and rear wheels will be wanting to turn at different rates. As you turn a corner, the inside wheels have to travel through a shallower arc, meaning the outer wheels have to travel further/faster. The front and rear differentials take care of this "issue" across the axles, but with the center diff locked, the front and rear prop shafts spinning at the same speed there is wind-up occurring as the front and rear wheels turn at differing rates. This places strain on all the moving components and something in the driveline could fail. On gravel or other loose surfaces (grass, mud, ice etc), the wheels are able to slip as needed to avoid this wind-up effect.
 
hold on a sec you guys can set the t-case to 4-LO without having the center diff locked..

I've got a '13 GCC spec 4.6L V8 GXR HI-4 you are able to lock/unlock diff at a push of a button.. switch to 4-LO first low range engages then within a second center diff is locked if you try to unlock you get three beeps the cdl flashes and re-engages.

anyone know what reason low range would work differently for different models?
 
This is copied from toyota.com

Full-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature

The LC has a Torsen limited slip that transfers power front to back. I think I remember reading it can go 70/30 front/rear or 30/70 front rear depending on grip. During regular driving is 40/60 front/rear is the split. This system allows full time 4wd in wet and dry most full time 4wd system have open differentials.. The a-trac is an electronic system that helps with slip in the rear differentials... This was introduced in the year 2000 LC that is why they killed the rear lockers this year when the 1998 and 1999 LC had them.

When I put my fj cruiser in 4wd the center differential is essentially locked. This is why in the toyota manual they say not to drive the fj cruiser in 4wd in dry conditions period... it will bind the gears. The fj cruiser has A-trac system but you have to push a button to activate and it will only activate in 4lo

I don't wheel my LC as hard as my FJ but it seems in my Fj I have to engage my rear locker in the same situations that my past LC's have just gone through
 
I have a LC200 4,5 diesel manual gear GCC: The center diff locks automatically at low range and it is not possible to unlock via the center diff button. Have somebody an idea which cable I have to remove in order to be able to lock and unlock in low range?
 
Another GCC 4.6 cruiser here, and i can also confirm that i am unable to lock/un-lock the center diff when in 4Lo as the system automatically locks the center diff for me, i can however unlock or lock the rear locker in 4Lo. I don't have the traction control system or crawl control, as far as my build sheet lists i only have ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution).
 
I wish I had a rear locker to worry about locking and un-locking. :(
 
MScruiser said:
I wish I had a rear locker to worry about locking and un-locking. :(
Click to expand...
I didn't get a factory locker on mine so installed an Australian LOKKA great pricewise had it installed at around 17k kms and done 95k kms with no problems. Bummer with the factory one is you have to be in low-range to engage it.
 
MScruiser said:
I wish I had a rear locker to worry about locking and un-locking. :(
Click to expand...

You can....
4.30elocker.jpg
 
^ Is that 4.3 or 3.9 gear ratio?
 
if you install a locker would you just turn off all traction control prior to engaging it?
 
Oh I've seen your threads. I know all about the project!
 
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