Part time keeping center diff reliability? (1 Viewer)

[Adventuric]

Hey guys, I think this is my first post on here. Yesterday I picked up a set of rebuilt AISIN hubs (stupid of me as I know I have some from my old 4runner somewhere in my garage). I put them on and they work great, but has anyone kept the center coupler for long periods of time? I would like to have the option of awd, as it is now I should have rwd, awd, and 4wd correct? I know I can get the center spool and then the CDL will be what turns my front on. Again I would enjoy having the option to run stock awd too, but it isn't necessary, I don't know how well these systems are supposed to last locked. Drove home about 50 miles last night hubs free, center locked and made no weird noises and drove great. Thanks guys if I'm wrong please tell me

 

[BILT4ME]

Your front differential will continue to spin in all of those configurations. We will ASSUME you have a 1993+ truck.

Front Hubs Locked - CDL not engaged: Front DS turns, power to front diff through Viscous Coupler
Front hubs locked - CDL engaged: Front DS turns, power to front diff through center differential, VC bypassed.
Front hubs UNlocked - CDL not engaged: Front DS will turn only when enough throttle has been applied to overcome the VC and you will smoke the VC in short order.
Front hubs UNlocked - CDL engaged: Front DS will turn because it locks the CDL engaging front and rear together but front wheels will not be pulling because the hubs are unlocked.

If you want true part time, you MUST do the PT conversion inside the TC as well.

 

[Adventuric]

Your front differential will continue to spin except in all of those configurations. We will ASSUME you have a 1993+ truck.

Front Hubs Locked - CDL not engaged: Front DS turns, power to front diff through Viscous Coupler
Front hubs locked - CDL engaged: Front DS turns, power to front diff through center differential, VC bypassed.
Front hubs UNlocked - CDL not engaged: Front DS will turn only when enough throttle has been applied to overcome the VC and you will smoke the VC in short order.
Front hubs UNlocked - CDL engaged: Front DS will turn because it locks the CDL engaging front and rear together but front wheels will not be pulling because the hubs are unlocked.

If you want true part time, you MUST do the PT conversion inside the TC as well.

Ah yes I have a 95, sorry bout that forgot to mention that part. So makes sense, i would never run the front and center unlocked as I knew that would burn up the VC, but my main concern is how reliable.is the center lock system when remained locked for long periods of time? I know it's not quite as good as a true pt system with the center spool but it still takes away a chunk of wear and friction to overcome, and power increase is definitely felt.

 

[baldilocks]

What is your reasoning behind going to part time in the first place?

The way you are running it presently, you may experience a small difference in feel but all of the front drivetrain parts will still be turning and and continuing to wear, although to a lesser degree most likely.

 

[Adventuric]

What is your reasoning behind going to part time in the first place?

The way you are running it presently, you may experience a small difference in feel but all of the front drivetrain parts will still be turning and and continuing to wear, although to a lesser degree most likely.

Slightly for a couple mpgs, but also a big reason is tuesday I have a rear lunchbox locker showing up and feel it would maybe be a little awkward feeling with an open front AWD and a rear mech locker. I've driven rear welded and rear locked vehicles before but never an awd with half and half. Just think it'd be better for longer trips and in town, and having the ability to do burnouts and donuts doesnt hurt either

 

[baldilocks]

The Mud search feature is definitely your friend and I’m sure you could find plenty of info on this subject buried here somewhere.

Burnouts and donuts???

 

[Adventuric]

The Mud search feature is definitely your friend and I’m sure you could find plenty of info on this subject buried here somewhere.

Burnouts and donuts???

You know, smokey tire things. Not exactly the first thing you do in an lc but in the mud or dirt that's a fun thing, plus saying you made it through an obstacle in 2wd is pretty satisfying, also I did search a bit but couldnt find anything specific about the reliability of the vc when locked with unlocked hubs

 

[ZackR]

My recommendation would be to leave the front stock and install the lunchbox locker in the rear. Bam, now you have AWD for the day to day driving and with a push of the CDL button you'll be locked in the rear, perfect for most anything you'll encounter off road.

If you want to do donuts just wait until it snows.

 

[Adventuric]

My recommendation would be to leave the front stock and install the lunchbox locker in the rear. Bam, now you have AWD for the day to day driving and with a push of the CDL button you'll be locked in the rear, perfect for most anything you'll encounter off road.

If you want to do donuts just wait until it snows.

Not a bad idea, I might go to that down the road. Another reason i wanted to keep the center VC is to to back to stock configuration is a simple 20 minutes worth of hub swapping. I was gonna do a thumbs up emoji but I feel that woulda made me look like a sarcastic a** completely unintended lol

 

[baldilocks]

Consider purchasing a second transfer case to put low range gears and a spool into. Install that case and if you don’t like it, go back to the stock case.

What you want is everything in one vehicle. Good luck, let us know how it works out.

 

[GW Nugget]

I'm on the fence myself... I have been driving around with the hubs unlocked for a short time... not sure if there is a benefit to go part time for me. I only have a 3" lift with very mild vibs if any to even fuss over... but when I unlock the front handling feels a slight more sloppy & a bit more twitchy, the stock front driveline gives the rig a nice massaging vibrating feel & makes a noise when letting off the gas pedal. With hubs locked the rig feels more planted & turns better. I want to say like a gyro type of feel. I will be going into the Tcase a 2nd time soon so I need to make a decision quick.