PROS and CONS of removing the viscous coupler
- Thread starter riberware
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Ok, I am apparently having a some kind of relapse or something here because now I am confused. I though that the VC acted as a differential for the TC, and without the VC power only went to the rear axle unless the the TC was locked. If that is the case, then removing the VC and adding manual hubs would make the FZJ80 "four wheel drive" like my old 4Runner right? See, it was my understanding that to make the FZJ80 part time four wheel drive you had to add hubs and a CDL switch and remove the front drive shaft. But with a CDL switch and no VC, couldn't you just add manual hubs? I am assuming that with the TC unlocked and no VC power only goes to the rear wheels. Is this correct? If I am wrong about all this, can someone please explain? Thanks.
Ok, I am apparently having a some kind of relapse or something here because now I am confused. I though that the VC acted as a differential for the TC, and without the VC power only went to the rear axle unless the the TC was locked. If that is the case, then removing the VC and adding manual hubs would make the FZJ80 "four wheel drive" like my old 4Runner right? See, it was my understanding that to make the FZJ80 part time four wheel drive you had to add hubs and a CDL switch and remove the front drive shaft. But with a CDL switch and no VC, couldn't you just add manual hubs? I am assuming that with the TC unlocked and no VC power only goes to the rear wheels. Is this correct? If I am wrong about all this, can someone please explain? Thanks.
You are incorrect. I will find & post the VC section of the NCF so you can read Toyota's explanation of the function.
-B-
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A major con would be that I do not get to sell a 900-dollar-part to replace it.
I see that the VC problem is appearing again.
For 99% of people and for 99% of situations removing the viscous coupler has no adverse effects. I've been driving without it for a year and have no problems at all.
The Toyota docs posted above are useful but I guess that this is too much for many people, so I will try to use simple words.
The viscous coupler works like a limited slip differential or (even more simple to understand) like a partially locked differential. So in a situation when one axle is in the air (or one wheel) there is still some power transferred to the other axle. The harder you press on the gas the more the VC gets locked.
Might be a useful thing but in hard terrain you press the CDL anyway, so if anyone has the CDL button there's no great need for the viscous coupler.
For 99% of people and for 99% of situations removing the viscous coupler has no adverse effects. I've been driving without it for a year and have no problems at all.
The Toyota docs posted above are useful but I guess that this is too much for many people, so I will try to use simple words.
The viscous coupler works like a limited slip differential or (even more simple to understand) like a partially locked differential. So in a situation when one axle is in the air (or one wheel) there is still some power transferred to the other axle. The harder you press on the gas the more the VC gets locked.
Might be a useful thing but in hard terrain you press the CDL anyway, so if anyone has the CDL button there's no great need for the viscous coupler.
....another reason to buy a 3FE 
You know where to find a viscous coupler?
Holy thread revival! 16 years is quite a jump.
You can still get one from your local Toyota dealer. 41330-60010.
Ho Lee Fuc! They are proud of them!
Pays to shop around on that one.
Pays to shop around on that one.
I did not say that they were reasonable, only that they are available.
Pretty much the same case for most everything OEM on these vehicles. I have said for decades... this is not a cheap hobby.
That might be the single most expesive part I've seen yet. I'm sure there are other's, but that one stands out.