Viscous Coupler-where cn i get one?

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datetree

datetree

Joined
Aug 14, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
50
Location
Taos, New Mexico
I have an FJ80, 1994. I am the only owner. I am looking for a viscous coupler. When i google serch it, I get things that actually are only the transfer case, even tough they say they re the viscous coupler. I'd prefer new one. My mechanic wont put in a used one from ebay. But i wish he would. Thanks!
 
There are many vehicles where the failed viscous coupler has just been completely removed without issue. 91-92 models use the same transfer case minus the VC without issue. Brand new OEM, if available is going to be extremely expensive. Never have seen anything in the non-OEM market for a replacement.
 
datetree said:
I have an FJ80, 1994. I am the only owner. I am looking for a viscous coupler. When i google serch it, I get things that actually are only the transfer case, even tough they say they re the viscous coupler. I'd prefer new one. My mechanic wont put in a used one from ebay. But i wish he would. Thanks!
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You have an FZJ80.
Toyota changed the transfer case design from the FJ80 and added the VC in the later models in order to smooth out the driveline a bit. It serves very little purpose other than that. However, after driving both versions I like the VC for certain situations.
If mine "failed" for whatever reason, I would simply pick up a used transfer case, have it rebuilt by Valley Hybrids, and swap the entire unit.

A far less expensive option would be to simply remove the VC and get on with it.
 
Guys, above: Thank you! You are great. BTW, my mechanic who owns two 94 LC and runs a shop called... Offroad... insists taking out the VC will not change the problem. Tho everybody else on here insists it will.
 
datetree said:
Guys, above: Thank you! You are great. BTW, my mechanic who owns two 94 LC and runs a shop called... Offroad... insists taking out the VC will not change the problem. Tho everybody else on here insists it will.
Click to expand...

The concept and function of Viscous couplings is pretty straightforward stuff. Might inspire you to look for a better mechanic.
 
datetree said:
Guys, above: Thank you! You are great. BTW, my mechanic who owns two 94 LC and runs a shop called... Offroad... insists taking out the VC will not change the problem. Tho everybody else on here insists it will.
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Your words: "I have an FJ80, 1994. I am the only owner. I am looking for a viscous coupler."
Your words again: "taking out the VC will not change the problem"

Are we to guess what the "problem" is??
 
Well, The problem is the car spins out ( shall we say spirals a bit) when making a slow turn, "kicks out the back end a bit"- yes, there could also be a power steering issue, but the wheels are slipping as well, so there is some kind of transfer case issue. Again, my mechanic who repairs in off road vehicles, he has' been my mechanic for 30 years insists that taking out the VC will not solve the problem.
 
datetree said:
Well, The problem is the car spins out ( shall we say spirals a bit) when making a slow turn, "kicks out the back end a bit"- yes, there could also be a power steering issue, but the wheels are slipping as well, so there is some kind of transfer case issue. Again, my mechanic who repairs in off road vehicles, he has' been my mechanic for 30 years insists that taking out the VC will not solve the problem.
Click to expand...
A seized VC in the transfer case would cause understeer in a tight turn. It would behave as if the center differential was locked.
This is PAINFULLY easy to diagnose, if the "mechanic" understands how a VC in a full time 4WD vehicle is supposed to behave.

Vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground (wheels chocked), transfer case in neutral, CDL unlocked, 1 driveshaft removed. The output flange of the removed driveshaft should be able to be rotated by hand with resistance caused by the silicone fluid in the VC.
If it can't be rotated, then either the CDL is locked or the VC is seized.

If the VC is seized, then you can remove it or replace it as previously described.
Both Valley Hybrids and Cruiser Outfitters can supply you with a freshly rebuilt transfer case, with or without gear change options.
Another option is to pick up a used transfer case from one of the many folks who regularly part out vehicles in the classifieds section. Tcases are usually cheap because they rarely fail.
 
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datetree said:
Well, The problem is the car spins out ( shall we say spirals a bit) when making a slow turn, "kicks out the back end a bit"- yes, there could also be a power steering issue, but the wheels are slipping as well, so there is some kind of transfer case issue. Again, my mechanic who repairs in off road vehicles, he has' been my mechanic for 30 years insists that taking out the VC will not solve the problem.
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You’ve posted the same issue on the UK Landcruiser forum and been given all the same advice….
 
bug616 said:
You’ve posted the same issue on the UK Landcruiser forum and been given all the same advice….
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Yes sir, I have posted in several places. I was not aware that was on teh UK forum tho, but perhaps I was. MY mechanic is an offroad specialist, 35 years, and he insists that taking out / disabling the VC wont fix the spiraling problem. Just saying.
 
jonheld said:
A seized VC in the transfer case would cause understeer in a tight turn. It would behave as if the center differential was locked.
This is PAINFULLY easy to diagnose, if the "mechanic" understands how a VC in a full time 4WD vehicle is supposed to behave.

Vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground (wheels chocked), transfer case in neutral, CDL unlocked, 1 driveshaft removed. The output flange of the removed driveshaft should be able to be rotated by hand with resistance caused by the silicone fluid in the VC.
If it can't be rotated, then either the CDL is locked or the VC is seized.

If the VC is seized, then you can remove it or replace it as previously described.
Both Valley Hybrids and Cruiser Outfitters can supply you with a freshly rebuilt transfer case, with or without gear change options.
Another option is to pick up a used transfer case from one of the many folks who regularly part out vehicles in the classifieds section. Tcases are usually cheap because they rarely fail.
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Yes, as you say, It "under steers" in a tight turn. That is, the back "kicks out". Do I understand this correctly?

How do I unlock the CDL in a '94? ( Yes I will AI search that). If Cruiser Outfitters is the same as Cruiser Teq ( the website), then they don't have a new transfer case. I will try to find time to call Cruiser Outfitters tomorrow. Aren't they very expensive? I do believe I can get one used, but with many miles of course. I am talking to Impex, who does have a new VC, but hasn't answered whether they have the transfer case also. Thanks for the help.
 
There is usually a friction modifier that is added to some styles of VC when being built. If yours is low in fluid or has not had its fluid changed it can also cause the VC to lock up as you describe . It has been a thing to simply remove the coupler in other types of drive line too. its not unique to the LC line. Two things to consider, Either your mechanic is not really aware of what is wrong, or you are not fully aware of what is wrong. If he insists it wont fix it, and what your describe is accurate.. Something is amiss .
 
datetree said:
Yes, as you say, It "under steers" in a tight turn. That is, the back "kicks out". Do I understand this correctly?
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I'm not sure I understand what "back kicks out" means. What situations does it occur?
If the mechanic you're using doesn't think that the issue is with the VC, then what does he think the issue is? I feel like we're walking around in the dark here. More information is needed.
datetree said:
How do I unlock the CDL in a '94?
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In a stock, unmolested configuration, normal driving with the transfer case in high range, the CDL is unlocked. It should automatically lock when the transfer case is shifted into low range. ABS will also be disabled once locked.
datetree said:
( Yes I will AI search that). If Cruiser Outfitters is the same as Cruiser Teq ( the website), then they don't have a new transfer case. I will try to find time to call Cruiser Outfitters tomorrow. Aren't they very expensive? I do believe I can get one used, but with many miles of course. I am talking to Impex, who does have a new VC, but hasn't answered whether they have the transfer case also. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
I think you're jumping to conclusions without the required data. We still don't know what the problem is.
 
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