Saw this piece in Ace Answers "having to get in and out to lock the wheels is a bind"! can someone explain to me what the procedure is for switching from 2WD to 4WD and vice versa...I thought it was simply moving the extra gearstick when needed!

- (#9485) Gerry, 8 Jul 03 14:51

First of all Gerry, the 4WD must ONLY be used on slippery surfaces, ie, ice, snow, mud etc. There is no centre diff on these transmissions and in use, with drive to all wheels, one of the wheels/axles must be able to slip otherwise serious damage will result.
There is no need to "get in and out". In slippery conditions, ie, icy roads with some dry tarmac, before the journey, lock the front, free wheeling hubs. When the ice is met, engage 4WD via the dashboard mounted switch but, remember to switch 4WD off when traversing dry tarmac. Of course, if you are travelling through constant mud, ice or snow, the 4WD can be left engaged but, it's good practice to disengage it when the journey is over. The extra gearstick gives you the choice of high and low 4WD ratios and should not be used while the vehicle is running. If someone says "I keep my 4WD engaged all the time" they have an extra differential in the transmission to cope with the different requirements of each axle. If they have'nt got the extra diff they have big bills coming.

- (#9486) John Davis, 8 Jul 03 15:23

...a very explicit explanation...that's put me more in the picture...are there many Townaces with the extra differential?

- (#9599) Gerry, 10 Jul 03 12:19

I don't think that there are any Townaces with centre diffs but, others might be able to advise otherwise. I think however that those people who do run in constant 4WD,( with other makes of vehicle)to take advantage of the extra traction, are, mostly, aware that their vehicle is fitted with a centre diff, which can be engaged ( I think) at will.

- (#9600) John Davis, 10 Jul 03 13:12

..forgot to ask!.........are all the Townaces front or rear wheel drive?........have I read somewhere that they are ALL rear driven...if so, does this pose a problem to someone who has only driven frontwheel drive?

- (#9601) Gerry, 11 Jul 03 8:16

Townaces etc are all basically rear wheel drive. That will be the least of the (good) things that you notice are different.

I have a Toyota with permanent 4WD (a 1989 Corolla estate). The switch you get on that does not disengage the 4WD and make it 2WD. Instead it locks the centre diff which means that it becomes like a Townace with 4WD selected. You get the advantage of traction even if any wheel is not gripping (say hanging over a ditch) - but you can't drive on a proper surface like that.

- (#9602) Dave Mason, 14 Jul 03 5:32