1 or 2 wheel drive?

Vege-Taco · 05-22-2008, 12:02 PM

Leaving the limited slip and electronic locker out of the question for now, is the 2wd truck really 1wd? And the 4wd is really 2wd, one in front and 1 in the back?

Just trying to understand how the transfer case and differential work...

SS

camsbored · 05-22-2008, 12:44 PM

If you don't have a locker or lsd, then it's either 2wd 0wd on any axle. The differential simply allows power to be applied where it's easiest to apply.

If you have 2 wheels of an axle on the ground power is distributed equally between them since neither is an easier outlet for the power.

If you lift one wheel off the ground it suddenly becomes the path of least resistance, the diff will transmit everything to the lifted wheel, the grounded wheel stays put, and you have zero-wheel-drive.

Multiply this times 2 for a 4x4 and you have either 0wd (with only a single front and rear wheel on the ground - unlikely!) or 4wd (normally).

More info: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential3.htm

This is why the lsd and locker are so important. Hope that helps!

lsocoee · 05-22-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camsbored

If you don't have a locker or lsd, then it's either 2wd 0wd on any axle. The differential simply allows power to be applied where it's easiest to apply.

If you have 2 wheels of an axle on the ground power is distributed equally between them since neither is an easier outlet for the power.

If you lift one wheel off the ground it suddenly becomes the path of least resistance, the diff will transmit everything to the lifted wheel, the grounded wheel stays put, and you have zero-wheel-drive.

Multiply this times 2 for a 4x4 and you have either 0wd (with only a single front and rear wheel on the ground - unlikely!) or 4wd (normally).

More info: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential3.htm

This is why the lsd and locker are so important. Hope that helps!

well said. It should also be added that some fancy braking could help you out in the event of a wheel getting stuck in mud or sand. Just feather the brakes and some power should be sent to the other wheel.

05-22-2008, 12:02 PM	#1
Vege-Taco Chips and Salsa Specialist Joined: May 2008, #6636 Location: Arizona Age: 37 Posts: 115 2008 TRD, Double Cab, 6-speed Manual 2008 Double Cab Manual 4.0L V6 Bugs on the windshield	1 or 2 wheel drive? Leaving the limited slip and electronic locker out of the question for now, is the 2wd truck really 1wd? And the 4wd is really 2wd, one in front and 1 in the back? Just trying to understand how the transfer case and differential work... SS

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05-22-2008, 12:44 PM	#2
camsbored Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5932 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 123 08 PreRunner DC/Sport/LB 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Kenwood DNX8120, Homelink mirror, Valentine One hardwire	If you don't have a locker or lsd, then it's either 2wd 0wd on any axle. The differential simply allows power to be applied where it's easiest to apply. If you have 2 wheels of an axle on the ground power is distributed equally between them since neither is an easier outlet for the power. If you lift one wheel off the ground it suddenly becomes the path of least resistance, the diff will transmit everything to the lifted wheel, the grounded wheel stays put, and you have zero-wheel-drive. Multiply this times 2 for a 4x4 and you have either 0wd (with only a single front and rear wheel on the ground - unlikely!) or 4wd (normally). More info: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential3.htm This is why the lsd and locker are so important. Hope that helps!