4WD ADD delete. Is it that simple?

Hello folks,

Just doing my homework for when I do purchase a 4WD.

PS. I hope the next gen Tacoma comes with 4WD manual shifter & no ADD. Hoping of course!

* Tacoma's & 4Runners both use the ADD Actuator.
* Tacoma's have a dial & "some" 4 Runners have a manual shifter for 4WD.
* FJ's with manual trans DO NOT have an ADD Actuator.
* The part pictured can be bolted on to your Tacoma & it eliminates the ADD Actuator.
* You now have one less failure point in your 4WD system. Only other weak point is the dial selector.

Is it really that simple? Just bolt & go? Will any lights be on the dash?





Toyota Front Non-Disconnect Axle Shaft & Tube T8S, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, 4runner, AWD
Toyota Front Non-Disconnect Axle Shaft & Tube T8S, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, 4runner, AWD
Product Code: TOY41400-35032MAN
Price: $200.00

Description
Toyota 8" Reverse IFS
Front Axle Disconnect Actuator Tube (A.D.D.)

Differential: Toyota 8" Rev. IFS
Manufacturer: Toyota
Warranty: OEM Take Out

Good Used 1piece Axle shaft and Axle tube for front IFS diff.
These are found on full time 4wd models, but can be retrofitted on Part-Time 4wd models to eliminate the failure-prone A.D.D. Axle Disconnect actuator system.
Features
OEM Take-Off

Thank you

 

Can't answer your question but I don't think the next gen will have a manual shifter. All the lazy Americans want to hit a button or flip a switch.

 

Sad but true.

 

Idk that the ADD is really the much of a problem. Now you're running around spinning the front diff and driveshaft adding wear and tear and reducing economy. Not really worth it IMO. Seems like a poor solution to a non-problem. Yes I realize some people have had issues, but isolated incidents... Can be fixed on the trail easy enough anyway.

The ADD is a poor solution to a non issue though, I'll give you that, but it beats vacuum hubs with no manual override! People are lazy... And at least it isnt vacuum itself...

 

I can't recall for sure but I beleive the ADD is what gives the 4wd signal to the dash light so youd probably need to figure that out...

 

I agree with max .
Turning the front axle and the driveshaft all the time will reduce fuel economy .
This is something you have to keep in mind if you plan to run a solid style axle up front .
Most of the issues I have seen are caused by water impregnation . Stay out of the water and the add should be fine . Play in the water , and the seals are going to let some by .

 

I'm not worried about everything turning all the time in the front because Toyota makes the manual FJ this way. Fuel economy iz a valid point though.

Yes, you are correct. I've noticed that too from what I've seen in the internet. The problem is that I live in South Florida. If you don't play in the water, you don't play. Hahaha! I wish we had the beautiful trails that I've seen up north!

My PreRunner is lifted almost 5"'s & Ive driven through water that covers my sliders & no issues. Yet, my friends 2013 has had issues with the 4WD not engaging.

Please forgive me for over-reacting due to my lack of 4WD experience/knowledge but with:

Front diff vibes after lift,
ADD weakness,
4WD selector weaknes,
&
Limited lift options (unless I go drop-bracket),

I'm going to definitely do my homework before my next purchase. I'm in no hurry but I plan & research things before spending money.

 

This is an interesting discussion, but I am not sure I am getting all well enough. My knowledge on 4WD system is limited, though. I understand the point that manual engaging of 4WD is probably better than "remote" engaging (as manual is simpler, less parts to possible fail, etc) but...I have been using the 4WD "shift-on-the fly" on my Tacoma 2013 with no issues so far. I mean, not a rock crawling kind of 4WD use, but the usual mud, loose dirt, sand and water off roading you normally get over here (southern Mexico). I am quite happy with the performance of it so far. My Taco has no lift by the way, just trusty off road BF Goodrich TA tires.

Have you guys got many problems with your Tacoma 4WD system? and if so of what kind?

 

Manual FJ doesn't have ADD because it is full time AWD

 

Have had three 4WD Off Road Tacomas, all with the ADD, and never a problem in over 250,000 miles.

I don't mind a shift lever instead of a dial or button, but the dials or buttons have never failed me.

If you just lock the ADD and add manual hubs, perhaps that would be the best of all words? True 4WD when locking the hubs, true free wheeling front axles when unlocked.

 

Use it or lose it!

 

Lol

 

Yes, this will bolt right up to the front differential. However with the front axle ADD actuator gone, the 4wd computer will never know that the front axle is engaged because it receives feedback from the front ADD actuator before it will turn on the 4wd light. Also, with the ADD actuator missing, the computer will set a code and will typically prevent the transfer case from going into 4wd in order to "protect it". Also the front diff will always be turning, and the front driveshaft will always be spinning. This could potentially cause problems with the transfer case, as it is NOT designed to operate this way. The FJ has a totally different transfer case as far as the inner workings.

 

The next gen will not come with a manual shifter unless it's on some tricked out off road package like the 4Runner. Hell the shifter in my 2004 isn't even a full time manual t-case, I still have to push a button just to get it to go into 4wd high, but shifting to 4wd low is the traditional way. Kinda sucks, I thought all first gens were completely manual transfer cases, guess not on the 01-04 models but I'm pretty sure the older ones are all full time manual transfer cases.

 

OH. OK. I get it now that you explained the how it works. Thank you.

Now, if I were to have a problem with my ADD Actuator and I were to clamp it in the 4WD engaged position as this pic shows

then I would have successfully "fooled" the computer because the actuator is still plugged in. No dash lights on or issues engaging.

BUT

At the cost of less MPG's & accelerating the wear & tear of the parts.

1) How much less MPG's will I get? Is it even noticeable?
2) How much wear & tear am I to expect?
3) Are Manual Trans FJ's wearing diffs down faster than the rest of us?

Just wondering if one outweighs the other.

I've read some of your posts & you are extremely knowkedgeable so I hope you don't mind the questions.

Thanks again

 

So just to clarify a little, the manual FJ is a full time AWD vehicle in which the ADD would just negate the purpose of AWD. The transfer case was designed for that accordingly. The part time transfer case in both manual and auto Tacomas was not designed for that. I've never heard of anyone doing what you describe so it is hard to comment on reliability.

 

I don't think it's needed but...

Cut the shift fork off and make a block off plate and then just zip tie the stupid ADD somewhere if you really want to do it.

OR

Pull your ADD off, seal it with RTV and I believe theres a breather, make sure it's all in order if you're worried.

But if you're really that worried then order the one piece axle and run it and work it out as you go.

 

Good thought, however THEN you would have the computer fooled into thinking it is ALWAYS in 4wd, and the 4WD light will be either stuck on, or flashing because it thinks it can't get OUT of 4wd. OP, is your truck broke, or are you just theorizing over possible repair options?

 

Exactly. It has a center differential. The Auto FJ does have an ADD.

 

Hahaha. Good question.

I own the '08 PreRunner that's on my sig pic. I bought it with 31,000 miles on Jan 3, 2012. It currently has 93,000 miles. I've never owned a truck before & never owner AWD or 4WD vehicles of any type.

My next purchase will be a new 4WD Tacoma (or possibly a 4WD 4 Runner). I almost traded in my '08 last December but the fact that this truck has been so good & I rarely get stuck where I go (and have been able to get myself out except for 2 times) & that a redesigned Tacoma is just around the corner, why do that? Plus, it's paid off.

I've read that most, if not all of the 4WD issues come from lack of use. That being said, I'm very meticulous when it comes to maintenance. I bought an OEM LSD diff from Toyota over a year ago (big difference over open diff) & I've done the fluid service every 15,000 miles. Plus plugs every 30K & all the other fluids.

I may be just making a mountain out of a mole hill but having seen 2013 & 2014 4WD Tacomas having issues engaging while I go past them in my 2WD makes me wonder if it's worth it. I read somewhere of someone having ADD issues with less than 35,000 miles. The warranty covered it but that still sucks. On the other hand, many have never even known that this was an issue. Again, I may be blowing this out of proportion.