Part time 4WD kit for HDJ80R

We have a latter model 100 series and I can understand that if ours was full time 4WD we would bind up and destroy the transfer case every time we did a U-turn on bitumen or concrete. It is evident very quickly if we forget and try a U-turn or turn sharply. Only forgot one time and wont do it again.

We have a control inside that gives you 4WD or 2WD in high range. You don't have a choice in low range its 4WD only.

Are you sure its full time 4WD?

Hi Pete,
I converted mine not long ago, to me it was worth it, the main reason was so that I could fit a Lokka diff lock to the front diff.
You do get bit better ecconomy although it would probably take a while to pay for for the kit.
Most of the arguments against fittinging the kit is that you will load up the rear diff more, not sharing the load and less on-road traction giving a higher risk of loss of control. But there are a lot of Standard cruisers around with no one complaining of these problems.

I am a diesel fitter but in my opinion, yes, you can do this at home quite easily if you are slightly mechanical minded. I did mine in the driveway in a few hours.

Chris

Yes, I am at your stage Pete, checking into the pros & cons etc. Have found very favourable reports on another forum, an action mag that comes out monthly.

Over the years I have replaced several c/v's due to wear but the last two had destroyed the centre of the c/v. As these units will be stationary when 4WD not selected it would save the excess wear & tear.

On yours you may need to fit a centre diff lock switch (details on LCOOL site) which is great for extra traction in high range.

Cheers John

G'day Peter,

I had mine done a few years ago before an extended trip. I decided to do it at the time because there was other work to be done, so the cost was offset a bit.

It is probably better on fuel, but frankly if that was the reason you were doing it you would have to drive a million miles to get any return. It probably saves wear and tear, but I would put that in the same basket as fuel, long time before you saw a return.

As Robert said, the sealed road handling is no different and steering a little lighter (in a good way) and maybe a bit more responsive if anything. Of course you now have to hop out of the car to engage the hubs, but that is not a biggy; this is why we have children.

The downside as I see it is gravel roads. The vehicle is not as sure footed as the full time 4WD. Of course you can still engage 4WD and the surer manners return, but it is a bit annoying if you are on one of those roads which goes from tar to gravel and back again. Can leave the hubs engaged of course but slowing down each time to engage/disengage 4WD a bit of a pain.

So on balance I would say that if you were looking at part-time 4WD for the sake of wear and fuel consumption, don't bother. But if you want to fit a Lokka as Chris does, or need other work done at the same time, then no real disadvantages either.

At the end of the day you have a vehicle that is still every bit as capable, just a few more processes to get there.

Cheers,

Matt.