Use of low range

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 20:04

ThreadID: 8153 Views:2132 Replies:8 FollowUps:5

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Jason (macca)

When I select low range in my Prado, the centre diff automatically locks. There is no way around the centre diff lock as it is mechanically activated when selecting low range.

My question is, what risk is there of doing damage by selecting low range to reverse my boat up the driveway(concrete drive). How much can I afford to turn the wheels????? Or should I avoid using low range??

I seem to be giving my clutch a flogging when reversing up the driveway. Not sure if it is my driving technique or the clutch. The boat weighs 1800kg - 1900kg.

Any comments greatly appreciated.

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Reply By: bulldust - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 20:18

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 20:18

over a short distance / straight line low range shouldnt be a problem (all wheels turning at the same speed etc), i have encountered slight wind up which results in not being able to dis-engage the lock. reversing a few metres seems to release it. if it wont release, you would need to jack either front r or l and the wheel will spin to unwind (never actually done it but was recommended by toyota mechanic in broome
hope that helps

AnswerID: 35466

Reply By: ross - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 23:20

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 23:20

macca I dont think its your driving technique or your clutch ,its just the bloody uphill weight of your tub.I dont know much about your transmission but I know there is some kind of gadget that 100 series landcruisers ,that have a similar problem ,use.Selecting low range activates 2 shift mechanisms so its a matter of disconnecting one I maybe wrong but I seem to remember $50 being the price.Another option would be to have manually activated hubs fitted to the front wheels that could be in the off positon for reversing the boat.

AnswerID: 35494

Follow Up By: Jason (macca) - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 23:43

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 at 23:43

Ross,

I hardly ever go off road in my 4wd, so if I could some how disconnect the mechanism that locks the center diff, that would be Sh#t hot.

Hopefully some one reading this will know how I can achieve this

Thanks

Jason

FollowupID: 25654

Reply By: Goodsy - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 01:18

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 01:18

Put her in low range and don't worry. Windup will not be a problem. But smoking the clutch up will unless you select low 4 will be.

Own a turbo diesel hilux and have to put it in low range when backing a load, 1.5T up an slight incline to save the clutch.

AnswerID: 35505

Reply By: Chris (W.A.) - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 04:35

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 04:35

Jason,
You have to remember that the standard centre difflock button is not like the aftermarket "diff lockers" that you get from ARB or Opposite Lock. I'm no expert but from my understanding the "difflock" button like on mine is just on the gearbox and partially locks the diffs, not truly locks, like the aftermarket ones.
I have the same centre difflock button as well and wouldn't worry about windup.

Regards,Nice southerly coastal fishing trip someday.
Chris

AnswerID: 35509

Follow Up By: Jason (macca) - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 04:51

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 04:51

Chris,

My Prado does not have the button on the dash. The center diff is locked mechanically when selecting low range. I believe pre 2000 Prado's had the button on the dash.

Not knowing too much about 4wd's in general, I am a bit worried that I may end up busting something if I used low range on the concrete.

Jason

FollowupID: 25664

Reply By: Tony - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 07:48

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 07:48

Another idea is to fit a tow ball on the front of the vehicle and push it up the drive, you have far better control.

AnswerID: 35520

Follow Up By: Member - Bob - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 08:11

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 08:11

I am surprised they don't put towballs on the front of all Toyotas at the factory :-)Bob

FollowupID: 25674

Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 16:21

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 16:21

yer Bob, makes em easier to tow home too !Laterally Literal
Seriously Cerebral

FollowupID: 25711

Reply By: Member - Robert (WA) - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 10:21

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 10:21

on the 1996 80 series there is a 30amp fuse that operates centre diff lock if you pull it out before you shift into low range it will not engage centre diff

good luck

AnswerID: 35534

Reply By: Peter L - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:26

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:26

Jason, I have no knowledge of the Prado, however the 80 +100 series apparently have an electrically operated centre diff lock. It is activated by pressing the "Diff Lock" button or when selecting low range.
On the 80/100 there is a plug near the top of the gearbox which can be disconected to prevent automatically locking of the centre diff in low range.

In your case if it's the same setup you will not have the option of locking the diff on a boat ramp etc.

Peter L

AnswerID: 35558

Reply By: Mal58 - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:37

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:37

People,
FYI.

There are two versions of transfer case in the 96 to 2002 Prado. Up unto about 2000, the transfer case used a mechanical locking mechanism. It cannot be disengaged when using low range.

In post 2000 models, some versions had a solenoid activated lock. This could be independently engaged / disengaged in either high or low range.

Jason's version Prado is one of the mechanical locking units.

Cheers,
Mal58

AnswerID: 35561