Manual Locking Hubs

[taylorRichie]

Thanks for the info...

Once I get the TOD controller done and installed I will also install Manual hubs. I'm quite certain my wheel centercaps will even accommodate them without removal which is cool.

[VehiGAZ]

Okie-doke... here's a nebulous but maybe encouraging idea...

Up until now, my primary interest in mods to the ToD system has been to achieve a true 4WD-high mode (50%-50% lockup in high range) for short-of-treacherous winter driving. But with the current price of gas and the potential for a substantial improvement in mileage if the front axle could be uncoupled at the transfer case and installation of unlocking hubs, my interest in modding the ToD is expanding...

So - earlier this year, I had a problem with my ToD system - some of the wires running along the underside of the VX had come loose and were resting on the cat convertor. This naturally melted their insulation and shorted them out. The short blew out the ToD fuse, and I got the "check" light on the ToD display. At that point, I think the VX was running in rear-wheel-only (2WD-high) mode because it seemed that only the rears were working on our snow-covered ski house driveway in VT (I was able to engage 4WD-low to get full lock-up, even with the ToD off). Of course, this observation would have to be verified by putting the VX on jack stands, pulling the ToD fuse, and putting it in gear to see if the fronts turn at all when the ToD is de-powered.

But if it's true, here's the potential mod to get just true 2WD-high mode: a simply switch in the wire that supplies power to the ToD (or it's ground - automotive electricians, please advise) providing the necessary decoupling, if you don't mind a "check" light on the ToD display (I sure wouldn't!).

If we could do that with a selectable torque split which includes full-decoupling, that would of course be the best solution.

[taylorRichie]

What I'm working on with my brother is a module where you Dial your split.

Anywhere from 0-100% to the front, This isn't a ratio, it's available power. So 100% = 50/50 split.


The issues with running at 0 to the front is the clutch that disengages the front wheels. With TOD if there is any slip in the rear the clutch is disengaged so the power can flow to the front. If you have something that prevents that, the clutch is going to be working REALLY hard, anytime you're experiencing slip in the rear. This is the main difference between our TOD and our JDM friends. They can just mechanically disconnect the front. We can't.

My understanding is that if we control the front wheels to zero, and then unlock our hubs, then the clutch won't have to work as hard because it won't have to fight the rotational mass of the wheels.

If you look for the TOD controller thread, MBEACH has a write up (I posted it one of the last posts) on how our transfer case works.

[VehiGAZ]

Then maybe include a ToD kill switch along with the controller to disengage the front axle, and the clutch won't be trying to do anything at all.

[CrnCnn]

I really didnt read all the replies to this so forgive me if I repeat a question or something that has already been stated throuhout.

So I think I would like to get manual hubs. Mostly because right now I have a bum CV and would like to put it back in for the winter in case I need 4wheel.

Now if I put on the hubs the axles will continue to turn right? They will not be under regular stress because of the hubs disengaged. Correct?

If I install the TOD selector switch then they will not turn at all?

So if I do both then things maybe better when wear is concerned.

Any thoughts????

[kodiak]

I have manuals on mine. The CV will still spin; they just won’t turn the wheels. If you can setup a good TOD selector switch let us know. The JDM VXs can go into 2 wheel only, but no one has reverse engineered it and posted it on the site yet. The Axiom TOD has a nice setup for that, but that hasn’t been reverse engineered ether.

[blujfan9293]

I've read through the posts and have a few specific questions; I bought a Proton that came with Superwinch hubs installed, and I was wanting to remove them.

1. When locked in 4WD, does the TOD work as it should? Understand the 2WD freewheeling torque going to the axel but not the wheels
2. What is the process to lock/unlock them?

thanks,

blujfan9293