TOD discussion

[mbeach]

Newthings, I am inclined to say "yes." To tell for sure, one of our dyno jockeys could leave the drive shaft in and jack up the front of the VX during their next 2wd pull.

Maugan, if this is something that you knew for certain, please save me the trouble of figuring it out for myself. If it weren't for Tone's post, I would have completely ignored the ball/ramp mechanism, which would have led to big trouble had I decided to test my 'new' 2wd mode by doing donuts in the parking lot.

This doesn't mean that we can't modulate the clutch to go above the 15% that it seems to like (in '2wd') however.

It just means we can't have true 2wd. We might be able to use locking hubs to disconnect the wheels, but that driveshaft, diff and those axles will still turn.
I still want to pull the signals off of some wires to confirm this, but I believe that this (the mechanical connection) is certain and un-bypassable (?) in a non-SOTF transfer case.

There is a TOD Trooper in a friends' junkyard nearby...

[Maugan_VX]

I know not about the drive shaft issue.

All I know is that we're getting close to a dial on my dash for Torque to front!

and that's cause for silly celebration

[Child's Play]

Man, this sounds sweet. I'm in the same boat as VehiGaz. If I could just have 4-High constantly at the turn on a knob or push button, that would be enough for me. Anyway, I'm completely lost in the post, but I did see this on E-Bay and thought it may help you guys out. Thought I would try to help out in some way, since I don't have clue one about what you guys are talking about. Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-...QQcmdZViewItem

[mbeach]

I am marlon506 and I am high bidder.
If I don't win, I hope that SOMEONE here does get it.

So instead of 2hi, 4hi, auto and manual modes, we can do an AUTO, MANUAL, 4HI.
That sounds reasonable, and the manual mode can be controlled via potentiometer (by modifying the control voltage to the timer circuit).
We can use Bob's transistor arrangement to control the dash lights.

The only catch is:
We can only vary the torque to the front axle as long as it is GREATER than what is actually required.
If the speed diferential between front and rear axles is too great, then expect the mechanical 'clutch' to engage the front axle. So no donuts or dynos in 15% mode.
I can live with that.

[bobmumgaard]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...Qc mdZViewItem

Anyone know if this is includded in Tone's Cd? If not, (or even if so) is anybody going to snap this up and maybe scan it for others to use? It would be a great addition to overall knowledge about the VX in addition to the specific issue we are discussing.

If not I'll start bidding, and post it when if I win it.

[bobmumgaard]

mbeach, you beat me to the punch, its all yours

[mbeach]

Bob,
As an ME, do you think that my assessment of our situation (no 2wd) is correct?

Oh, and I've already bid on the book. Believe me, it's knowledge will flow forth like water...

[blacksambo]

If it's any help there is a 1999 version of this booklet offered on a consistent basis on:www.books4cars.com for $40.00. It seems likely that 1999 technology would be the same as 2000 VX's.

[bobmumgaard]

Tone-
Your axle breaking could shed alot of light on this whole subject. I did a search but couldn’t come up with anything. What exactly happened? I assume it was on a dyno pull. So it was probably in third gear and strapped down with no power to the TOD ecu. Where did the axle break? What rpm? (and thus speed of rear wheels, and speed differential between front and rear) What did the break point look like? Was the break plane smooth, jagged, notched in a pattern, did it look like it snapped or did it deform ductilly? I have a few theories about how it could have happened but they depend on the exact situation, and I could be absolutely wrong on them.