I've just bought a 1996 3rd-gen Surf, a 2.7l petrol manual. I was very rushed for time when i bought it, and have had to leave it at my parents place temporarily. This means that I have not even tried the 4WD system. I was wondering if anyone could confirm a few things about it.
1 As I understand, these early 3rd gens have no centre diff in the transfer, so in 4WD the front and rear axles are locked. Is this correct?
2 The transfer shifter has a 4WD button; as I understand this operates a vacuum switch and engages the front diff. Will it only do this with the push of the button, or will the system over-ride it at certain times?
3 How reliable is this vacuum-operated differential system? Does it cut out when the engine stops? Do they tend to decay like the diff e-locker actuators?
4 What lights should come on the dashboard when the 4WD button is pushed? Are there separate lights to recognise the button-push and confirm that the system is engaged?
5 The low-range. Will engaging low-range automatically engage 4WD, or do I effectively have low-range in RWD also?
6 How do the front hubs lock? Or are they locked all the time? I assume they stay locked in reverse?
Anything else I should know about the sysetm? Weak points etc? I need to know that it's in good working order
Sorry for these elementary questions, but I don't have access to the truck just now and I am used to the fully mechanical transfer shift in my pickup.
Cheers
Daniel
1 As I understand, these early 3rd gens have no centre diff in the transfer, so in 4WD the front and rear axles are locked. Is this correct?
2 The transfer shifter has a 4WD button; as I understand this operates a vacuum switch and engages the front diff. Will it only do this with the push of the button, or will the system over-ride it at certain times?
3 How reliable is this vacuum-operated differential system? Does it cut out when the engine stops? Do they tend to decay like the diff e-locker actuators?
4 What lights should come on the dashboard when the 4WD button is pushed? Are there separate lights to recognise the button-push and confirm that the system is engaged?
5 The low-range. Will engaging low-range automatically engage 4WD, or do I effectively have low-range in RWD also?
6 How do the front hubs lock? Or are they locked all the time? I assume they stay locked in reverse?
Anything else I should know about the sysetm? Weak points etc? I need to know that it's in good working order
Sorry for these elementary questions, but I don't have access to the truck just now and I am used to the fully mechanical transfer shift in my pickup.
Cheers
Daniel
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