Detailed discussion of Toyotas awd system, specifically for the st205 Options

[enderswift]

hey everyone,

here's what I 'think' I know. The awd system fitted into the st205 is pretty ancient compared to today's cars, but was decent when it first came out and was organized out like this:

1. There was an open differential in the transversely mounted transmission that had a transfer case coming out of the rear.
2. No center differential but a center bearing instead. So it always had a 50/50 front/rear torque split
3. rear differential came with a torsen limited slip

lets compare this to other awd systems. Past and present. Subaru is really big on the fact that they have a symmetrical awd system. Do you guys think the fact that an st205s unequal front axles hurts the car?

and, could it be possible to fit the limited slip from an mr2 and have torsens front and rear? I think that would be interesting since apparently one of the biggest handling problems with the st205 is that the the inside front wheels spin on really sharp turns.

heres an interesting video comparing modern awd system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

[klue]

Just to add my comments. Yes the gt4s all share equal length axles, the rear are the same lengths and the fronts aswell. The st205 axles you have pictured are 1 piece design, but the older versions (st185,165) are 2 piece design allowing the to be hybridized nicely.

There is a center differential in the transmission, its located inside the transfer case. It is not fully open in the sense that if one wheel is free all the power goes there. It has a split between the front and rear, so if one wheel is free at the front, power goes to the back. You can further this by adding the LSD rear end which came optional in the st185, came factory on st185 CS/RC, and also st205 chassis.

I think personally the all wheel drive system is great. The tranny is very strong holding holding all the power I have thrown at it, and also I have never had issues with torque steer sometimes experiences on FWD bias AWD cars. Even at power levels just shy of 500AWHP.

On thing to remember is that this car is not AWD, it is 4WD.

Love that gt4