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

[enderswift]

What I plan to do with the build is essentially show a step by step on how everything is done come Summer of 2011.

That would be beyond awesome.

On gravel and grass it meant i had no control of the a$$ end whatsoever...could barely drive the car right lol...
Anywho, there are some videos on youtube of a GT4 drifting with an 180 and an MR2 up on a track here in mainland japan...cant find it though.

EDIT: think this is it.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqKgyRRtVa0...feature=related

The gt4 just looks good doing anything doesn't it?

Thanks for posting those nammer, they are exactly what i was thinking of. Wow it looks like theres actually two spots for the center bearings, I always thought there was just one... I cant tell from the pictures but does the awd system use any u-joints in the driveshaft? Or is it all just splined together?

If its splined together, the best way to go about welding up the brackets for the drivetrain is to have the awd transmission installed in the car and mock up each component separately to get the right spacing correct?

How would you know if you have to factor in a little bit of extra space to allow for play? I'd imagine its a bad idea to have everything tightly pressed together and that a 1-2 mm horizontal breathing room would be good.

Also, what about the angle of the driveshaft? Does an st205 have the shaft level with the bottom of the car or is it a bit angled?


This post has been edited by enderswift: Jan 27, 2011 - 11:45 AM