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I have not stated this. In fact I've been very clear about the advantages and disadvantages of both. My view is that the Sequoia system or for that matter any 4wd system with the capability to lock the center diff and also provide a 4wd lo, will be a better system than awd if your intention is to go off-roading.
If you are not planning significant off-roading, an awd system will provide better traction for wet and slippery conditions as well as better handling in turns where you are assured of power being delivered to the front wheels. If you doubt me, maybe you'd like to explain why every high performance vehicle in the world that utlizes 4wd, uses an awd system very similar to the Denali's and not like auto 4wd or a system anything like the Sequoia's. Its because it isn't designed to deliver power to all wheels under all circumstances and at all speeds.
paisan: while I agree with your assessment of the Sequoia's approach of shifting power through open diffs by braking, I believe your statement on the VC of the Denali (or for that matter any AWD setup) is wrong.
"As for 50/50 torque split, it does prove that both axles get equal torque as a std torque split, similar to the denali VC. The denali VC will not provide a min. amount of power to each axle, if the rear axle is spinning on ice 100% of the power will be directed to the other axle and visa versa that is the whole concept behind the VC.
The brakes being applied will shift around the power through the open diffy based on traction, at least that is my take on the Sequoia. I don't like using the brakes to shift around power, but that is just me."
The Denali and most AWD Viscous coupling setups are designed to start with a minimum amount of torque delivered to the front end that cannot be reduced even if there is slippage. In the case of the GM system that minimum is 38% of the available power will be maintained to the front wheels as part of the design of the VC. As the rear wheels rotate faster than the front, the "shearing" affect in the diff will begin to solidify the liquid and transfer more power to the front above the already established 38%.
It will not drop below that level, for example, even while traversing a slippery road condition, therefore once traction is reestablished power will already be on hand instead of needing to be transferred back. That's why awd is a preferable system for traction on pavement in hi-performance road vehicles.
Even the TODs system in a Trooper can move 100% of the power to the rear wheels if there is no traction under the front tires, I think you'd agree. AWD systems, by design cannot move 100% of their available power to the rear wheels under any circumstance.
The conclusion is that if you are planning to take your shiney new suv into the back country, a traditional 4wd system or even an electronic system such as the Sequoia may very well be a better system for that purpose.
If your planning to use your suv for slippery boat ramps, dragging a trailer and general on-road purposes and you prefer a no muss, no fuss setup, awd will be preferable. I think you'll find more manufacturers moving to AWD setups in their high end suvs as these consumer's are the least likely to take their vehicles into the back woods where they might experience a "scratch or two".
I responded to paisan's post of Saturday. If you wish to ignore my response or simply respond to the other topics of interest to you, I have a simple recommendation.
Use that mouse-like thing next to your computer to skip over topics that are not of interest, however please don't be so presumptious to think you know whats of interest to others or myself.
-mike
Steve
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Without 4wd lo you really have an oversized, more powerful station wagon that is good at towing, moving cargo around, transporting lots of kids and adults and offers better traction on slippery roads.
My guess is the manufacturers think there's a bigger market in folks looking for these characteristics than those looking to break new trails in the Adirondack. You don't suppose the manufacturer's have figured out how consumer's are really using their 4wd suvs.... do you:)?
-mike
tidester
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Every high performance vehicle in the world uses awd because it tends to weigh less and because they will never go off roading.
In slippery conditions there is no advantage to awd as the Sequoia system reacts in milliseconds.
Rarely is equal power needed to the same wheels, so your denali is constantly adjusting. This will take the exact same amount of time (milliseconds) as the sequoia system. Where is the advantage?
Lambo Diablo -AWD
Lancer Evo -AWD
Subaru 22b -AWD
Porche 911 -AWD
Nissan Skyline -AWD
Need I go on?
-mike
Anyway I have 23K miles on my '01 limited and put a new set of front brakes on. On my last trip pulling my 21 foot trailer I experienced more of the noisy vehicle control system coming on than before. It seems like the extra weight of the trailer makes the system more sensitive. Pulling the trailer I got an expected 9-10 miles per gallon.
I did replace the regular air filter with a TRD filter and after a tank or two of gas noticed a 10% increase in gas mileage.
I had a coupon for a oil and filter change at the dealer. When I had it done I noticed on the invoice that they put in 10-30 oil instead of the recommended 5-30. They said that is what they always put in these 4.7 V8s. When I showed them that the oil cap states that Toyotas recommends 5-30 they seemed unimpressed. They agreed to change the filter and oil to the recommended 5-30 but I an sure this will continue to happen to other cars unless they ask for this. Is there a problem with using this grade oil?? Or should I be satisfied with the 10-30???
-mike
My 2001 Limited (with the 10 speaker pakc and 6 CD Changer) has a volume problem witht he rear speakers. It is not a fader issue, but instead, the volume of therear speakers is much less than the front. Has anyone else experienced this and found a cure? I want to get more group info before firing off a nasty gram to Toyota and my local dealer who states that this is normal after keeping my Seq for a whole day in the shop.
Thanks,
G
geeper: I haven't had a problem with my 2001 Ltd. I know others have. Good luck.
-mike
On 5WD30 versus 10WD30, at my last oil change (Jiffy Lube), they didn't even ask which one to put. They simply read it off the vehicle tags and put in 5WD30. That should not be a question for the dealership to argue about. If I had a dealer with such attitude, I'd switch and find one that will follow the factory recommendations, cos if they won't follow something that trivial, how can I trust them with other parts of my vehicle ?
714cut: thanks for the good vibes... it is difficult to post these days when issues of relevance to *most* Seq owners are "drowned" out by those with an agenda, or an axe to grind with us for our ill-conceived idea of purchasing a Toyota SUV instead of the all-purpose, and mighty Denali. But, you, pschreck, 2heeldrive and others help keep this place interesting and worth contributing. Keep up the good work.
I have been treating my leather seats with Lexol treatment that Toyota sold. Has anyone had any expierences with cleaning and treating the leather interior in their Seq?
Front door pillars = 2
Lower front door panels = 4
Lower rear door panels = 2 (or are there actually 2 seperate speakers in each rear door panel?)
I just got back from checking out the two different stereo systems provided in the Sequoia's. I listened to the SR5 "base-base" model with the standard stereo system (non JBL w/ only 6 speakers) as well as the upgraded JBL 3-in-1 w/ 10 speakers but no 6 disc in-dash CD player). I thought both systems sounded quite decent with the upgraded JBL system just a little clearer and more dynamic up front. However, both sounded quite "muddy" while sitting in the 2nd row seats.
QUESTION: What are the thoughts of those who have also checked out both stereo systems available?
QUESTION: Does anyone know if the Limited version JBL stereo with the 6 disc in-dash CD player has the same amplification and speakers as the other upgraded JBL system with only the single CD playing head unit?
Any updates that you know of like a navigation system?
When might we see the Lexus version?
How about the Runner...V8? New styling? Wider compartment?
Just my 2 cents.
How about the following cars that are not awd?
Acura NSX
Aston Martin volante
Audi S8
Bentley arnage red label
BMW 740 (Heatwave's car)
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Viper
various Ferrari's
Jaguar XKR
Lotus esprit
Merecedes Benz various
most Porsches
I'd say most of the premiere cars from the top manufacturers in the world do not use awd.
Skyline is available outside the US, didn't know only US cars were sports cars.
Non Sports Cars you listed:
Audi S8
Bentley arnage red label
BMW 740 (Heatwave's car)
Jaguar XKR
Merecedes Benz various
So between your list and mine it's about 50/50 split.
-mike
After a trip to the dealer, all we could do was order the touch up paint, which took several weeks to arrive, and spend an afternoon with a new package of compound and the bottle of paint. And, no, it doesn't match perfectly in most lighting conditions.
I would have had the whole vehicle repainted if the culprit didn't take off without stopping before the Troopers arrived.... Grrrrr...
Steve
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If Toyota filters are OK and Fram are not which type do you use?