Converting Landcruiser from Full time to Part time 4WD

[John40]

I have a Toyota Lancruiser 80 series, year 1992 turbo diesel.

I'm wanting to know how much fuel consumption I can save by doing this conversion and also fitting a snorkel. If it is significant, where can I purchase a conversion kit in Western Australia.

[udm]

You wont be saving any fuel by fitting the kit, its other mechanical stuff that take advantage of the kit.

Snorkel, i think everybody would say that any car will see the benefits of having one. Cooler air for engine, cleaner air for engine, and as of all this, probably less fuel usage.

Ulises

[Trusa]

Fuel consumption with a part time kit brings varying opinions. Do a search and see what turns up (there's a bit on here). The Marks 4WD site claims better fuel economy, as do many drivers. I am yet to empty the tanks to test mine, but currently doesn't seem like a considerable difference. Time will tell.

Benefits of part time 4wd include handling, front diff/uni wear and (in some models without centre diff lock switch) the ability to lock the centre diff in high range.

Ben

[Jeff80]

And it will eliminate having to use a D/C joint in the front tailshaft on big lifts.

Jeff

[dumbdunce]

I converted my 1996 turbo GXL and found consumption to be noticably better around town (5%ish) but no real difference on highway. it's quieter and there's less backlash so it drives nicer, and handles better - less understeer - but I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't lifting past 4". In fact I still want a double cardan front shaft because even though it's part time 4WD now, I still regularly exceed 80km/h in 4WD and get that nasty front shaft chatter. The conversion was a zero $ exercise for me as I had a part time transfer to swap with.

a snorkel will not inprove your fuel economy. The ram air effect is negligible at speeds under about 300km/h, the air up there isn't any cooler or more dense than the air inside your fender, and there is extra friction for the motor to overcome through that extra meter of plumbing. Unless you're planning desert trips or deep water crossings, you don't really need a snorkel.

[shanegtr]

A mate of mine had an improvment of 2L per 100 after the install of his snorkel on a 1hz 80 series

[playdoh]

I considered this for my Prado, but from my understanding you change back to standard part time, losing the full time option.
I originally thought it was just freewheeling hubs to take the load off the drivetrain, but with the icy roads around where I live, I don't want to go without full time, just to save fuel.

[4by]

Converted my petrol 4.5 to part time. Better on fuel, less backlash, and more power.

Got it from Marks 4wd, and money well spent.

[guzzla]

did mine yesterday, a better improvement than i was expecting.

money well spent though i will upgrade the rear slip yolk and shaft to a stronger unit as there will now be more stress on the existing item and will do all unis as well so its all new and one less thing to brake when needed most. .....( to be sure to be sure)

[Golding]

did you guys fit the kit yourself? if not roughly how much did it cost for fitting? im interested in doing it but dont know how to do it (not mechanicllay minded)

[4by]

I did mine myself several years ago. I have limited mechanical knowledge.

You dont need to remove the gearbox or transfer. Take off the tailshaft, unbolt the rear part of the transfer, swap the gears over and refit.
Undoing nuts and bolts are easy, you don't need a mechanic for that.

Guzzla should be able to give you a better idea as he just did his.

I might still have the installation instructions somewhere at home. If I can find them I can send you a copy if your interested.