Running 2WD instead of AWD

As some of you may know i recently have changed my gearbox because it failed. After installing the new gearbox I deliberately didn't install the rear drive shaft(front TC to back differential). I have covered the TC shaft attachment so It does not leak TC oil. I did this because i wanted a new exhaust setup so ill install the drive shaft when the new exhaust has been fabricated.


What I have noticed in the 3 days of driving since then

1) Better Mileage ( About 1.5-2 KM / L)
2) The speedo & and engine rpm rush a bit when accelerating hard
3) I feel that the acceleration after (40 KPH) is better

Can I harm the car if continue running the car in this setup. Want to do this because of better mileage and a few less parts to worry about (drive shaft, rear axles,rear diff, CVs).

what could go wrong if do the opposite and disable the front 2 wheels instead of the rears :p

I suspect what is happening is the transfer box viscous coupling is working hard to direct torque forwards. This will almost definitely overheat the unit and may result in its failure. The rpm rush will be the coupling slipping. the reduced drag of the rear diff will be what is helping mpg, the acceleration is likely more to-do with your old box being in a bad way.

If you search on the forum for "VR2" you will find a number of people run FWD using the F5M51 (i think) manual gearbox from the non turbo cars. Generally by swapping the 6a13tt into the v6 chassis.

I think you might also be at risk from damage to the front differential, the cars and diffs were designed and built with permanent 50/50 4wd in mind. similarly, putting everything to the rear (especially to the AYC diff) is asking for trouble. It might be possible to rotate the engine 90 degrees in the bay, mate it to a V5A51/V5M51 then send drive to the rear axle. SAYC or open diff / evo LSD would be sensible upgrades then.

The transfer case has a viscous coupling :speechles.. that answers it .. I am putting the shaft back
I thought its a normal differential that could be welded

the V in VR4 means viscous ;)

As I understand it, the diff in the gearbox is open, but the transfer box has a viscous coupling which works with that open diff to give the 50/50 torque :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Amonlym

the V in VR4 means viscous

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Can opened, worms everywhere!
https://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?54595

/pan /pan /pan /pan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Mann

Can opened, worms everywhere!
https://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?54595

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Maybe now the birds will like me!

I blame /googleit