doctorttt

Hey there,

How do you activate 4 wheel drive on the GX460? Also, there is this button (with a picture showing a big X on the axel) on the lower right hand side of the steering wheel. I think it is the center differential lock button. What does it do?

Someone told me that you can switch the GX460 from 4WD to FWD and vice versa. Is it true?

mistabuyer

The GX460 is full time 4WD so by default it is always in the high-4WD mode. That button is the center diff lock like you mentioned. When pushed in (dash light illuminates), that means power is being split 50:50 between the front and rear wheels. The GX doesn't have a front or rear diff lock, so power won't be mechanically equal between the two front wheels or between the two rear wheels at all times.

doctorttt

Thanks. By the way, when do you use center diff lock? If center diff lock is off, then what is the default ratio?

NTH

Center diff lock is used only on sand mud or snow. Never in dry surface or asphalt.

Valley101

You should never use the center diff lock unless you are stuck or like in a ditch. You engage it to help you get out of your difficulty. You accelerate very slowly and as soon as you are back on solid footing disconnect it. I forget the exact speed, but I think it is like 7 or 8 miles per hour while the diff is locked. It is listed in your manual. You also need to be in 4 Low while performing this procedure. In fact, you should first use 4 Low to try and extract your vehicle and if that does not help then lock the diff.

JohnJerk

Well, you can use the diff lock at any speed. I like having it locked in snow as I find braking is improved.

Eppieguy

Yup, I totally agree, I was driving 50 MPH on Tuesday with it on, no issues at all, turned it on at around 30 MPH many times, never an issue. I've done the same since I have bought it when on snow or sand and it works great.

mistabuyer

without the center diff locked, I believe the computer usually uses a ratio of 30:70 to 40:60 (front to rear ratio)

Quadro

This is how it should be. Locked center diff simply means the torque gets split 50/50 between front and rear. Since the front/rear differentials still remain open there is no issue with driving at any speed on any surface while having center diff locked.

Quadro

I don't think there is computer in the transfer case controlling the ratio... otherwise why have torsen center diff to begin with. Locked diff means constant 50/50 split.

Valley101

Evidently some of you never read your manual on when to use diff lock!

mistabuyer

My comment was in regards to the torsen center diff when NOT LOCKED; it has the ability to vary the torque split to a degree between front and rear axles, again when NOT LOCKED

Quadro

Simply clarified. Torsen is a fully mechanical system, there is no computer involved.