Rav4.1 Transmission Options

[Piesoup]

Hello

I have decided on buying a 1998 or later Rav 4.1 3 door, mainly as a winter car but also for my wife to potter about in.

I am confused by how they are advertised on Autotrader. Half the ads say it has an LSD and half don't mention it. None mention the centre locking diff. I rang a few of the ads, and when challenged about the LSD, their answer is, "yeah it's got one mate, I can see the button on the dash." The said they just plugged the Reg in the computer and it spat out the specs which they used for the ad. I know the "button on the dash" is for the centre diff. They won't give me the VIN number so I can't ring Toytota.

Now from what I have gathered from a few searches. The 4.1 has a centre lockable diff but no LSD. The LSD was an option on some of the 4.2s.

Please can someone in the know lay down the law!

1. Does every UK Rav4.1 1998 or later have a centre lock diff?

2. Was the LSD ever available on the UK Rav4.1 1998 or later.

3. If so, do you reckon these ads are correct?!

I think there may be a serious case of false advertising going on. None of these cars are close to me so I don't want to spend small fortune on a train fare to go and look at one to discover the sales man can't tell the difference between the two diffs! The centre lock diff will be sufficient but I don't want to limit my choice thinking only a few have it fitted. The LSD would be a great help in the snow so would push to find one. That's if they even exist!

Thanks for your help here, really appreciate it!

PS, nearly bought a Freelander, but I couldnt find a bad review on a Rav so here we are!

[Joylove]

Solid gold info on the 4.2 here. http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=105082&st=15&p=955456entry955456 I think it has 4.1 info a little later on, including the foibles of the locking centre diff.

Have you considered stretching the budget a little to a 4.2? It was a big revision and they can come in under £2k with average miles, which is knackered freelander money.

Freelander is gash. I wouldn't even entertain a petrol Freelander with all its cooling issues. Mrs Joylove wanted the Freelander [TD4] but my mechanic ( a rather talented one and 4x4 expert), through the fits of laughter, advised me against it; and towards the RAV4.

RAV4 can be a little hungry on 02 sensors and droplinks but compared to the misery of a Freelander it's no contest.

[Piesoup]

Thanks for the quick reply and the link!

I did start to read that thread but gave up as I thought everyone had neglected the poor little 4.1! Now I see the adverts are wrong and I have more choice!

I have been looking at some 4.2s but 2k is my absolute max. Just bought a new Mondeo so can't justify spending too much to the Department of Finance! I'd also rather get an older but better looked after car, ie the 4.1 than a knackered cheap newer car.

Thanks again, and to Anchorman for his excellent write up.

[bothwell_buyer]

I think I know a little about the 4.1, having owned one for 17 years and bought a second about 5 years ago.... both 1994 models.

Love them to bits.

My lightweight over-powered number 1 RAV has the centre diff lock button as you say and even running Fawlken 450s which i use as race tyres, it still managed every ice and snow bound road last winter, with the diff lock activated.

LSD not needed. The LSDS may be useful if you want to do serious off-roading, but even then I have found my RAVs are extremely capable.

The drivetrain is over-engineered and the 4.1 doesn't have the issues of the later vvti engine. The 4.2 looks nice but is slightly heavier.

A good 4.1 can be bought for less than £1000 and if you fit a new set of alloys to it with just slighhtly wider wheels, you'll never look back.

The only think that I think was different with the later 4.1 was the addition of abs braking.... but as its 4 wheel drive and a very short wheel base I've never had any problems - and thats braking from 116mph to 10mph in a shorter distance than it takes for later models. (Well maybe I cheat as I have uprated brakes. but for racing, I have never managed to lock the wheels - the grip is great ! (Anchormans knowledge and network of friends have much to do with that as well altho he'll not come along as a passenger ever again !

[CharlieFarlie]

I think I know a little about the 4.1, having owned one for 17 years and bought a second about 5 years ago.... both 1994 models.

Love them to bits.

My lightweight over-powered number 1 RAV has the centre diff lock button as you say and even running Fawlken 450s which i use as race tyres, it still managed every ice and snow bound road last winter, with the diff lock activated.

LSD not needed. The LSDS may be useful if you want to do serious off-roading, but even then I have found my RAVs are extremely capable.

The drivetrain is over-engineered and the 4.1 doesn't have the issues of the later vvti engine. The 4.2 looks nice but is slightly heavier.

A good 4.1 can be bought for less than £1000 and if you fit a new set of alloys to it with just slighhtly wider wheels, you'll never look back.

The only think that I think was different with the later 4.1 was the addition of abs braking.... but as its 4 wheel drive and a very short wheel base I've never had any problems - and thats braking from 116mph to 10mph in a shorter distance than it takes for later models. (Well maybe I cheat as I have uprated brakes. but for racing, I have never managed to lock the wheels - the grip is great ! (Anchormans knowledge and network of friends have much to do with that as well altho he'll not come along as a passenger ever again !

Would it be possible to come along and watch when You are racing ?? Anything involving racing is like a magnet to Me !!!!

Wee Charlie.

[Piesoup]

Yes, more info on the racing!!

Even though I won't be racing mine, I do still want the added security of the ABS. And I like the face lifted look.

I won't be off roading but negotiating the country lanes in the winter's snow and ice needs a 4x4. Especially as our council don't seem to believe in ploughs or grit!

I just wanted to be sure that the 4.1 definitely had either a lockable centre diff or a LSD. Without one or the other, having 4 wheel drive will be pretty useless when a wheel starts to slip!!

[anchorman]

CF - Have a llok from about 1.52 here. Not an exactly fair match but when a rav gives a GT a run for its money you get the picture!

Nowthen Joylove, the 4.1 as Bothy says does not have a lsd. That is the product of Autotrader being knowitalls!

It has a proper lockable transfer box so you can physically lock the front and rear axle. Engine manifold vacuum is applied to a servo which pulls the actuator into engagement after pushing that mystery button that the owners refer to. When disengaging, the vacuum is exhausted to atmosphere and the actuator is merely spring loaded to return to the off position. However, any load on the transmission can hold it engaged which is a risk to the transmission on a good road surface so a buzzer will sound until it drops out. The easiest way to "un bind" it is to just father the accelerator or is a worst case rock the vehicle back and forth.

A full explanation can be found in the centre diff lock entry here;

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=71649