MellonC00

My car is a 2001 RX300 AWD.

I know it has the AWD but I can't figure out if this thing came with the optional Limited Slip Rear Differential.

Some other questions:

1. How many LSDs are there: either as an option or as a standard equipment? Is there a front LSD? Is there a center LSD like the Toyota Sequoia?

2. How much of a drag does this create? My old RX300 was front wheel drive and I used get 21.5 MPG no prolbem. Now with the new RX I am lucky to get 19.5 MPG.

3. Is there a way to take it out?

Any ideas?

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

from what i understand the rx300's are really 4x4's (2 open diffs)

in 1999 LSD was only optional equip for the rear open differential. so it makes it a 3 wheel drive.
lexus told me 1999 was the only year that LSD was offered.

the rx300 will behave like AWD when you have even traction on both wheels at the same axle.

if you have traction control and VSC your car will behave like a full time AWD vehicle.

if the rx300 didn't offer vsc or lsd it would not qualify as an AWD.

MellonC00

I am new to 4 wheel drive and All wheel drive terms. let me paraphrase what you are saying. So, you are saying that there is a no LSD in the front or the rear. But there is a Viscous coupling in the center to distribute torque between the front and rear differential. Also, since RX's have VSC it could qualify "as if" it had LSD's at both front and rear?

Is that right?

If so, do you think it might be a simple job to just take out Viscous Coupling and rear differential all together? With the VSC and front wheel drive, I think I might get just about all the benefit of an All wheel drive without the cost of lower MPG and additional weight.

Your thoughts?

LexRX

I'm sure it could be done but it would be more trouble than it's worth especially for about one mpg improvement on the highway. The Vehicle Skid Control is probably programmed in the AWD RX to expect the rear wheels to have power available. I can't imagine having AWD and wanting to disable it.

The AWD gear not only improves traction (especially helpful on rainy days) but it also improves the weight distribution of the RX adding weight to the rear.