Need help identifying a 4th gen 4wd vs 2wd

heyou

New member
I looking to buy a 4th Gen 4runner, and I have done some research online. I've looked on autotrader.com and it seems like all the 4runners listed on there are 4WD, which seems a little suspicious.... I know that Toyota makes 2WD and 4WD versions of 4Runner. I've been looking at photos of many 4Runners and toyota doesn't seem to badge their 4WD 4Runners. I live in New England area, so a 4WD makes a big difference for me. I don't wanna get tricked into getting a 2WD/RWD version. Thank you ahead for any input.
 
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Look at the emblem on the front doors (both sides). It will say SR5, SportEdition or Limited. If it is 4WD, it will say so. Otherwise, the lack of '4WD' after the trim level will mean that you are looking at a 2WD model. You have to look hard, but it should be visible in my attached photograph.
:awais:

FYI, any 4Runner with the optional 4.7L V8 will have an emblem on the grille. Otherwise, it will be a 4.0L V6 (as is mine).


If you are still skeptical, look at the interior of the 4Runner for the "2HI, 4HI, 4LO" selector switch on the dashboard near the ignition key (V6 models). The V8 4x4 models will only have "4HI and 4LO" on the dial. I suspect that a 2WD model won't have a switch at all. If that won't work, look underneath for the transfer case, front drive shaft and front differential that would indicate a 4x4 truck.

Good luck!!



4Runner.jpg~original

'05 SR5 4WD; note the indicator of trim & drivetrain on the driver's door -- "SR5 4WD"
 
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You can also tell from the VIN number.

They all start with "JTE"...
4th Digit: Z = 2WD, B = 4WD
5th Digit: U = V6, T = V8
6th Digit: 1 = 4Runner
7th Digit: 4 = SR5 or Sport, 7 = Limited
 

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