am i wrong, or is the V8 always running in full time 4wd? is it different than hi4 in the V6? do some drivers keep their V6 in hi4 all of time for additional traction and control?

There are 2wd V8s, but the 4WD ones are AWD until you lock the center diff, with the button to the left of the steering wheel. They also have a lo-range (4LO). The V6 can do the same thing the V8 can do (AWD with the option to lock center diff and lo-range), but has the option to run 2wd as well. Basically if you want 2wd in a V8 you would have to sacrifice and not have any 4wd at all, or do a parts swap (very involved and expensive).

I believe some V6 drivers do keep it in 4hi regularly. If you want to do the same, make sure your center diff is NOT LOCKED when doing this. Someone verify this statement.

i remember someone said they use 4h almost daily in their v6. you certainly wouldnt want the center locked if driving on hard pack, but in 4h you can drive on pavement etc no issues im fairly certain. its just AWD.

I dont do it, but you can. Shouldn't be any issues. Just maybe lower MPGs

I do it all the time, sometimes for no other reason than just because I can.

I often times switch into AWD aka 4WD Unlocked aka H4F as my way of just exercising some of the 4WD system in the city. Last time I did it I switch between 2WD and AWD on curvy mountain roads just to see if I could feel the effects under power when turning. It has its own characteristic when driving, and its kinda cool to be able to switch between the two and feel the difference.

In the rain or any time we have bad weather I generally switch into AWD because it’s a tool I have and might as well use it. Snow and other harsh weather conditions I am almost always in AWD.

The only time I lock the center is when I am off-road, almost always locked because in my 2004, that’s the only way to disable traction control / VSC which just gets in the way when trying to apply power to the ground.

Ill just finish my saying the Torsen 4WD system in the V6 4th gens is probably my favorite I have experienced across all the Toyota options, primarily because it’s the most versatile as it still allows operation in 2WD which can’t be had in the V8 or newer 5th gen Limited which I also own.

so, is V8 AWD mode essentially identical to V6 hi-4 non-locked diff mode?

will there be more wear and tear in the V6 4wd system if run in hi-4 all the time?
is there more wear in the V8 4wd system because it is always active?

why was the V8 developed to always be in at least AWD?

I’ve gone sometimes months at a time with it in 4Hi including driving on the highway. No issues whatsoever. I just change the diff oil like once a year. I don’t do it all the time but I have on occasion. No reason, just because. Definitely feels better driving, more planted if that makes sense.


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Correct, The V8 AWD mode is functionally identical to the V6 high 4WD unlocked. In the 5th gen they call it H4F, but I just simplify it by just saying AWD.

The V8 in 4WD aka H4L is also identical in function to the V6 high locked.

At least when compared to the V8, there is no addition wear and tear. It’s the same mechanical Torsen TC.

No idea why the V8 was designed that way… Maybe for end user simplicity?

For the purpose of this discussion both systems are pretty much identical expect that the V8 cant operate in 2WD. It’s the only mode that is missing.

pretty well from Dec to March in Canada

i don't have the manual in front of me, but does it recommend not using 4wd on dry pavement (meaning regular driving)?

I believe its because the differential disconnect in the V6 front diff is too big to clear the oil pan on the V8... and Toyota didn't want to bother with different oil pan so they just made it full time 4WD

I'm in 2H all the time. 4H when raining, snowing, on the beach.

I’ve kept my V6 in H4 for a week straight here and there, and when I don’t have it engaged for prolonged periods I will regularly do so to exercise the system. Dependent on the weather

I thought the manual said to not exceed 60mph in H4 if I recall correctly.

That is only a limit for shifting "on the fly" (while shifting into 4H). You can go as fast as you want once it is engaged.
If that were the case, 4x4 V8s would be limited to a max speed of 60MPH lol.