[ThirdCoastStroker]

I am new to 4Runeners and i am shopping for my first one. i have noticed some of them have 4HI and 4LO only no option for 2wd on the shifter. what is the reasoning and is one better than the other? I am primarily looking for a V8 4WD. Also are there any other big things to look at when testing these vehicles out?

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Originally Posted by ThirdCoastStroker

I am new to 4Runeners and i am shopping for my first one. i have noticed some of them have 4HI and 4LO only no option for 2wd on the shifter. what is the reasoning and is one better than the other? I am primarily looking for a V8 4WD. Also are there any other big things to look at when testing these vehicles out?

V8 4WD models don’t have a 2WD option, just 4HI and 4LO. You can also lock the differentials in the 4WD model. V8 2WD models don’t have a front differential, so no AWD or 4WD.

I don’t have a V6, so I don’t know much about them. I THINK they are AWD, and 4WD has to be selected. The V6 2WD is the same as the V8 2WD.

There are many threads on this forum about AWD vs. 4WD. Use the search function to find answers to your questions.

[Bossman]

Helpful video explaining the 4WD system on Toyotas (including V8 and V6 4Runners). Differentiation of full-time 4WD and part-time 4WD systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6-gCxI60g

[djpope09]

The 2003 and 2004 V6 4WD models can select between RWD, 4Hi, and 4Lo. It may be the same for newer V6s, but I don't know for sure.

RWD is the standard drive mode for most situations and some people's 4WD stops working if they forget to use it for extended periods of time. Whichever model you test, make sure 4Lo works, you can find Youtube videos on how to use it.

The other big thing to look for would be rust on the frame. It looks like you're in Texas, so that shouldn't be a big issue unless you find one from out of state. Other than that, you can find plenty of threads on here with detailed suggestions of what to look for when test driving a 4th gen.

[Keros]

I don't know why I compulsively reply to these threads... there must be 10,000 threads explaining this.

All V8 trucks have the same transfer case for all 4th gen years.

All V6 trucks have the same transfer case for all 4th gen years.

Bossman linked a video that shows how they work.

The only difference between the two cases is the V6 has a 2WD mode. There's even very little physical difference between them, they have a similair model number (that I don't recall at the moment).

When the V8 is in "normal" mode, and the V6 in 4-hi, they are "Full Time 4WD". You can probably just call it AWD, but some people will split hairs at the difference. Reality is, all 4 wheels get power. The center differential gives a 40/60 F/R torque split.

4-Lo on both models obviously is low-range.

Where the confusion comes from is that the center differential's locking engagement is a separate function, separate button, that's not located on the range dial you're referring to. Push this button and it locks the center diff to engage "part-time 4WD", in the traditional sense of a Jeep/pick up, where it cannot be driven on dry pavement.

In essence, you can drive around on dry pavement in 4-Lo in your V8, as long as you haven't locked the center differential. It's handy on a rare occasion.

Anyway, play with the buttons, you'll figure it out. The dash will tell you what's up and the owners manual explains what all the messages mean.

As for axle differential locks, (and someone can jump in and correct this here...) IIRC, there's only one year, 2008 I think, that had a "Trail Edition" that had a rear diff locker. It's a super rare piece.

Regardless, there's 3 differentials in all 4th gens (front/center/rear). Only the center differential can be locked from the factory. Just to be clear on this... other posts/threads seem to generate plenty of confusion about this.

[BackOff]

I have allways laughed at all this 4wd thing.

The V8 is allways in 4wd, guys want to call it 4wd but in reality the V8 is AWD.
It has high and low 4wd. All wheels get power all the time.

The 2003-2009 V6 4x4 is actually switchable between 2wd (rear wheel) and 4wd (all wheels get power).

Like keros said

[pcos55]

Originally Posted by BackOff

I have allways laughed at all this 4wd thing.

The V8 is allways in 4wd, guys want to call it 4wd but in reality the V8 is AWD.
It has high and low 4wd. All wheels get power all the time.

I wonder why they call it 4wd

[AuSeeker]

Originally Posted by pcos55

I wonder why they call it 4wd

Because technically it is 4WD, I think a better term for the V8s T4Rs would be full time 4WD instead of AWD.

[pcos55]

Originally Posted by AuSeeker

Because technically it is 4WD, I think a better term for the V8s T4Rs would be full time 4WD instead of AWD.

Toyota uses the terms "Part-time 4WD" and "Full-time 4WD". I don't know who others are basing their verbiage on, Ford?

[pcos55]

To answer the original poster's question, full-time 4wd is the superior option as it allows for seamless transfer between high and low traction surfaces. This is why Toyota has used it for the last 30 years in their most capable offroad vehicle, the Land Cruiser.

[rrdouleh]

As others have said the V8 either comes in AWD with a lockable center and low gear or rwd. The v6 has either 2wd or 4wd.

[ThirdCoastStroker]

Thanks for the info guys.

[ThirdCoastStroker]

Originally Posted by Bossman

Helpful video explaining the 4WD system on Toyotas (including V8 and V6 4Runners). Differentiation of full-time 4WD and part-time 4WD systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6-gCxI60g

this cleared things up. Ive never had a center diff before. always drove standard 4WD systems.

[southern_runner]

This is a great explanation, thank you!

[T4R03]

I’ll just speak based on my experience. I’ve had two. The V8 limited model and the V6 sport edition 4WD. The sport is RWD with the option of 4HI and 4LO. The V8 is AWD with a 4LO option. If you drive in snow I’d highly recommend the V8 AWD model. That thing is a freaking monster in the snow. The V6 is good but I feel that AWD option is what beats it. But yeah... to each their own. The V8 AWD might be a tad bit more expensive maintenance wise tho... depends really. Just my .02 cents