Since I am interested in replacing my jeep cherokee, I have been reading the literature on the 4runner for a few weeks now and I can't figure out one thing....

Toyota claims that the V8 comes with full time 4wd wheras the V6 comes with part time 4wd and 2wd. The V8 system is supposed to be good on any surface and the V6 is only supposed to be good on slippery surfaces. With my jeep cherokee, for example, the Part time 4WD, has no center differential. This creates binding when there is too much traction, like you get on dry pavement.

But, all of 4WD 4runners come with the Torsen limited slip center differential. This would imply to me that it could be safely be driven on pavement while in 4wd because there would be slippage neccesary to prevent drive-shaft binding caused by non-slip front/rear power distribution.

What does it say in the 4runner owners manual about the "part time" 4wd that is installed on the V6. I am interested in the V6 for price and mileage reasons, but I am really concerned about having full time 4wd.

On a related note, if I can't get full time 4wd on the V6, does the traction and stability control make up for it? Has anyone driven this system on intermittently snowy or icy surfaces? How does it perform in 2WD? How does it perform in 4wd, any binding or bump stear?

thanks
fike

Yeah, it's a bit confusing...but let me try and explain it.

BOTH systems (V8 and V6 4wd models) are the same because BOTH use the same center differential (TORSEN). The ONLY difference is that, in the V6 4wd models, there is an ADDITIONAL OPTION of 2wd mode. Both systems have 4-LO range.

The V6 4wd models can ALSO run in 4wd on ANY surface, just like it's V8 brother.

Both systems can lock and unlock the center differential. Both are TORSEN cente diff...thus, they are same. Once the center diff is locked, you cannot drive on dry pavement because of binding. Thus, locking the center diff should be done ONLY on slippery surfaces (mud, sand, off-roading, etc.).

The V6 4wd system is NOT the classic part-time system found on Jeep Cherokee or Wrangler. Unlike those, the Toyota system has a center differential (Torsen on '03 models) that can be lock and unlock.

If you do not lock the center diff, then there is NO binding on dry pavement when in 4wd (on V6 models)...thus, you can drive anywhere without any harm. Remember, on V8 4wd models, there is no 2wd option...it is always in 4wd. V6 models just gives it an additional option to run in 2wd.

Most V6 owners put their 4runner in 2wd mode on dry pavement...to save fuel. And when road conditions become more slippery or unpredictable, they switch to 4wd. HOWEVER, again, these same owners can just leave their 4runners in 4wd all the time.

VSC (stability control) and ATRAC (4-wheel traction control) are excellent for the conditions you described.

Hope this helps.

Don't forget to read more about the 4wd system of the 4Runner in these threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...s=&threadid=12

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...=&threadid=106

Hope this helps.

As for AWD vs. 4wd, you can check out a recent thread on this matter:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...=&threadid=642

Hope this helps.

I took a test drive yesterday at the Carmax Toyota. I wanted to turn on 4WD to see how it felt on pavements...since of course it has an open differential. The sale guy was upset at the suggestion and he insisted that it was a part time system. Is this the stance that Toyota has taken about the V6 4Runner? It seems foolish. they are hiding a good quality of the V6 not giving any meaningful differentiation between the V6 an V8. I really want to try the 4WD on the road before I buy one.

Some car salesman are really the bottom of the barrel as far as knowledge of cars and trucks.

Some?? Damn, from what i can see, ALL OF THEM are idiots! Unfortunately, this is all too common...most of them barely knows anything about what they are selling...the ONLY thing they know is that it is better than something else for some odd reason.

When my brother bought his Lexus LX470 and wanted to shift into 4-LOW, the salesman told him don't bother to touch the 4wd lever...because he will never need it.

Sorry about your experience...but you may have to go to another dealership or find another salesman.

Good Luck.