Curiosity question. In the 4Runner series, which 4Runners come with a
a center differential, SR5 and the limited?

Thanks

Limited only -for 5th (current) generation 4Runner that is.

Having that H4F on the dial is where it’s at!


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Ok thanks. I knew the limited had it for sure but I wasn’t sure about the SR5.

I'd rather have a transfer case.

You still have one but with a full time 4wd (AWD) option. I'd like AWD and would have liked it in my supercharged Tacoma.

You don't have a transfer case in a Limited.

You have a center diff that can lock.

What about LO Range? Still a center diff?


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The Limited has a differential which is lockable, in it's Aisin full-time 4wd transfer Case.

The SR5 and TRD models, have a part-time Aisin transfer case with no differential. When you shift those into 4wd, the front and rear output shafts turn at the same speed, with no differentiation.

I was initially a Jeep/Dodge guy and owned vehicles with both an NV242 and NV249.

The Jeep with the 249 is great, never “had” to use low range to get unstuck. Just keep it in full time.

Durango with SelecTrac is great to have all those options (and 2WD is one less light on the dash, LOL) but I like the “set it and forget it”.

Yes it’s fun to geek out with the 2WD - N - 4FT - 4PT - 4LO.


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Yes

The Limited has a center diff with these options:
4H (full time AWD) with diff unlocked
4H with diff locked
4L with diff locked

Other models, with a transfer case, have these options:
2H
4H (no option but locked because it's a transfer case, not a diff)
4L (no option but locked because it's a transfer case, not a diff)


The advantage of a center diff is that you have the 4H with diff unlocked mode. You don't have this option with a transfer case. 4H with diff unlocked is probably best for the off roading that most of us do. If you're into intense gnarly rock crawling, a transfer case might be better. On snow and ice, a center diff is better. On your average dirt road, even if it's pretty rough with ruts, rocks and loose stuff, a center diff is better most of the time. You don't have to force one tire to drag in a tight turn.

Some people might say you get better mileage in 2H than you do in full time AWD, but in the real world, this is really really minimal. Toyota does not list different mileage numbers for the different models.

There seems to be some confusion as to what a transfer case is. The Limited has a differential which is lockable IN it's Aisin transfer case.

The Limited most certainly has a transfer case. The Aisin VF4BM, to be exact.

If you really think about it, the non Limiteds are an open diff until you lock it.

Thank you. This is correct.

Limited = Front Diff, Transfer Case, Center Diff, Rear Diff

All others with 4WD = Front Diff, Transfer Case, Rear Diff

All others without 4WD = Rear Diff only

Happy to have found this thread. Cleared up a lot for me, as a friend (Wrangler) and I were having a discussion whether there was a center differential or not on 4WD’s. I’ve heard of some brands and models with them. Otherwise it was my understanding that a transfer case was basically open in 4HI and locking only in 4LO.