4WD differences? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

simple · 04-14-2025, 02:57 AM

One of my favorite things about the 4th gen V6 is the ‘part time’ 4WD, which I learned is kind of like operating AWD? So if it’s raining or sleeting and I want extra piece of mind I can throw on 4hi with no concerns.

I was super shocked when I learned the 5th gen was not like this, and ‘part-time’ 4WD didn’t mean you could throw it in 4hi whenever you wanted, regardless of the conditions.

Is the 6th gen’s 4WD system similar to the 4th gen’s or 5th gen’s? AI says Torsen diff is back, but only on certain trims like limited’s, which makes me think the 4th gen’s system is out.

Curious if anyone knows?

Bmnorm2 · 04-14-2025, 09:22 AM

You can put any 4WD 5th gen (standard or limited) into 4Hi at anytime while driving (under 60 mph). It would only be advisable in slippery conditions as you mentioned.

The 6th gen is the same.

simple · 04-14-2025, 10:35 AM

Dang, that’s a real bummer. I really love the flexibility of the 4th Gen’s 4WD system.

02SE · 04-14-2025, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple

Dang, that’s a real bummer. I really love the flexibility of the 4th Gen’s 4WD system.

Yes, your V6 4th gen has a more versatile system than was available on the 5th gen or the 6th gen.

You had 2wd, Full-time 4wd, and Part-time 4wd hi, and Part-time 4wd lo.

PhotoRunner · 04-14-2025, 11:39 PM

I have a 4th gen with the lockable center diff feature, and you're right it was nice to drive around in AWD if the weather was iffy but not bad enough for actual 4WD. I was bummed to find that when I got a 5th gen that option was gone for me, especially given my 4th was "only" an SR5 and my 5th was a TRD ORP. I think the current generation has it on the trims that are full time "4WD", definitely not on the SR5 trim that I have.

Ripper238 · 04-15-2025, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple

Dang, that’s a real bummer. I really love the flexibility of the 4th Gen’s 4WD system.

Why is it a bummer? You can do the same thing? I use 4H whenever i think its needed.

No AWD, but its really unnecessary if you are proactive.

Bmnorm2 · 04-15-2025, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02SE

Yes, your V6 4th gen has a more versatile system than was available on the 5th gen or the 6th gen.

You had 2wd, Full-time 4wd, and Part-time 4wd hi, and Part-time 4wd lo.

Oh wow, I didn’t realize the 4th gen’s had that ability. Definitely an extra step over the Limited setup. It would be nice to be able to drive RWD for normal conditions and for having a little donut fun in low mu situations.

02SE · 04-16-2025, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmnorm2

Oh wow, I didn’t realize the 4th gen’s had that ability. Definitely an extra step over the Limited setup. It would be nice to be able to drive RWD for normal conditions and for having a little donut fun in low mu situations.

Only the V6 4th gens had what Toyota called the Multi-mode 4wd system. The 2009 4th gen Trail V6 4wd, also had a electrically locking rear diff.

The V8 4th gens were either RWD, meaning 2-wheel drive only. Or they had Full-time 4wd, with high and low range.

3rd gen '99-'2000 Limiteds also had Multi-mode 4wd, and an available electric locking rear diff.

'01-'02 4wd 4Runners were also Multi-Mode, but the locking rear diff wasn't an option.

88Center · Yesterday, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02SE

Only the V6 4th gens had what Toyota called the Multi-mode 4wd system. The 2009 4th gen Trail V6 4wd, also had a electrically locking rear diff.

The V8 4th gens were either RWD, meaning 2-wheel drive only. Or they had Full-time 4wd, with high and low range.

3rd gen '99-'2000 Limiteds also had Multi-mode 4wd, and an available electric locking rear diff.

'01-'02 4wd 4Runners were also Multi-Mode, but the locking rear diff wasn't an option.

So glad I still got my 2007 V6, but she's really starting to show her age. Need new cv axels, brake pads, links, shocks, and especially a new paint job.

thatoneguy · Yesterday, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02SE

Only the V6 4th gens had what Toyota called the Multi-mode 4wd system. The 2009 4th gen Trail V6 4wd, also had a electrically locking rear diff.

The V8 4th gens were either RWD, meaning 2-wheel drive only. Or they had Full-time 4wd, with high and low range.

3rd gen '99-'2000 Limiteds also had Multi-mode 4wd, and an available electric locking rear diff.

'01-'02 4wd 4Runners were also Multi-Mode, but the locking rear diff wasn't an option.

I absolutely loved the multi-mode transfer case in my '99 Limited with rear e-locker. That thing was crazy capable and crazy versatile.

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