4 Runner quandry

snomobile

snomobile

New member
Hi All,
Most of you know that I have a 2011 limited in silver with the third row seat.

I am considering trading it in, NOT for another brand of suv, but an SR5 with leather interior. I too love 4Runners. The reasons for the trade matters most to me so I will not go into detail as some will see it as bashing 4Runners. I know I will not have all the bells and whistles the limited has, most I can live without. Others I can get on my own. My former rides, an 06 and 08 Runner limiteds where two wheel drive then could sort of go to all wheel drive then you would push a button on the dash and you would then be in true 4 wheel drive. Are the SR5's set up like this or are they two wheel drive then go to true 4 wheel drive? Thanks for your help!!
 
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I believe the SR5's are like the Trails in that they are part time 4WD. They have a shifter that lets you go from 2WD -> 4Hi -> 4Lo.

This is what I believe is the case for SR5's, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll have pics up of the interior controls of my trail (including the 2wd/4wd shifter) tomorrow here
 
ShaggyTDawg said:
I believe the SR5's are like the Trails in that they are part time 4WD. They have a shifter that lets you go from 2WD -> 4Hi -> 4Lo.

This is what I believe is the case for SR5's, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Correct :thumb3:
 
No buttons to push..........old school mechanical lever to shift from 2H to 4H to 4L (I like it!!!). No lockers or limited slip, so I guess its not really 4WD, more like 2WD front included (open diffs).
 
I understand completely. One of the reasons we went with an SR5 over the Limited was the way the 4x4 system works. The electronic knob makes me feel somewhat disconnected from the vehicle. You will probably lose a bit in the trade, but you should get what you want. I love my SR5 with leather and third row, just had to get used to using a key again. Many times I still walk up to the door expecting it to unlock LOL.
 
Thanks!!

Got a better picture of the difference between the limited and SR5.
Thanks for the input! :zoom:
 
Funny. I'm actually looking at going the other way from SR5 to Limited. I feel like the SR5 lacks some features I really want. I do wish the limited had a real shift lever for 4wd engagement though.
 
I specifically chose the SR5 vs the LE because of LE features I did not want. I WANT to select 4WD when I want it, I did not like the 20's, and I'll buy a GPS (for less) when I decide I need it. I'm not a gadget guy. Sure do like the looks of the Salsa TE tho.
 
Last edited:
My 4R said:
No buttons to push..........old school mechanical lever to shift from 2H to 4H to 4L (I like it!!!). No lockers or limited slip, so I guess its not really 4WD, more like 2WD front included (open diffs).
Click to expand...

Not entirely true. The center diff is locked-only on SR5s/ TE. I believe all 5th gen. 4runners have an electronic rear LSD.
 
OP, I don't mean to be harsh, but by saying "sort-of all wheel drive" stuff it makes one wonder if you either read the manual or looked up how that system really works.

The old full-time 4WD system, as the current full-time 4WD system has a differential in the transfer case. When unlocked, it works everywhere. When that differential is locked, it's no longer a differential, and works exactly like the part-time systems do. No difference between how that system works when in 4H (locked) mode and the system in a 5th gen TE or SR5. No difference in 4L either. Except you turned a knob, as opposed to yanking on a lever.

As far as the wheel-side magic stuff goes, and the computer magic, it's all pretty much the same as well. ATRAC is the same on the Limited and the SR5, as is DAC, and the limited-slip emulating normal traction control.

The reason the part-time 4WD systems can't be used on the road, or full-time, is because there is no center differential. None at all. A clutch engages, it turns a chain, which then turns the front drive shaft. When front and rear wheels turn at different speeds and there is nothing to unwind the drive train (like being on a poor traction surface, the kind you'd want to engage 4WD on) eventually something will give - by design that's the chain, but depending on other factors it could also be the transfer case housing.
 
Why are you considering a trade, again? Is the Limited a 2WD? After reading this thread, I'm not seeing the advantage of a SR5 over a limited.
 
two reasons for me

The 06 and 08 limiteds were leases and turned in. My current is the 2011 limited in silver. Considering trading in the limited and getting the SR5 for two reasons. 1, no third row seat and 2, not in all wheel drive like the limited:zoom::zoom:
 
snomobile said:
The 06 and 08 limiteds were leases and turned in. My current is the 2011 limited in silver. Considering trading in the limited and getting the SR5 for two reasons. 1, no third row seat and 2, not in all wheel drive like the limited:zoom::zoom:
Click to expand...

What's wrong with AWD (full time 4WD)? I don't think it hurts mpg's much.....it really just gives you more options. You know that, unlike 4th gen 4runners, 5th gens' Part-time 4WD can only be used on slippery surfaces? There is no torsen center diff with locking feature on the dash like the 4th gens had.

Also, be sure and do a thorough test drive...including hard braking and emergency avoidance maneuvers. I don't like the way my SR5 handles in these situations and I've been told the limiteds (which have XREAS) handle much better.

If you know this stuff already I don't mean to offend.....I just want you to understand the video I posted was made during the 4th gen 4runner's production. The 5th gen system is more like that of the FJ cruiser. I want to be sure you're clear on everything before you go trading an already very nice vehicle

Good luck :thumb3:
 
Snomobile,

now that you're clear on the various 4WD operations, this chart might give a good overview.

4Runnercenterdrivetrainsfinal.jpg~original
 
I can't understand why anyone would not like the AWD system in the Limited. It will do everything a part-time system will do, plus more.
 
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