4Runner in snow?

[Liam1234]

I'm thinking 4REGRETS is a troll. Who the ****s makes their user name 4REGRETS and signs on to a 4RUNNER forum.

Dude, keep it in 4WD at all speeds in shitty snowing weather and per the manual engage under 50MPH... but frankly if its crappy out, I engage before I leave the driveway but never over 30MPH.

 

[crunchcity]

The tires definitely play a part, but the primary issue is that you have to compromise between handling and traction. If you want to be able to steer the vehicle without the front wheels skipping along, fighting your turn tooth and nail, you have to stick with RWD and pray there's adequate traction to keep you from coming to a standstill with your wheels spinning. And then you pop it into 4HI and the thing jumps sideways on you and damn near takes out a mailbox.

I should also make it clear I'm not blaming the car, I made the choice to buy the Trail instead of the Limited, but for the way I use the vehicle, where I drive, and the snow performance I expect, I made a mistake. I'm sure for deep snow off roading, the TEP is the superior vehicle, but I felt like it performed worse than my 2000 Nissan Xterra on snowpacked and slushy roads, and that only had the stock BFG Rugged Trails. I won't even bother comparing it to my Outback with Hakkapellittas.

I love the 4Runner, it's a great vehicle for my needs, but only with the full time 4WD drive train. As it is now I have a $40,000 truck that I don't feel safe driving 5 months a year. This will turn out to be an expensive mistake.

Anyone want to buy a Blue 2016 TEP with KDSS? It only has 74 miles on it. Haha.

Had a '12 SR5, '13 Limited, and '15 limited and for on road mixed snow/dry patch driving the Limited torsen center diff worked best for me in northeast winter conditions where you can have rapid micro climate changes within a 20 mile corridor due to lake effect. When this happens even the fastest human reaction time to engage 4wd hi it's too late...

Interesting enough I had a chance to put a Tahoe through the snow recently and had a blast, just as much fun as the Limited imo. No center diff, but the "auto" mode responded fast and is like a pseudo-awd. It pre-loads the transfer case and instantly shifts into 4wd hi when slippage is detected so you can still drive on dry patches. Also has a auto locking rear diff that you don't have be in 4 low to engage and will also kick in if needed.

Having said that neither is as good (stock) off road as the Trail/TRD version (without mods), so based on your priorities you bought the wrong trim.

On an enthusiast forum like this the off road models tend to be the most popular but may not be the best fit for you personally.

I'd like to put a GX 460 through the paces for snow driving if I get an opportunity I'm sure it would be at least as good as the Limited in that regard.

 

[Woz1976-MT]

Also has a auto locking rear diff that you don't have be in 4 low to engage and will also kick in if needed.

I don't know how good GM's Autotrac transfer case is, but I specifically won't (didn't) purchase their 4x4's due to the G80 rear locker. From what I found researching it, there must be a 100 rpm difference in rotation speed between the two rear wheels, and then it slams into lock. There are numerous reports on the internet about those things grenading (GM users' term).

I'll still take my '16 TE, and drive appropriately for the conditions. If the conditions are so horrible, I slow down and use my flashers (and 4HI). I keep watch for the idiot drivers, and have just come to the realization that if I see one approaching from behind and they won't be able to slow/stop/change lanes, I'm prepared to drive into the ditch (already in 4HI) -- let them skip and slide away.

 

[crunchcity]

I don't know how good GM's Autotrac transfer case is, but I specifically won't (didn't) purchase their 4x4's due to the G80 rear locker. From what I found researching it, there must be a 100 rpm difference in rotation speed between the two rear wheels, and then it slams into lock. There are numerous reports on the internet about those things grenading (GM users' term).

I've heard the same thing, and that neutral drops can grenade a G80 quickly.

I wouldn't own one past the warranty anyway, but had a huge grin on my face flooring one through the snow last week, definitely one of my favorite snow trucks along with the Limited lol.

Next up I want to try a GX 460...

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

From out my front window, about 8" yesterday

 

[4Regrets]

I'm thinking 4REGRETS is a troll. Who the ****s makes their user name 4REGRETS and signs on to a 4RUNNER forum.

Dude, keep it in 4WD at all speeds in shitty snowing weather and per the manual engage under 50MPH... but frankly if its crappy out, I engage before I leave the driveway but never over 30MPH.

I can assure you I'm not a troll, as soon as I have enough posts to start a new thread, there will be a 2016 Nautical Blue TEP For Sale thread in the Classifieds forum.

I love the 4Runner, but I did not realize how much I would be bothered by part time 4WD. It's a hugely capable vehicle, and my next car will be a Limited T4R, I just can't shake the feeling of the vehicle always having tenuous traction when in 2wd. I also appreciate how much more controllable an AWD/full time 4WD is IF you begin to skid, you can countersteer and use the throttle to keep you pointed straight ahead, instead of having to fight the read end from passing you in a RWD vehicle.

I am an experienced, capable and confident snow driver, and the 4Runner TEP is great when the roads are truly heinous, but those aren't the conditions that scare me most. It's the highly variable conditions you may encounter in the mountains, especially when covering long distances where you may drive 100 miles on dry pavement then go around the corner to be faced with a snowpacked road.

Lesson learned, I will never buy another vehicle that isn't full time 4WD or AWD.

I'm not complaining about the TEP at all, it's a great vehicle, just not right for me. I've lost a lot of sleep over this purchase since I made it, and unfortunately I don't think I'm going to get over the regret, so despite the fact that I will probably lose a lot of money, I need to look to get rid of it and into a Limited.

 

[BlacknTan]

I've driven nothing but RWD in the snow for the last 50 years. Much of it without part time 4WD, except for the last 25 years or so. It's a learning experience, like anything else .. realizing your own, and the vehicles limitations, but I've been through nasty stuff with RWD only.
I must say though, that my wife's Honda Accord does pretty well in snow if not too deep.

As for the Eaton G-80 ... avoid it like the plague!

 

[bofa]

I can assure you I'm not a troll, as soon as I have enough posts to start a new thread, there will be a 2016 Nautical Blue TEP For Sale thread in the Classifieds forum.

I love the 4Runner, but I did not realize how much I would be bothered by part time 4WD. It's a hugely capable vehicle, and my next car will be a Limited T4R, I just can't shake the feeling of the vehicle always having tenuous traction when in 2wd. I also appreciate how much more controllable an AWD/full time 4WD is IF you begin to skid, you can countersteer and use the throttle to keep you pointed straight ahead, instead of having to fight the read end from passing you in a RWD vehicle.

I am an experienced, capable and confident snow driver, and the 4Runner TEP is great when the roads are truly heinous, but those aren't the conditions that scare me most. It's the highly variable conditions you may encounter in the mountains, especially when covering long distances where you may drive 100 miles on dry pavement then go around the corner to be faced with a snowpacked road.

Lesson learned, I will never buy another vehicle that isn't full time 4WD or AWD.

I'm not complaining about the TEP at all, it's a great vehicle, just not right for me. I've lost a lot of sleep over this purchase since I made it, and unfortunately I don't think I'm going to get over the regret, so despite the fact that I will probably lose a lot of money, I need to look to get rid of it and into a Limited.

My wife feels the same way. We originally ditched the SR5 to get her into a full-time 4WD Grand Cherokee. However she hated the "car feel" and took over my Wrangler and just dealt with its part-time system for a while. We both missed the 4R though so now we're finally getting a 4R Limited. The biggest gripe about part-time systems is navigting tight parking lots and u-turns, both of which are common in our area.

 

[Icu812]

We just traded in a 2014 Ford Explorer for a 2016 LE. Since its my wife's daily driver I knew the only way to go was a limited, we didnt even test drive an sr5 or TE. Its just one less thing for her to worry about when driving in the winter around here. If It was mine I'd have a trail and be modding the hell out of it but our poor 4runner is doomed for a life of hauling groceries and car seats. Lol.

 

[Lolrax]

I can assure you I'm not a troll, as soon as I have enough posts to start a new thread, there will be a 2016 Nautical Blue TEP For Sale thread in the Classifieds forum.

I love the 4Runner, but I did not realize how much I would be bothered by part time 4WD. It's a hugely capable vehicle, and my next car will be a Limited T4R, I just can't shake the feeling of the vehicle always having tenuous traction when in 2wd. I also appreciate how much more controllable an AWD/full time 4WD is IF you begin to skid, you can countersteer and use the throttle to keep you pointed straight ahead, instead of having to fight the read end from passing you in a RWD vehicle.

I am an experienced, capable and confident snow driver, and the 4Runner TEP is great when the roads are truly heinous, but those aren't the conditions that scare me most. It's the highly variable conditions you may encounter in the mountains, especially when covering long distances where you may drive 100 miles on dry pavement then go around the corner to be faced with a snowpacked road.

Lesson learned, I will never buy another vehicle that isn't full time 4WD or AWD.

I'm not complaining about the TEP at all, it's a great vehicle, just not right for me. I've lost a lot of sleep over this purchase since I made it, and unfortunately I don't think I'm going to get over the regret, so despite the fact that I will probably lose a lot of money, I need to look to get rid of it and into a Limited.

Understandable. Its a shame Toyota went that direction with their 4WD, especially when you consider that all of the 4th gens had the system that is employed in the 5th generation Limited. Sometimes I get tempted by a hot deal on a 2010+ SR5 and remember it has the part time system.

 

[4Regrets]

Understandable. Its a shame Toyota went that direction with their 4WD, especially when you consider that all of the 4th gens had the system that is employed in the 5th generation Limited. Sometimes I get tempted by a hot deal on a 2010+ SR5 and remember it has the part time system.

It is a shame, particularly because I prefer the look of the Trail Edition, and I do really like the way the KDSS makes the vehicle handle on road.

I didn't realize how spoiled I was in terms of the surefootedness of my previous vehicle either. It sucks that it will be a costly mistake, but after driving this one around, I can say that I really enjoy the vehicle itself.

The fact of the matter is that the Limited is plenty capable off road for my needs once it is outfitted with some good AT tires and perhaps new skid plates.

 

[1engineer]

... I just can't shake the feeling of the vehicle always having tenuous traction when in 2wd. I also appreciate how much more controllable an AWD/full time 4WD is IF you begin to skid, you can countersteer and use the throttle to keep you pointed straight ahead, instead of having to fight the read end from passing you in a RWD vehicle.

I am an experienced, capable and confident snow driver, and the 4Runner TEP is great when the roads are truly heinous, but those aren't the conditions that scare me most. It's the highly variable conditions you may encounter in the mountains, especially when covering long distances where you may drive 100 miles on dry pavement then go around the corner to be faced with a snowpacked road.

Lesson learned, I will never buy another vehicle that isn't full time 4WD or AWD.

Do me a favor:

Take your TE out in a big slick parking lot on night. Leave it in 2WD. Slowly accelerate up to 25-30 mph and, while still accelerating, turn the wheels hard. What will happen is VSC will kick in and you will not go sliding merrily down the lot. VSC will keep you from do this and keep you on course.

Now do the exact same thing in 4HI. Guess what... you will experience the same thing. VSC will kick in and keep you safely on course again.

Your thoughts of countersteer and use the throttle to keep you going straight (drift mode) are a fantasy in the 4Runner UNLESS you turn VSC OFF. The 4Runner WILL NOT LET YOU do this! When it detects wheels slipping it will automatically retard the throttle and use the wheel speed sensors to brake the wheels and the yaw rate sensor to keep you on your intended path. So in the above situation, 2WD or 4WD will accomplish the same result. It does not matter what you have when braking because 2WD or 4WD mode has nothing to do when you are braking. When braking no wheels are being driven.

4WD is to gain traction during acceleration. That's it. Now a different scenario: Let's say you are driving 70 mph straight down a dry interstate and all of a sudden you come to a snow covered area. What do you do, regardless of what vehicle or mode you are driving in? Do you continue to keep accelerating to maintain your 70 mph? If so, then that is silly. Why would you want to go 70 mph on a slick road? Most people would let up on the gas and slow down for road conditions. When that happens, it does not matter how many wheels are being driven because you are not accelerating. If you would start to slide go back to the above parking lot test.

Anyway, it's your call. When it's slick I drive in 4WD at a speed safe for slick conditions. Around here on the interstates, bridges get slick before the road does, so the roads can just be wet and the bridges get slick. I don't put it in 4WD for every long bridge but I do slow down and don't accelerate across them. That's common sense. When I do come upon a slick stretch of road in 2WD I simply slow down a bit, engage 4HI and proceed at a safe speed. When I get back to dry road I disengage. Simple.

 

[badhabits]

Having driven 2WD, Allwd, and 4wd I can understand why you would want to have full time 4wd. It does make driving under certain conditions somewhat less stressful. So if you want a Limited get it. I am sure there are plenty of forum members who would agree with you.

What I have problems with is people saying that they drive at 55+ mph under these conditions hoping that their 4wd will save them. I have answered to many emergency calls that involve drivers with that attitude, both just pulling them out of a ditch and with some taking them away in a body bag.
Think about the road condition and the consequences of ignoring them.

 

[Jetboy]

I don't know how good GM's Autotrac transfer case is, but I specifically won't (didn't) purchase their 4x4's due to the G80 rear locker. From what I found researching it, there must be a 100 rpm difference in rotation speed between the two rear wheels, and then it slams into lock. There are numerous reports on the internet about those things grenading (GM users' term).

I'll still take my '16 TE, and drive appropriately for the conditions. If the conditions are so horrible, I slow down and use my flashers (and 4HI). I keep watch for the idiot drivers, and have just come to the realization that if I see one approaching from behind and they won't be able to slow/stop/change lanes, I'm prepared to drive into the ditch (already in 4HI) -- let them skip and slide away.

I've had one. The GM "trashlocks" are really bad. They are erratic in behavior. It's unpredictable when they'll lock. Mine failed to lock on occasion as well. They're cheap and it shows. It also means you can't achieve full traction from both tires together because it relies on slip, just like traction control.

This truck had one. It worked most of the time as I pulled him out. (All the tracks out beyond the truck are mine - the truck didn't really stand much of a chance compared to a lighter 4runner with better traction control systems and most importantly bigger tires with lower ground pressure. A subaru crosstrek tried it - but they only maybe got 10 feet out into the snow so we just pushed them back out. The Lancer EVO that had snow tires made it a bit further.)

 

[engineeer]

Super helpful thread as I'm in the same boat of determining if I'm ok with part-time 4WD.

 

[Lolrax]

It is a shame, particularly because I prefer the look of the Trail Edition, and I do really like the way the KDSS makes the vehicle handle on road.

I didn't realize how spoiled I was in terms of the surefootedness of my previous vehicle either. It sucks that it will be a costly mistake, but after driving this one around, I can say that I really enjoy the vehicle itself.

The fact of the matter is that the Limited is plenty capable off road for my needs once it is outfitted with some good AT tires and perhaps new skid plates.

Yep. Get rid of the Xreas, throw in some Bilsteins and better springs and it's just another 4Runner with some nice trim and the centre diff instead of the part time system.

 

[Kennyr44]

I too bought a 2014 SR5 and hated it in the snow. It was late summer and I didn't realize what I bought till it snowed. When I locked it in and made my first turn I felt ill. I despised the car because it reminded me of the stupid mistake I made buying it. Hence I traded it in for a 2015 Limited after spending more money. Im still pissed but the Limited AWD does work as intended. Anyway I would not buy another 4 runner because Toyota has decided to leave the Lane departure, automatic panic braking and blind spot warning off these cars.

 

[e60ral]

if they add any of those safety features there will just be multiple threads complaining about it (see: threads about panic breaking)

 

[4Regrets]

I'm glad to see someone else out there made a similar mistake.

I bought the 4Runner largely because of it's blend of capability and minimal electronic nanny features like lane departure, emergency braking, etc. I don't need or want those things in a vehicle.

I just messed up and didn't buy the one with the drivetrain I need to truly feel dialed in with the vehicle.

 

[Kennyr44]

Two dealers wanted 13k to trade me my 14 SR5 with 20,000 miles for a 15 Limited and a third did it for $8500 plus tax. They wanted 9k and I walked out then they called me in a couple hours and said 8500 would work.