4runner transfer case options?

[Bumbo]

Looking at the new 5th Gen models I noticed the Trail and the Pro come with a manual shift transfer case...

I was just curious if this was a more desirable feature when it comes to reliability? My current 4runner is all electronically controlled and am new to a manual t-case.

Also, in both the trail and pro, can you still lock the transfer case / center diff? Is that done manually or is that still electronically controlled?

A part of me want wanted to get ARB air lockers front and rear until I started learning about all the new things that have changed in the drive train from the 4th Gen.

Front diff is electrically controlled LSD?
Center T-Case Lock?
And rear has an electronic locking diff if I understand that correctly?

 

[High_Country]

Check out the sticky thread for the new or prospective 5th gen owners. There's lots of good info there!

Are You a New or Prospective 5th Gen 4Runner Owner? Need Help Searching? Start Here!
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=208458&share_fid=10034&share_type=t

 

[wfo9]

Other than the limited they all have the same transfer case.

current Sr5s have the electronic actuator vs manual. Older sr5s (before 2013) also had the manual lever.

The manual t-case is slightly more reliable, but even the models with the manual lever rely on an actuator to engage the front axle via the ADD. So, they are all at the mercy of at least one actuator.

The part time systems are always locked in the center. There is no center differential. The limited's full time system has a center diff that can be locked, but those can never be in 2wd.

The differentials have no limited slip feature..per se. All models include electronic traction control (which uses brake and throttle control to limit slip). A-Track is a special 4Lo mode that will use the ABS system in an attempt to keep all 4 wheels moving at the same speed. It works fairly well for moderate stuff, but is not as good as a mechanical locker in hard core situations. There is also a DAC feature on all models for downhill speed control. It's annoying at its best and mostly useless.

Trail and pro include a rear e-locker + some additional a-track oriented gizmos like crawl control and multi terrain select. Crawl control is sort of like cruise control for 4-Lo situations and MTS is more like a tune knob for a-track that can work outside of 4Lo.

MTS and Crawl are not very useful in the real world, but kind of neat to play with once or twice and may have a few narrow use cases where they actually make a difference.

The rear e-locker is a great feature to have if you plan on doing major off-road adventures. Front air locker can be added and will obviously allow you to get into even more trouble. A-Track and rear e-locker can be combined at once in low speed situations for a pretty good all around combo.

 

[Bumbo]

wfo9...

Can I compare the 5th Gen t-case to my 4th Gen?

Perhaps I am using the wrong term, but on my 2004 4th Gen SR5 4x4, I can switch into 4H, and in addition to that, have the option of locking the "center diff / transfer case"... making power from front to rear 50/50.

From what you say, it sounds different on the trail and pro.

 

[JSparky]

Sr5 and trail have a part time t-case, when you engage 4wd torque is split 50:50. Limited uses full time 4wd with lockable center diff.

 

[wfo9]

wfo9...

Can I compare the 5th Gen t-case to my 4th Gen?

Perhaps I am using the wrong term, but on my 2004 4th Gen SR5 4x4, I can switch into 4H, and in addition to that, have the option of locking the "center diff / transfer case"... making power from front to rear 50/50.

From what you say, it sounds different on the trail and pro.

On a 5th gen (sr5, trail, pro) you are either locked between front and rear in 4wd or in 2wd. On a 5th gen limited you are either in 4wd unlocked or 4wd locked, never 2wd. I think the 4th gen offered a torsen center similar to the 5th Limited that was also part time and could go into 2wd. Don't know for sure as I never owned a 4th, but seem to remember that option on the v6 models (but not v8s)

 

[Bumbo]

Sr5 and trail have a part time t-case, when you engage 4wd torque is split 50:50. Limited uses full time 4wd with lockable center diff.

Sigh... that seems unfortunate.

I really like being able to lock/unlock the t-case in 4 High...

So just to confirm the part time 4 wheel drive versions of the 5th Gen cant lock and unlock the center t-case when in 4 High? I know if 4 Low, its locked all the time.

 

[1engineer]

Sigh... that seems unfortunate.

I really like being able to lock/unlock the t-case in 4 High...

So just to confirm the part time 4 wheel drive versions of the 5th Gen cant lock and unlock the center t-case when in 4 High? I know if 4 Low, its locked all the time.

There is no center to lock on SR5 TE and pro. There is no center diff. Go up to the sticky thread called "are you a new or prospective owner? Read this first" and there is a link to a really nice article that explains it all.

Your 4th Gen is similar to the Limited model. Center diff and full time 4WD.

 

[Bumbo]

There is no center to lock on SR5 TE and pro. There is no center diff. Go up to the sticky thread called "are you a new or prospective owner? Read this first" and there is a link to a really nice article that explains it all.

Your 4th Gen is similar to the Limited model. Center diff and full time 4WD.

I just took the time to read the prospective owner thread and 4WD article...

My 4th Gen doesn't have a full-time AWD system like the Limited, you are probably thinking of the v8 model.

Mine is a 2004 v6 with Part Time 4WD. It almost sounds like the Full Time Multi-Mode setup but its regular driving mode is 2WD but its not. Both my front and rears are open diff no LSD. The only thing I can lock on my rig is the center t-case, which I often use for heavy off road and sand driving in the desert.

My options are:
2 WD
4 High
4 High Locked Center
2 Low Locked Center

In snow or wet road in tow, I can switch to 4 high and keep the t-case unlocked for on road use.

What I dont have is a rear diff lock which I am happy to see in the 5th Gen. What I am curious about is can you engage 4 high in the 5th Gen models and still drive on road in snow or wet conditions?

I really need to visit the dealer and see the options for myself...

 

[1engineer]

I just took the time to read the prospective owner thread and 4WD article...

My 4th Gen doesn't have a full-time AWD system like the Limited, you are probably thinking of the v8 model.

Mine is a 2004 v6 with Part Time 4WD. It almost sounds like the Full Time Multi-Mode setup but its regular driving mode is 2WD but its not. Both my front and rears are open diff no LSD. The only thing I can lock on my rig is the center t-case, which I often use for heavy off road and sand driving in the desert.

My options are:
2 WD
4 High
4 High Locked Center
2 Low Locked Center

In snow or wet road in tow, I can switch to 4 high and keep the t-case unlocked for on road use.

What I dont have is a rear diff lock which I am happy to see in the 5th Gen. What I am curious about is can you engage 4 high in the 5th Gen models and still drive on road in snow or wet conditions?

I really need to visit the dealer and see the options for myself...

What the 5t Gen SR5, TE and Pro has:
2WD
4HI
4LO
I use mine all the time on snowy, slick roads. Just shift into 4HI at speeds up to 55 mph or so. You can go faster in 4HI but you need to shift into that mode below that speed. When you get to dry roads just drop it out of 4HI into 2WD. This is old school stuff. You can leave it in 4HI on dry roads but don't try any low speed sharp turns like parking lot turns because the front and rear will want to bind.

the LE model has full time 4WD so it can stay in 4WD all the time obviously with no binding because of the center diff.

the TE has a rear locker.

ATRAC and VSC are very good on this model so on wet roads you don't need 4WD. The VSC will keep you pointed where it needs to go. ATRAC is almost as good as being locked. Almost.

Please don't go into "Toyota should have done this" or "Toyota should have done that" because it's just wasted breath. Toyota did what they did so we live with it... or not. your choice. Good luck and glad you read up on the different features and stuff!

Too many people come here and spend time "wishing" or "whining" about what Toyota did or didn't do, never realizing they have/had a choice to NOT buy the 4Runner lol.

My advice? Test drive, test drive, test drive.

 

[wfo9]

Sigh... that seems unfortunate.

I really like being able to lock/unlock the t-case in 4 High...

So just to confirm the part time 4 wheel drive versions of the 5th Gen cant lock and unlock the center t-case when in 4 High? I know if 4 Low, its locked all the time.

Yep, they went away from that..

Unlocked center is nothing I would ever use.. but I can see where people who live in snow/ice areas would like it. But I guess they figure those people should by a limited. They need to stop making the limited look so different... and offer the drive train from the gx and I would buy one tomorrow.

 

[bill444]

current Sr5s have the electronic actuator vs manual. Older sr5s (before 2013) also had the manual lever.

Does anyone know which years the SR5s had a manual transfer case lever? I've been looking at mid-2000s models and they have an electronic actuator but some 2011s have the lever.

 

[Jivewalker]

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/gene...-toyota-4wd-systems-overview.html#post3375640

 

[jhguth]

Does anyone know which years the SR5s had a manual transfer case lever? I've been looking at mid-2000s models and they have an electronic actuator but some 2011s have the lever.

Moot issue since they all have electronic front axle disconnect

 

[DougEFresh2]

What the 5t Gen SR5, TE and Pro has:
2WD
4HI
4LO
I use mine all the time on snowy, slick roads. Just shift into 4HI at speeds up to 55 mph or so. You can go faster in 4HI but you need to shift into that mode below that speed. When you get to dry roads just drop it out of 4HI into 2WD. This is old school stuff. You can leave it in 4HI on dry roads but don't try any low speed sharp turns like parking lot turns because the front and rear will want to bind.

the LE model has full time 4WD so it can stay in 4WD all the time obviously with no binding because of the center diff.

the TE has a rear locker.

ATRAC and VSC are very good on this model so on wet roads you don't need 4WD. The VSC will keep you pointed where it needs to go. ATRAC is almost as good as being locked. Almost.

Please don't go into "Toyota should have done this" or "Toyota should have done that" because it's just wasted breath. Toyota did what they did so we live with it... or not. your choice. Good luck and glad you read up on the different features and stuff!

Too many people come here and spend time "wishing" or "whining" about what Toyota did or didn't do, never realizing they have/had a choice to NOT buy the 4Runner lol.

My advice? Test drive, test drive, test drive.

I respectfully and completely disagree. Not buying a product does NOT tell the producer/company what about their product makes it undesirable. If we say "well, that's just the way it is..." well...... then that's exactly how it's going to be for sure. I don't think Toyota should even sell 4Runners with the electronically controlled transfer cases. I think, if you can't shift it manually or are too scared to, then you have NO business buying one in the first place. I will not apologize for having that opinion or sharing it online. And no one else should be bullied or told what not to say just because someone else said it before.
You feel like people shouldn't complain, it would suck for you if someone told you what you are and are not allowed to say. If you don't like someone's opinion, that's fine you can even voice that, but if anyone tried telling me what I can and cannot say on a public forum, it wouldn't end well.
Just my OPINION. lol

BTW, Bumbo, what do you mean when you say you have the option "2 Low Locked Center"???
It has been my understanding that 2 or 4 refers to which wheels are drive wheels, low or high determines whether the t-case is using reduced gearing, and "locked center" is referring to whether the center differential is locked or not - which is the difference between full-time and part-time 4WD.
Idk, just curious.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I respectfully and completely disagree. Not buying a product does NOT tell the producer/company what about their product makes it undesirable. If we say "well, that's just the way it is..." well...... then that's exactly how it's going to be for sure. I don't think Toyota should even sell 4Runners with the electronically controlled transfer cases. I think, if you can't shift it manually or are too scared to, then you have NO business buying one in the first place. I will not apologize for having that opinion or sharing it online. And no one else should be bullied or told what not to say just because someone else said it before.
You feel like people shouldn't complain, it would suck for you if someone told you what you are and are not allowed to say. If you don't like someone's opinion, that's fine you can even voice that, but if anyone tried telling me what I can and cannot say on a public forum, it wouldn't end well.
Just my OPINION. lol

BTW, Bumbo, what do you mean when you say you have the option "2 Low Locked Center"???
It has been my understanding that 2 or 4 refers to which wheels are drive wheels, low or high determines whether the t-case is using reduced gearing, and "locked center" is referring to whether the center differential is locked or not - which is the difference between full-time and part-time 4WD.
Idk, just curious.

Do you realize Bumbo's post was from 4 years ago.

 

[DougEFresh2]

Do you realize Bumbo's post was from 4 years ago.

No, I didn't check. Also don't care. At all.
:zoom: