4th Gen 4wd question

ToyotaDan

ToyotaDan

Guest
Having a discussion with someone that claims:

"Apparently the torsen center diff'l was only used for AWD system for one model year, 2003, for the 4runner.

It appears that all subsequent model years use the HH, RX, Sienna AWD TRAC system.

So that leaves the SH-AWD system with a SOLID lead, head of the AWD pack."

Is that a true statement? I thought all 4th gen 4runners have the same 4x4 system.

Can someone confirm it?
 
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Well what is the gist of the argument. I have driven my bro-in laws RL and it is nice, but I would take my brothers G35X anyday. The idea of a RWD until it slips is much better to me, and wouldn't Audi's quatro make the list as well, suddenly Acura has become the final word in AWD?

But the idea of the 4Runner sharing the system with those other vehicles is silly. Those other platforms are all set up for FWD configurations, the 4Runner is set up as a RWD platform, so there is no way they could use the same system. Also the 4Runner is not AWD, I know many like calling it such, the 4Runner is either 4WD or Full Time 4WD, if you want to liken your traction system to a Subaru feel free, but they are totally different. Also where is the 2 speed transfer case on the RX or Sienna. I would tell your friend in no uncertain terms that they are an idiot.
 
pat161 said:
Well what is the gist of the argument. I have driven my bro-in laws RL and it is nice, but I would take my brothers G35X anyday. The idea of a RWD until it slips is much better to me, and wouldn't Audi's quatro make the list as well, suddenly Acura has become the final word in AWD?

But the idea of the 4Runner sharing the system with those other vehicles is silly. Those other platforms are all set up for FWD configurations, the 4Runner is set up as a RWD platform, so there is no way they could use the same system. Also the 4Runner is not AWD, I know many like calling it such, the 4Runner is either 4WD or Full Time 4WD, if you want to liken your traction system to a Subaru feel free, but they are totally different. Also where is the 2 speed transfer case on the RX or Sienna. I would tell your friend in no uncertain terms that they are an idiot.
Click to expand...

yeah its a big discussion at the sienna forum. I guess some people are trying to figure out the AWD system in the toyota sienna. Seems different sources have different info. My wife drives the AWD Sienna - so I got engaged into the conversation. What am i doing on a minivan forum? Well the sienna in question has been a disaster. In the shop almost every month for one thing or another. The forum helps with a lot of issues. My last hope for sanity. Needless to say, I am pricing out GM conversion vans in AWD configuration.
 
I see, an internet discussion, those can be fun. Sorry to hear about all the issues, I can't say I'm surprised though, a lady I work with had to get her Sienna replaced under the lemon law. The whole dash was messed up and Toyota got sick of replacing it and gave her, her husband really, a new van. Conversion van sounds like a decent alternative, aside from MPG that is, good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Thai said:
Wow, toyotdan, i saw the thread. I found this video to be an eye-opener!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ExAUgtyE&feature=related

Wow, unless that video is full of crap, Toyota's AWD system in the Sienna, Highlander, and possibly RAV4 sucks! :( I am kinda glad that i did not spend extra $$ to pay for an AWD Sienna.
Click to expand...

Some people claim that they used a FWD highlander... which could be. I just didn't believe the highlander could not make it up. Makes no sense since my sienna did ice climbs (my 5 year old's preschool exit is like that - was like that today!!) and I got out no problem, while other cars have to make a trip around the parking lot to a lower grade exit.
 
Remember, AWD (whoever it is from) is pretty much 4x4 "cheap" or 4x4 "lite". It's the main reason we didn't get the highlander. We wanted a true 4x4, with the strength and capability. If my wife wanted a soccer mom/mommy wagon/4x4 wanna, we would have picked up a AWD System from either Toyota or Acura/Honda.

Just my 2 canadian cents! :)
 
Well at least the uber expensive V dub didn't completely fail. It looked like the Highlander was being held back.

January's C&D comparo has a description of the RAV4 AWD system, I'll have to look it up and see how they describe it.
 
I dont know about you guys but the Subaru didnt look very "cheap" or "lite" in that test. I had no idea. Looks like they know their stuff when it comes to AWD.
 
My Dad has a Ridgeline Cruck. Considering all other things including a transfer case that is supposed to be "locking" F to R, as we understand it, we decided for his needs the lack of low-range was tolerable. (In fairness to Honda they don
 
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