4th Generation 4wheel drive

[07runner]

I have seen three rare situations that have stopped quite a few 4wheel drive vehicles:

1) Such as cross axle. (only the front right tire and left rear tires are actually on the ground)

2) Only one tire is on the ground.

3) All four tires are on the ground, but three tires are on glare ice, or a extremely slippery surface and only one tire on the ground that has any traction at all.

They were all stuck. Do any of these situations stop a 4th generation 4Runner? I'm asking because I am very curious to know just how good the 4Runner is, and in 07 hence my name I will be purchasing a 07 4wd V8 loaded limited with all options but the stupid 3rd row seat, I mean its not a mini van.

 

[khaug]

Hi 07.

I haven't explicitly tested our current 'Runner in the circumstances you're asking about, but Toyota advertises that their traction control system will detect and brake spinning wheels, thereby directing power to the wheel with traction.

What I HAVE done is drive our 'Runner through 2.5 Michigan winters, which have furnished some serious snow. Never has our 'Runner gotten stuck or seemed even close. Moreover, the AWD system yields handling in snowy conditions that is nothing short of spectacular - very stable and reassuring.

This is one extremely capable vehicle. When the time comes to replace it, I can't imagine buying anything less!

Enjoy your '07.

 

[07runner]

Hi Khaug:

Is a hard Michigan winter 24 inch of heavy wet snow overnight? In Syracuse NY, where I live it is, hope it is as good as everybody says it is.

I have a two stage 10hp Ariens snowblower 32 in wide with chains, this is considered the average snowblower on my block, crazy isnt it!

Never again do I allow the weather to control my dinner plans, only about 250 more days before I can place my order for the 07 model. The wife wants it now, but if I wait till the 07model I can pay cash, cant sleep with bills over my head.

 

[khaug]

Hi Khaug:

Is a hard Michigan winter 24 inch of heavy wet snow overnight? In Syracuse NY, where I live it is, hope it is as good as everybody says it is.

I have a two stage 10hp Ariens snowblower 32 in wide with chains, this is considered the average snowblower on my block, crazy isnt it!

Never again do I allow the weather to control my dinner plans, only about 250 more days before I can place my order for the 07 model. The wife wants it now, but if I wait till the 07model I can pay cash, cant sleep with bills over my head.

Hi 07.

I have to confess that Lansing, where we live, is pretty well out of the Lake Effect snow belt, so our snowfall isn't as bad as might be. I grew up in Kalamazoo, prime Lake Effect snow country, and anything less feels tolerable. Sort of like your relationship to Buffalo, I'd surmise. We have to climb a small hill to get out of our subdivision, and we are well down the list of areas to be plowed out, so a 4WD vehicle is almost obligatory. Our 4Runner fills the bill admirably.

Our garage houses a 20 HP John Deere hydro drive tractor with a 36" snow blower, and I do our neighbors' driveways as well as my own in big storms, but only because I enjoy it!

I hear you and strongly agree on cash. We've been cash people since C. 1969, and it's the only way to go, IMHO. The freedom of no debt load: Priceless!

Regards.

 

[Thai]

I have seen three rare situations that have stopped quite a few 4wheel drive vehicles:

1) Such as cross axle. (only the front right tire and left rear tires are actually on the ground)

2) Only one tire is on the ground.

3) All four tires are on the ground, but three tires are on glare ice, or a extremely slippery surface and only one tire on the ground that has any traction at all.

Answers based on my experience with my '02 4runner (3rd gen): (ATRAC works best when you lock the center differential)

1. Yes. No problem. ATRAC (4-wheel traction control) will make many noises (due to brake pulsing), but you will make it across the ditch without any problems.

2. Yes. If you're on a flat surface, one-wheel traction should not give you any problems...your 4runner will move forward. You could run into a problem if you were going up a steep hill with just one-wheel traction...not enough power is transferred to that one wheel with traction via ATRAC.

3. Same answer as #2.

Hope this helps.

 

[07runner]

Yes those answers helped, thank you. But I have a bad case of snowblower envy!

I am confident now that 24in of wet snow will not cancel my dinner plans. I cant stand living my life according to snow fall.

I used to have a Chevy Blazer Limited, Gm had to buy it back from me because of binding arbitration. The treatment GM gave me was horrible. I dont care how many GM employees loose their jobs. I work hard for my money, and the reliabliliy and quality of Toyota products is constantly good. This is how I first purchased the Lexus, immediatly after the arbitration hearing. I was fed up with american crap. Now as soon as the dealer can order the 07 model here is my deposit. I hope american car companies are proud. I cant wait till the 07 4runner is in my garage!

 

[sibanez]

deep snow

We received 10 inches of snow here in Harrisburg a few weeks back. Had the 4Runner for three days (moved up from Florida) and had no problems driving through the unplowed snow. I will say locking the center-diff helps, but just leaving it in standard 4WD-High works for all but the worst hills/ice.

 

[Expat]

I have seen three rare situations that have stopped quite a few 4wheel drive vehicles:

1) Such as cross axle. (only the front right tire and left rear tires are actually on the ground)

Do any of these situations stop a 4th generation 4Runner?

Yep that'll get you stuck in a 4Runner too. Unless you have lockers! ARB do make lockers now for both front and rear if your interested.

 

[07runner]

Re: Re: 4th Generation 4wheel drive

Yep that'll get you stuck in a 4Runner too. Unless you have lockers! ARB do make lockers now for both front and rear if your interested.

OK: I have Thai telling me I will not get stuck.


And 04 Runner telling me If I don"t have airlockers im stuck.

One of you is right, the other is wrong, but who is correct?

 

[JB.]

Re: Re: Re: 4th Generation 4wheel drive

OK: I have Thai telling me I will not get stuck.


And 04 Runner telling me If I don"t have airlockers im stuck.

One of you is right, the other is wrong, but who is correct?

You'll get power to the traction wheels in the each of the situations you described.

 

[Thai]

Re: Re: Re: 4th Generation 4wheel drive

OK: I have Thai telling me I will not get stuck.


And 04 Runner telling me If I don"t have airlockers im stuck.

One of you is right, the other is wrong, but who is correct?

Well, my mommy says that i am always right and a big boy now.:

 

[07runner]

Re: Re: Re: Re: 4th Generation 4wheel drive

Well, my mommy says that i am always right and a big boy now.:

I think I will trust Thai, he is a big boy now, and his mommy says he is always right. Mommies always know best.