4WD always on- is this ok?

[limited4wdman]

Hello:

I have a 2005 Limited Edition 4WD 4Runner. I bought it as a Christmas present for myself. Here's my first question: I always leave the 4WD on. Will this damage my truck or is it ok to leave on? I read on the manual that it's more economical to have the 4WD engaged all the time. Just curious.

Another question, and this is silly. Is there a height requirement to own a 4Runner? A friend of mine, who owns a Nissan Xterra, says that the 4Runner is too big for me. I am only 5 feet 1 inch. It does take some effort for me to climb the truck. A few other people said that the truck doesn't fit me. I will post a picture of myself and the 4Runner later so you can see if the truck is too big for me. Sometimes I feel embarassed when people see me climb out of a truck and find that the driver is only a tiny mouse. Oh well....

 

[sharp4runr]

Leaving it in 4WD all the time is fine. The V6 multimode 4WD is as far as anyone on this site can tell, the exact same as the full time 4WD on the V8. It does save gas though having it in 2WD.

No there isn't a height requirement to owning a 4Runner. This isn't a roller coaster :

I'm not much taller and I've been driving it for 1.5 years just fine. Let me tell you though, it was a big change from my lowered Celica...

Congrats and post a pic of your truck....

 

[limited4wdman]

Thank you for your reply. I live in Woodbridge, VA too. I live in River Oaks, that's a few miles from the Wal-Mart store along Route1.

 

[olliebear]

Unless your real name is Sneezy, and you work for Snowhite, the car is not too big.

In fact, it felt kinda tight and small for me and I'm only 5'5". Had to bend over and scoot in to the seat and then scrunch my feet over to the pedals. No, the seat was not too far forward. Seems the car was not made for Tony Lamas and they get caught in the low mounted steering wheel shaft and brakes. And wearing Chippewa Packers? Extra scooting to get in and I have small feet! Size 8! Seats are nice and snug, but not if you're weqaring a raincoat or some jacket with lining. ONe of those things that make me wish for those big Barcalounger size seats in my Tahoe...

The step bars ought to help. It's a pain for me as the car is not high enough to need it and all it does is dirty my pant legs, but I won't take them off as my folks and mother in law still need them.

 

[sharp4runr]

I'm actually in Lake Ridge myself, but I used to live near River Oaks in a townhouse in Georgetown Village (Yes I no, its the ghetto). Also went to grade school at River Oaks when it was first built.

I took off my running boards and I can still get in/out the truck fine. My 4 year old niece can get in with a little bit of a running start

 

[Bobby]

I think there's tons of room in there and I'm 6', 185lbs. Then again, I'm used to the cramped (cozy?) interior of an older M3.

 

[limited4wdman]

It's true that when you're wearing a raincoat, it does feel a bit tight. I always make it a point to remove my jacket. I find the powerseats very important because I can raise the seat at a good level where I can see over the dashboard. I've always opted for powerseats for my cars which meant I had to fork out extra $$$...unfortunately.

 

[Solice]

I'm also only 5'5 and haven't had any issues driving this beast. I was used to driving a lowered WRX before so it was a huge difference but easily adjusted.

Sounds like your friend with the Xterra is a little jealous that you got a Runner, that's all.

 

[olliebear]

If I can drive a Dodge diesel 1 ton with a handshaker (6 speed stick)...

I'm also only 5'5 and haven't had any issues driving this beast. I was used to driving a lowered WRX before so it was a huge difference but easily adjusted.

Sounds like your friend with the Xterra is a little jealous that you got a Runner, that's all.

without needing to sit on telephone books to se over teh dash or strapping a brick to the gas and brake pedals to reach, then you can drive a 4Runner!

 

[limited4wdman]

just like the kid in Indiana Jones Temple of Doom when he drove the car along the narrow streets.

 

[Solice]

Re: If I can drive a Dodge diesel 1 ton with a handshaker (6 speed stick)...

without needing to sit on telephone books to se over teh dash or strapping a brick to the gas and brake pedals to reach, then you can drive a 4Runner!

Yeah, when I was stationed in Ft Lewis, Washington they had me driving a 5-ton back and forth from the SIA to the post. The only thing I didn't like about that was the super giganto steering wheel with a ton of play on that thing. Luckily for us shorter guys the 4Runner's is perfect, and wrapped in leather :.

 

[abin]

Hello:

...
Another question, and this is silly. Is there a height requirement to own a 4Runner? A friend of mine, who owns a Nissan Xterra, says that the 4Runner is too big for me. I am only 5 feet 1 inch. It does take some effort for me to climb the truck. A few other people said that the truck doesn't fit me. I will post a picture of myself and the 4Runner later so you can see if the truck is too big for me. Sometimes I feel embarassed when people see me climb out of a truck and find that the driver is only a tiny mouse. Oh well....

to OWN a 4Runner, you have to be financially capable to buy or lease. If you have more money and don't feel comfortable in driving it by yourself, you can hire a driver.

 

[CVsGX470]

You should fit fine!
CV

 

[JungleJim]

Hello:

I read on the manual that it's more economical to have the 4WD engaged all the time. Just curious.

Really? That sure surprises me...I would've thought the opposite to be true.

 

[olliebear]

Re: Re: If I can drive a Dodge diesel 1 ton with a handshaker (6 speed stick)...

Yeah, when I was stationed in Ft Lewis, Washington they had me driving a 5-ton back and forth from the SIA to the post. The only thing I didn't like about that was the super giganto steering wheel with a ton of play on that thing. Luckily for us shorter guys the 4Runner's is perfect, and wrapped in leather :.

Fort Lewis...now that's a cold place in hell......coldest winter was a summer spent in Fort Lewis in 1981. We did not tan. We rusted.

Does the Runner fit your butt? Well then it fits!

 

[Northof49]

You should fit fine!
CV

He damn well better.....I'm 6'2 220lbs with size 13 feet, and I don't even put the seat all the way back!!