4wd system: V6 vs. V8

[MX283]

I'm new to the forum and have a question. I tried to search for it but was unable to find what I'm looking for. Sorry if this has been covered before.

Is the V6 4wd system full time? The V8 is full time, correct?

My girlfriend is looking to get a 4th gen T4R and is coming from a Subaru and would like to be able drive in 4x4 around town if it's raining, snowing, etc.

I had a 2005 Tundra V8 4x4 and it had the full time system where you could essentially drive around in 4wd on dry pavement if you really wanted to. My current ride is a '99 Taco 4x4 and it is a part time 4wd system that will absolutely not work on dry pavement and even wet pavement is iffy without breaking something. I believe the difference is that the center diff is unlocked in the full time system (and locked in 4lo?) and always locked for the part time system.

Thanks!

 

[TRDCal]

Welcome...After reading your post I scolled to the bottom of the page to see "similar threads'. This one was there http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/667-4wd-system-versus-awd-system.html, read the second post from Thai, it should explain everything and then some.

 

[MX283]

Perfect! Thank you.

 

[JB.]

I believe the difference is that the center diff is unlocked in the full time system (and locked in 4lo?) and always locked for the part time system.

Pretty much.

It's the diff that allows the unlocking of the center connection. With no diff, the center connection is always locked when connected.

Here's a graphic that might clarify the 4th gen options. It's slightly misleading as the 2WD is achieved via a disconnection of the front diff, but the effect is the same.

 

[M1911]

Is the V6 4wd system full time? The V8 is full time, correct?

The V6 is what is termed "multi-mode." It is essentially the same as the V8's system, except that the V6 can also be driven in 2WD. The V8 does not have a 2WD mode.

Both the 4th gen V6 and V8 have a lockable center diff. And as JB described, you can drive both the V6 and V8 on pavement in 4WD -- just don't lock the center diff.

 

[Scutholiday]

Thank you - helpful information

 

[SurferUK]

you can drive both the V6 and V8 on pavement in 4WD -- just don't lock the center diff.

That's good to know, thanks! I assumed it was a standard "Do not use in 4WD on tarmac" system.

I'm pleased as I currently have a fulltime 4WD 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara (I don't think you have them across the pond) and love the sure-footedness of it.

After years of full time 4WD and no power (Only a 2.0 4 pot!) I was a bit worried about a 2WD 4.0 as this doesn't have any form of traction control. Glad I can put in 4WD in bad weather on the road.

Thanks again!

 

[techno]

After years of full time 4WD and no power (Only a 2.0 4 pot!) I was a bit worried about a 2WD 4.0 as this doesn't have any form of traction control. Glad I can put in 4WD in bad weather on the road.

What makes you think you don't have traction control? Every 4th gen in the US does.

 

[SurferUK]

What makes you think you don't have traction control? Every 4th gen in the US does.

It's a Japanese import to the UK. It squealed the rear tyres easily enough when I took it out and gave it a prod :lookout:

(On private land of course, officer...)

There's no over-ride button either which most cars I've seen with it have usually...I could be wrong, I haven't driven it properly yet

 

[techno]

I'm not up on my differences between JDM and USDM models, but I'd still be very surprised if you don't have traction control. Over here, a TRAC OFF function was added for the 08-09 models only. Everything prior doesn't have it, so that could account for your 07 not having anything.

Play around a bit more, get it on some grass or gravel and try to do a burn out or donut. If traction control kicks in, you'll get a flashing dash light that looks like a car with skid marks, and you'll get lots of clicking noises from the engine bay as the brakes are modulated by the system.

 

[SurferUK]

Play around a bit more, get it on some grass or gravel and try to do a burn out or donut.

I think I can manage that! :bounce:

Here's a couple of pics of the dashboard and console, where the button maybe should be?

 

[MacRendar]

Like the other poster said, you won't have a button that says anything about VSC or TRAC on that model year. Check your manual and dashboard, if you have a TRAC OFF light, you have the ATRAC system, and if you have a VSC OFF light, you have the stability control system. I would be willing to bet your runner has both just like every other I've seen. To test the difference, you can disable those two systems as well as the ABS by disconnecting the brake master cylinder sensor in the engine bay.

I'd be very surprised if you have a 4th gen 4runner that came without those systems!