5th Gen Trail - need some thoughts on the 4wheel drive system?

[Glenns4Runner]

Hi, all,
I just got my first 4Runner ('10 Trail - stock, no mods). I previously had a highlander and other awd vehicles. Never had a truck with real 4wheel drive. Can anyone describe what conditions are best suited for using the 4H, 4L and multi-terrain select controls. I went with the 4Runner because we love taking the mountain passes to reach the VT ski spots. I'm assuming 4H will be good for snow on dirt roads, but maybe 4L if its really slick??? From what I understand, I only lock the differential if I'm really stuck and then take it out as some as I'm sprung, is that right?
Any knowledge on this will be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Koz]

Hi, all,
I just got my first 4Runner ('10 Trail - stock, no mods). I previously had a highlander and other awd vehicles. Never had a truck with real 4wheel drive. Can anyone describe what conditions are best suited for using the 4H, 4L and multi-terrain select controls. I went with the 4Runner because we love taking the mountain passes to reach the VT ski spots. I'm assuming 4H will be good for snow on dirt roads, but maybe 4L if its really slick??? From what I understand, I only lock the differential if I'm really stuck and then take it out as some as I'm sprung, is that right?
Any knowledge on this will be appreciated.
Thanks!

The 4low (And rear diff locker) is used when you are off-roading on trails that need power and traction. Conditions like rocky/rut trails that may be on an incline and usually require going slow. You can only use crawl control when 4low is engaged. It also may be used in certain snow condition (Very deep). The rear locker actually locks both rear wheels to turn at the SAME speed. This can ONLY be used when off-roading or on a slippery surface (Dirt, mud, snow, ice, etc). If you use the rear locker on dry pavement, you could damage the drive train. Since both rear wheels MUST turn at the same speed, when turning on pavement the vehicle will plow straight even when turning or one wheel will be hopping to allow the turn.

Koz

 

[Jed]

Wow, I think a Trail Edition is overkill if you're mainly interested in taking mountain passes to do some Vermont skiing! Seriously, an AWD vehicle is probably your best bet for those kind of conditions!

As far as the 5th gen 4Runner is concerned, only the Limited version has a "full-time" 4wd system, with a center differential that prevents driveline binding. That's the way all 4th gen 4Runners were equipped and it makes driving in snow a no-brainer. You can leave it in 4wd and not worry about anything.

For your Trail Edition, you have to be mindful of road conditions and ensure that you're only running in 4wd in low traction situations. Otherwise you can cause damage to the 4wd system.

 

[Koz]

Doesn't the Trail have a rear locking diff?

Koz

 

[sandcrawler]

Doesn't the Trail have a rear locking diff?

Koz

yep, it's standard on the Trail.

 

[M1911]

Doesn't the Trail have a rear locking diff?

The Trail has a rear locking diff. What it doesn't have is a locking center diff. In fact, it has no diff at all.

On snow covered roads, leave it in 4Hi, even if the road is very slick. Putting it in 4lo would not help in very slick conditions -- it increases torque multiplication, making it even easier to spin the tires. The only time I've used 4lo in snow was when I was driving up and over a snow bank, dragging the undercarriage through the snow bank.

If you are stuck in the snow, not getting enough traction from your rear tires, then I would lock the rear diff. Otherwise, leave it unlocked.

 

[Glenns4Runner]

The Trail is definitely overkill for me, but thats what I was going for. I do aspire to take it on more challenging terrain.

I had thought that the ATRAC system was engaged when its in 4H, which functions somewhat like the all-time 4wd in the limited and 4th gen. I don't mind showing my lack of knowledge in the area. I just can't imagine that the Trail is going to have any difficulty in the snow.

 

[Jed]

No, it won't have any difficulty in snow...but you have to be mindful of the road conditions and make sure you're only in 4wd under slippery road conditions.

The Limited version can be driven in 4wd on any road conditions. That's all I'm really sayin'....

 

[Koz]

The Trail is definitely overkill for me, but thats what I was going for. I do aspire to take it on more challenging terrain.

I had thought that the ATRAC system was engaged when its in 4H, which functions somewhat like the all-time 4wd in the limited and 4th gen. I don't mind showing my lack of knowledge in the area. I just can't imagine that the Trail is going to have any difficulty in the snow.

The ATRAC will help traction in 2wd (And 4wd) when one wheel slips it will divert torque to the other wheel but not having a center diff is a disadvantage on pavement. That's why the Limited has it. Toyota really made some money saving decisions in how the different models are equipped. The Trail should have had the center diff available and the Limited should have had the KDSS available. Just my opinion.

Koz

 

[Koz]

The Trail is definitely overkill for me, but thats what I was going for. I do aspire to take it on more challenging terrain.

I had thought that the ATRAC system was engaged when its in 4H, which functions somewhat like the all-time 4wd in the limited and 4th gen. I don't mind showing my lack of knowledge in the area. I just can't imagine that the Trail is going to have any difficulty in the snow.

Not for nothing but you may have been better off with the Limited!

Koz

 

[M1911]

The Trail should have had the center diff available and the Limited should have had the KDSS available. Just my opinion.

Agreed.

 

[LUVDA4RUNNER]

Not for nothing but you may have been better off with the Limited!

Koz

I don't need a TE, but I like the looks of them better and nice to know you have the extra capability if needed. I keep thinking I should get a SR5 for what I will use if for, but I just dont like the look of the chrome IMO.

 

[Jed]

I don't need a TE, but I like the looks of them better and nice to know you have the extra capability if needed. I keep thinking I should get a SR5 for what I will use if for, but I just dont like the look of the chrome IMO.

A lot of guys here have been blacking out the chrome, so don't let that be the only reason you avoid an SR5. It's an easy fix if you don't like the chrome...

 

[Koz]

I don't need a TE, but I like the looks of them better and nice to know you have the extra capability if needed. I keep thinking I should get a SR5 for what I will use if for, but I just dont like the look of the chrome IMO.

It's really funny about what buyers want. From what I can see, buyers want what is different from what is available. The chrome thing comes up all the time. For years chrome was on the better models. Then when it was everywhere the color keyed trim was more desirable. Now on the higher end models you are seeing the chrome coming back. Just like amber turn signals, single exhaust, body moldings, wheel design, etc. I guess it is just like styles, if you keep it long enough, it will come back in style.

Personally I think chrome trim looks better.

Koz

 

[mgrande]

You should only use your locker once your stuck if your not sure about it. You can use ATRAC for alot and not worry about your rear diff exploding from miss using it.

 

[Jed]

It's really funny about what buyers want. From what I can see, buyers want what is different from what is available. The chrome thing comes up all the time. For years chrome was on the better models. Then when it was everywhere the color keyed trim was more desirable. Now on the higher end models you are seeing the chrome coming back. Just like amber turn signals, single exhaust, body moldings, wheel design, etc. I guess it is just like styles, if you keep it long enough, it will come back in style.

Personally I think chrome trim looks better.

Koz

Yeah, tastes seem to change constantly. Chrome is always one of those things that is a matter of personal taste. I think a car (or any vehicle really) with a small amount of chrome in the right places looks fine, but if the vehicle has chrome everywhere, it's just too much bling for me.

Have you noticed how flat black paint jobs have become a bit of a trend for the last few years? A guy at my job just got a new Accord coupe and the first thing he did was put have it painted flat black and then he put 20" wheels on it. To me, it reminds me of guys who used to "paint" their car in black primer because they couldn't afford to have it painted. And now the flat black primer look is even on high end cars. LOL...I don't get that!