Thanks Spartacus and Cndnmax. That helps a lot. I understand now. So the Trooper 4H was basically a AWD instead of a 4WD
So the next question is why did Toyota go this route with the 4Runner? What advantage does a 4WD have over a AWD system? When all wheels spin at the same time it offers better off-road traction?
The 4Runner system, which is the same traditional system used in the Wrangler, enhanced with modern technologies in both cases, combines terrific capability in rock and very eroded terrain with robustness and lower price.
The wheels do not spin the same. That would imply two lockers. MTS-Rock is almost as good as a locker minus the pitfalls of a front locker but it is still not a locker.
There are many pros/cons for both systems. search youtube for a better explanation but AWD has the potential of turning into a 1 wheel drive system if let’s say one wheel is off the ground. 4WD locks a front wheel and back wheel together so it takes two wheels to lose traction before you stop moving. Rear lock dif with 4WD locks 3 wheels together, dual dif locks and 4WD locks 4 wheels together.
More sophisticated awd systems will allow power to be transferred back, looks for a video comparing Subaru AWD with other brands to see just how horrible some systems can be.
Yes, most AWD systems are marketing tools. Subarus after 2009 and a few before that have no issues with traction transfer anywhere their clearance and angles allows them to go. Few have done more than I have in an Outback.
BUT, the 4R is a tank and a Subaru is most definitely a dirt/sand/reasonable mud specialist or "softroader". It takes finesse to accomplish anything in any size rocks in a Subie whereas in the 4R you feel that the body will tear apart if needed but the frame with the seats and the steering wheel will get wherever! There is no comparison in rock especially steps and ledges, even if you size them proportionately for the vehicle's angles. The 4R will go through the highest ledge it can clear WAY easier than the Subaru will go over the tiniest of ledges.
But until you upgrade your suspension, a Subaru with a half-decent driver will run circles around the 4R on dirt roads and many easy trails. Now that I have 6112s with 650 springs and Icon rear shocks I finally don't miss my Outback even on dirt roads.
Maneuverability on tight mountain switchbacks was an issue for me the first few months with the 4R. It definitely gets used to having an atrocious turning radius. It is rarely a thing but when it is, it really is.
It had not occurred to me to get in 2wd when descending tight switchbacks...
In 4wd, the front and rear shafts spin at the same speed, not all 4 wheels. Each wheel on the axle can move at different speeds though. Thats why a locker which causes both wheels on the axle to spin at the same speed helps in rough spots
^ this
They do make a 4Runner in that flavor. It's called a limited. Has AWD + locking center diff and transfer case
A 2WD option seems a bit more fuel efficient, maybe cheaper to make :noidea:
^ and this.
