Confusion about the 4x4 system.

B

BamBam

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I'm getting conflicting info....

Do I have this right? On the V8 4x4 it is full time 4x4 with an optional low range system that is controlled by a dial?

Then the V6 engine is a part time 4x4 system that you put in 2 high, 4 high, or 4 low with a dial? But you can't drive in 4 high on dry pavement only in snowy/icy/gravel/slick conditions?

Thanks for the help. I thought I had everything figured out, but I've talked to a couple of eggheads lately that confused me.
 
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On my 04, I drive in 4x4 whenever the hell I feel like it. Meaning, there is a dial, but you can drive 4x4 whenever.
 
Yours is a V6 model? So you select 4 high and just drive around on the streets during dry weather without problems?
 
Yes I have the V6. I drive in 4x4 quite a bit, (i've never been offroading) just the other day I did a couple laps on the top story of the parking structure in 4lo to keep it lubricated. Mostly when its raining because of gas prices, but my last tank I did mostly on 4x4 because gas was at 3 even!

edit but to directly answer you question, yes, dry/pavement whatever you want to do, 4x4 is good to go on the 4th gen.
 
Yup, the 4WD with the V6 system is a multi-mode unit which allows you to drive on dry pavement. Just don't lock the center diff on dry pavement.
 
BamBam said:
I'm getting conflicting info....

Do I have this right? On the V8 4x4 it is full time 4x4 with an optional low range system that is controlled by a dial?

Then the V6 engine is a part time 4x4 system that you put in 2 high, 4 high, or 4 low with a dial? But you can't drive in 4 high on dry pavement only in snowy/icy/gravel/slick conditions?

Thanks for the help. I thought I had everything figured out, but I've talked to a couple of eggheads lately that confused me.
Click to expand...

The V8 and V6 have the same 4WD system, except the V6 has the ability to be driven in 2WD. On the V6 if left in 4H, it's no different than the V8.

Both the V6 and the V8 have full time 4WD systems, the V6 is not a part system. Both have center differentials, which is what allows the vehicle to be driven in 4WD mode regardless of surface conditions. If you lock the center differential, then it would behave like a part time system and you should be on a slippery surface, like conditions you mentioned above.

In summary, the V6 in 4H, is no different than the V8 and be driven like that all year long.
 
simple said:
You know... i've wondered about that... is that for safety, or to keep the car mechanically sound?
Click to expand...

Both, locking the center diff disables VSC and it locks both front and rear axles together, so that they rotate at the same speeds. It would cause binding if you were to make turns on a dry surface.
 
JaredB said:
I assume this locking center diff only applies to the V6 sytem? I have a 04 SE V8.
Click to expand...

Nope. the V8 can lock the center diff also.
 
mole177 said:
that's if you have a center diff to lock.
Click to expand...

Okay, no sense in confusing the guy.... just for clarification, every 4th gen 4Runner has a center differential to lock as long as it is 4wd.

2wd 4Runners obviously don't have a center diff.
 
Even Steven said:
Okay, no sense in confusing the guy.... just for clarification, every 4th gen 4Runner has a center differential to lock as long as it is 4wd.

2wd 4Runners obviously don't have a center diff.
Click to expand...
Do all 4wd's come equipped with locking Diff's? I ended up getting a 2008 4wd V8 SR5, and just didnt see a switch specifically for it?
 
_JT_ said:
Do all 4wd's come equipped with locking Diff's? I ended up getting a 2008 4wd V8 SR5, and just didnt see a switch specifically for it?
Click to expand...

Yes, it should come with it. It will look something like this:

centerlocker.jpg~original


That is on my 2002 4Runner, but your button should look similar. It is just to the left of your steering wheel. Read the manual for operation instructions.
 
p nut said:
Yes, it should come with it. It will look something like this:

centerlocker.jpg~original


That is on my 2002 4Runner, but your button should look similar. It is just to the left of your steering wheel. Read the manual for operation instructions.
Click to expand...
Ok, it does have it, i pick up my TO4R tomorrow so long as my bank gets me my money in time. :bigok:
 
_JT_ said:
Ok, it does have it, i pick up my TO4R tomorrow so long as my bank gets me my money in time. :bigok:
Click to expand...

All 4wd 4runners (V6 and V8) come with center diff lock. The front and rear axles are open diffs, but is supplemented by 4-wheel traction control. Therefore, the front and rear power flow is controlled by the center diff (that is lockable 50/50). The left and right power flow is controlled by the traction control system.

On 2wd only 4runners, there is no center diff. However, there is traction control controlling the rear axle (also marketed as "Auto LSD").

"Auto LSD" is NOT superior to traction control...it's just another term Toyota uses to fool people into thinking that it is some great invention by Toyota. :D

BTW, have you guys ever thought that it was strange for Toyota to put the center diff lock button on the opposite side of the transfer case dial?? IMHO, it should be in the same area. I guess that Toyota hides it so that only the owners who want to use it will activate it.
 
Thai said:

BTW, have you guys ever thought that it was strange for Toyota to put the center diff lock button on the opposite side of the transfer case dial?? IMHO, it should be in the same area. I guess that Toyota hides it so that only the owners who want to use it will activate it.
Click to expand...

Could also be to help people remember to put it in 4WD before locking the center diff. If it were on the same side, some might get too excited and start turning all kinds of dials and buttons at the same time.
 
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