SavinWillyWonka
New member
Just wondering of the v6 has awd or all time 4x4 like my v8 does ?
Does the v6 model have AWD like my v8??
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Darwalk
New member
V6 has 2wd, and the same 4HI and 4LO that the V8 has. The V6 can be driven in 4HI just like the V8 with no issues.
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SavinWillyWonka
New member
I have to lock the center diff to go to 4lo other wise I'm 4wd all time. No 2wd
The V6 has everything the V8 has, with the addition of a 2WD mode.
Really? On my '03 V8 the center diff lock switch is a pushbutton to the left of the steering wheel. The locking diff switch is the second black pushbutton from the left, to the left and below the steering wheel:
The 4 hi / 4 lo rotary selector is to the right of the steering wheel. They are independent. The 4 hi / 4 lo selector is the silver rotary switch to the right of the steering wheel:
That changed with the 5th gen, which integrated the locking diff with the rotary selector.
If you have to lock the center diff to go into low...something is wrong. You should be able to go into low and not engage center diff. May want to have that looked at.
I'm wondering if he is just confused.
SavinWillyWonka
New member
I may be confused or my 4x4 system is jjacked up
Mike07SE
New member
Hopefully this can elaborate on the topic. Essentially the V6 & V8 have the same system other than the V8 is setup to be AWD all the time without option for 2HI/RWD like the V6 can do.
V6:
2WD - unlocked (RWD); 4WD - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4); 4LO - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4)
V8:
4WD - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4); 4LO - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4)
When the center diff is left alone and unlocked this is most commonly referred to as AWD. If the diff is locked it usually then referred to as 4x4. The 4th Gen 4Runner can function in any drivetrain mode without the diff locked until the user commands it to be locked by pushing the button on the left dash panel.
This is an exceptionally versatile system. For example, 4Lo can be used unlocked. One example that is nice about this feature: I've used this mode when extracting a watercraft from a boat ramp. Being in 4Lo unlocked allows greatest torque application for extraction and more controlled throttle and speed. Also allows ability to maneuver around the boat launch without drivetrain bind until in a good position to select 2Hi or 4Hi.
Few other manufacturers have implemented a system like this. In fact, the only other 4WD system I can think of like this is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.
V6:
2WD - unlocked (RWD); 4WD - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4); 4LO - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4)
V8:
4WD - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4); 4LO - unlocked (AWD)/locked (4x4)
When the center diff is left alone and unlocked this is most commonly referred to as AWD. If the diff is locked it usually then referred to as 4x4. The 4th Gen 4Runner can function in any drivetrain mode without the diff locked until the user commands it to be locked by pushing the button on the left dash panel.
This is an exceptionally versatile system. For example, 4Lo can be used unlocked. One example that is nice about this feature: I've used this mode when extracting a watercraft from a boat ramp. Being in 4Lo unlocked allows greatest torque application for extraction and more controlled throttle and speed. Also allows ability to maneuver around the boat launch without drivetrain bind until in a good position to select 2Hi or 4Hi.
Few other manufacturers have implemented a system like this. In fact, the only other 4WD system I can think of like this is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.
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You should be able to lock and unlock your center diff, whether in 4 hi or 4 lo. As I showed in the picture above, the center diff lock is a black pushbutton on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. You can either put the shifter into neutral while locking or do it while moving in a straight line. You will see an amber icon in the dash flashing while the center diff locks. Once locked, that icon will stay lighted (no longer flashing).
You can shift from 4hi to 4 lo using the silver rotary knob to the right of the steering wheel. You need to be stopped and in neutral to do so. You don't need to have the center diff locked to go shift into 4 lo.
Martinjmpr
New member
No, you don't. Not unless there's something wrong with your vehicle.
You can go 4 lo with the center diff unlocked.
This is actually pretty simple. Think about what a differential does: it takes input power from one shaft and distributes that power to two output shafts. It allows those two output shafts to turn at different speeds. This is important, because your wheels will take a different path around a turn.
Think about taking a right hand turn. Your left rear wheel will take a longer path than your right rear wheel. Your rear diff allows that to happen.
So now think about the center diff. What does it do? It does the same thing as your rear diff. The center diff has one input shaft and two output shafts. The output shafts are the front and rear driveshafts. The center diff distributes power to both shafts while allowing them to turn at different speeds. Again, think about taking a right hand turn. The rear of the truck takes a slightly shorter path than the front of the truck. Therefore, the rear driveshaft needs to turn slower (fewer revolutions) than the front driveshaft. And it is the center diff which allows that.
Now think about locking a diff. What does that do? When you lock a diff, it forces both driveshafts to turn at the same speed. So when you lock the center diff, both the front and rear driveshaft turn at the same speed. Note that at this point your 4wd system is behaving just like a part-time system. Part time systems don't have a center diff.
Since a locked diff forces the front and rear driveshafts to turn at the same speed, you should not use it on dry pavement (or if you do, don't turn). Use it when you go offroad.
You are over thinking it. When did you last read about front 4wd parts having to be replaced on a 4runner?
A 2h option might give another 1 mpg, but that is really the only advantage, IMO.
T/C
New member
I may be over thinking this (I know how diffs work ect)
But the diffs are not locking differentials Are they? So even in 4x4 it would still allow for the inside wheel to be spinning faster correct?
No it doesn't, that's what the center differential is for. The stress is spread out over four wheels instead of two. I don't think I've ever heard of a 4runner 4wd system fail because of stress from daily driving. The most common failure is probably breaking a CV off-road, but then you would want to be in 4wd anyway, most likely. Having the actuator(s) get stuck is another common failure, and if the V8 doesn't have an automatic differential disconnect in front that eliminates a point of failure.
T/C
New member
Okay i think i understand now after thinking about it 
So Front is a Open diff
Rear is a Open diff
but because it is a AWD System (This is where my confusion is)
There is a transfer case and also a center diff. When in AWD it accounts for Different amounts of rotations from Front and rear (And the front and rear diffs account for Left and right)?
So Front is a Open diff
Rear is a Open diff
but because it is a AWD System (This is where my confusion is)
There is a transfer case and also a center diff. When in AWD it accounts for Different amounts of rotations from Front and rear (And the front and rear diffs account for Left and right)?
The center diff is a locking differential. While the front and rear diff allow the right and left tires to turn at different speeds, they don't allow the front and rear driveshafts to turn at different speeds. And when you go around a corner, the front and rear driveshafts need to turn at different speeds.
If you don't believe me, try it. On a dry day, go to an empty parking lot. Lock your center diff. Try to make a sharp turn. You will find it hard to do. Don't do this a lot as it stresses the drivetrain.
There is a reason that your owners manual tells you to not lock the center diff in dry pavement
Okay i think i understand now after thinking about it
So Front is a Open diff
Rear is a Open diff
but because it is a AWD System (This is where my confusion is)
There is a transfer case and also a center diff. When in AWD it accounts for Different amounts of rotations from Front and rear (And the front and rear diffs account for Left and right)?
Yup, you got it.
