Full time 4x4 durability/issues

[cvett32]

Hi all, long time reader w/a 1998 T4R SR5 4x2. Moving to Colorado and want to get a T4R 4x4 for occasional duty on bad weather days and to head to the mountains (the Civic will take 90% of the 130 mile round trip commute to work when the weather is nice). I'd estimate I'll put 5-6k miles on the T4R a year over my time there. I've been partial to the 3rd Gen's and know them well, but don't know much about the 4th Gen's or 4x4 systems. I've found a 2003 SR5 V8 4x4 that I'm very interested in, but was surprised to learn the V8 4x4 is full time. Besides gas mileage, do the V8 4x4's have any history of issues that the V6 4x4's didn't, since you can turn them on and off? Most reviews for the car are extremely positive, but at this point about 6-7 years old on a 2003, so it makes it hard to know how most of the cars have stood up now around the 10 year mark. What should I look for when I go test drive it tomorrow, specific to a 4th Gen V8 4x4? Thanks for the help!

 

[r6dallas]

I have 05 limited 4x4 with 130k I have had zero problems with the 4x4 system. I will go off road from to time to time mostly in the mud. The system has been 100% reliable. I've had the gear oil changed on diffs but that is it.:reddance:

 

[BlackWorksInc]

There is nothing wrong with the "Full-Time 4WD" system on the 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8) equipped 4th Gen 4Runners vs. the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6) equipped 4Runners. The only real difference between the two transfer cases is that there is a slightly different shift rod assembly and an additional shift fork that allows the V6 units to go into 2WD. Both systems function identically from each other in 4Hi, 4Lo, and 4LO CDL (Center Differential Lock) on. In fact many members actively leave their V6's in 4Hi with no ill-effects. The gas mileage difference is mainly a factor of the V8 vs. the V6 and not a matter of the 4WD system. Both the V6 and V8's are prone to the sticking/seizing actuator issue that is a result or not exercising the actuator through all its ranges regularly (typically once a month); it is pertinent to note that the V8 does not have the ADD (Automatic Differential Disconnect) actuator on the front axle like the V6s due to the lack of a 2WD option.

My '04 V8 4WD has has no issues with the 4WD system in almost 110k and has been a trooper on the off-road.