How do you tell 4wd from 2wd?

[MLPbrian]

Is there a way to tell a 4wd 4runner from a 2wd 4runner from the outside?

I know older generations 4runners have a "4wd' logo on the back but not the 5th gen. The only way for me to figure out is by looking inside and check for the dial on SR5 and Limited/lever on trail and old SR5.

I remember a member with the Trailer Park Boys Bubbles profile pic mentioned something about CV axles, I don't know what those are. lol

 

[DAGNABIT]

look at the center console of crawl under and look at the CVs

 

[MLPbrian]

o ok, thanks!

Also, I know using part time 4wd on dry pavement will cause binding when making turns, but what makes it not bind on snowy/icy pavement/off roading?

 

[1engineer]

o ok, thanks!

Also, I know using part time 4wd on dry pavement will cause binding when making turns, but what makes it not bind on snowy/icy pavement/off roading?

Coefficient of adhesion of tire compound on tractive surface.

 

[bloodninja]

o ok, thanks!

Also, I know using part time 4wd on dry pavement will cause binding when making turns, but what makes it not bind on snowy/icy pavement/off roading?

The ability of the tires to lose traction prevents the drivetrain from binding. On dry surfaces, the coefficient of friction is much higher, and leads to the drivetrain binding as opposed to the tires being able to slip a little.

 

[Saker]

:snacker:

 

[MLPbrian]

Yay thx all!

I feel much smarter now!

 

[Antman]

Coefficient of adhesion of tire compound on tractive surface.

AKA- Slip.

 

[Intruder]

Coefficient of adhesion of tire compound on tractive surface.

You're such a jerk for replying to that with a factual and accurate statement. I'm moving you to my ignore list.

 

[1engineer]

You're such a jerk for replying to that with a factual and accurate statement. I'm moving you to my ignore list.

Thank you. Please be the line leader of that growing faction of people.

So I told my Spanish friend Raul that on the count of three I would make him disappear. I said "Uno, Dos, and *poof* he was gone without a Tres.

 

[Antman]

I said "Uno, Dos, and *poof* he was gone without a Tres.

Really lol'd on that one!

Those "humor in real life" classes are really working out for ya.

 

[mnofpeace]

and my wife thinks i am on this forum nightly for the quality information...

 

[DEERUNNER]

The same way you tell a mail truck from a femail truck, roll it over or lift its tail and have a look. If its got CVs its 4WD.

 

[ECUDrummer]

I think it's the hood scoop.

 

[jwkilgore]

The op said he didn't know what a "CV axle" is, so telling him to look for one is kinda useless.

In that picture of the front suspension posted by [MENTION=128287]DAGNABIT[/MENTION]:
- The bottom rusty horizontal metal piece is the lower control arm (LCA).
- Just above the LCA, the thick round horizontal metal bar with two rubber boots (one either end) running to the center of the wheel is the axle. The rubber boots are the constant velocity joints. This is required for AWD, 4WD, or front-wheel-drive vehicles and is absent on rear-wheel drive vehicles (like the 2WD 4Runner).

The thinner horizontal metal bar above the axle with one rubber boot is the steering link. All vehicles have this in some or another, and it is not an axle. It does NOT run to the center of the wheel.

 

[MLPbrian]

 

[LandCruiser]

I just glance at the front CV axles.

I'm always shocked when people think it's such a difficult thing to notice:|

 

[cjacob316]

If you're going to look for CV's you might as well take the easier route and look for the dial/stick first. :crazy:

 

[LandCruiser]

If you're going to look for CV's you might as well take the easier route and look for the dial/stick first. :crazy:

I can see CV axles in my rear view mirror or when the vehicle is oncoming in the other lane.

Otherwise I have to chase them down, run them off the road, smash the window, and look inside.

Jeez.

 

[DesertCanyons]

How to tell 2WD from 4WD

That's easy. The 2WD is the truck stuck in the sand or mud that also can't get up a rocky ravine. The 4WD is the 4Runner that keeps on going over hill and dale.
I often look for the front differential on different vehicles with 4WD. You can often see the drive shafts going both ways from the transfer case. Looking inside for the 4WD lever or dial is also an easy way too, but you can't always do that when you see a truck driving down the road. And remember, AWD is not the same animal as 4WD even though it may have the same physical parts.