New 2013 SR5 owner questions

[b_w.]

Just bought a 2013 SR5 and have some questions. I have been reading as much as I can on here about the 4WD system. In Edmonton during winter the roads can be pretty bad 5 months of the year. What is the harm in leaving it in 4HI all the time? I would feel a lot safer doing that when the GF takes it somewhere and not having to worry that she doesnt think to put it in 4W.Thought I read some threads saying it wasnt a good idea as you transition from snow/ice to dry pavement. What is the deal?

Does it have a lsd?

I am new to 4Runners.

 

[Biggcrisp]

Just bought a 2013 SR5 and have some questions. I have been reading as much as I can on here about the 4WD system. In Edmonton during winter the roads can be pretty bad 5 months of the year. What is the harm in leaving it in 4HI all the time? I would feel a lot safer doing that when the GF takes it somewhere and not having to worry that she doesnt think to put it in 4W.Thought I read some threads saying it wasnt a good idea as you transition from snow/ice to dry pavement. What is the deal?

Does it have a lsd?

I am new to 4Runners.

Hello, your GF should only use the 4WD if she gets stuck or is driving into a situation where she could become stuck. You should only excersice the system on long straight roads.

I've used it on gravel steep backcountry roads...WOW the front diff really gets with the program.

It's easy to move from 2hi to 4hi while trying to avoid making harsh turns on dry pavement.

 

[b_w.]

What will potentially be damaged by leaving it in 4HI? I am also thnking of road trips in winter conditions where I would like to leave it in 4W.

 

[Biggcrisp]

What will potentially be damaged by leaving it in 4HI? I am also thnking of road trips in winter conditions where I would like to leave it in 4W.

Others using this forum could be more specific about what might break...all I know is that while in 4WD and turning around in a gravel lot- something felt really wrong lol.

You could possibly drive many miles in 4hi...just don't try parking in today's impossibly small tight spots.

 

[harper7]

Just bought a 2013 SR5 and have some questions. I have been reading as much as I can on here about the 4WD system. In Edmonton during winter the roads can be pretty bad 5 months of the year. What is the harm in leaving it in 4HI all the time? I would feel a lot safer doing that when the GF takes it somewhere and not having to worry that she doesnt think to put it in 4W.Thought I read some threads saying it wasnt a good idea as you transition from snow/ice to dry pavement. What is the deal?

Does it have a lsd?

I am new to 4Runners.

The SR5's and Trail Editions have a part time 4WD system.The Limiteds have Full Time. 4WD basic knowledge

Read your owners manual and here's a couple of threads. There are a bunch more if you search............. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/76488-part-time-4wd-question-how-dry-dry-pavement.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/82638-question-about-part-time-4wd-trail-edition.html

 

[Bay33saw]

Harper to the rescue......well done my friend

 

[Hellamatic]

Running in 4wd on dry pavement is an exceedingly bad idea and a good way to break parts. When turning in 4wd, a certain amount of slippage is required to prevent binding in the drivetrain. I only use 4wd when it's really crappy or when I'm hung up, and I never use it around town or when I'm in a situation where I'm making sharp turns.

 

[b_w.]

Good to know. Thanks for the links!

 

[MarkEdm]

I live in Edmonton and this is my second winter with my SR5.

I have Blizzaks on my vehicle but even with these I have had the 4WD on much of this winter given the amount of snow we have had and the amount of ice on the roads. I take it out of 4WD when the roads dry up (not very often so far this winter) or when I am in areas with lots of tight corners like parking lots. This has worked very well for me.

Given winter tires a consideration - they make a huge difference.

 

[b_w.]

Definitely getting winter tires. They were included in the deal when I bought the 4Runner. Not sure what brand they will be though. Hopefully be picking it up today!