New 4Runner SR5 Owner...Got a Q

[Banksaveli]

Hello,

I purchased a 2011 SR5 this past March. Overall, I am happy with the truck. I only added 1 thing to the truck, Narf Bars.
I had a 2005 Honda Pilot before the SR5.

This is my first REAL SUV. I never considered the Pilot a real SUV. When I bought the SR5, I never asked questions about the Part-time 4 wheel drive and thats my fault. I remember once activating the 4HI and while turning the truck you can say didn't move and made weird noises. Anyways, I did some research and I know more now. I understand how it operates now.

So the only time I should turn the 4HI is when I get stuck? Once activated, its not proffered to make tight turns. So, lets say its snowing and I am on the highway if I have it activated and something happens where I need to make a tight turn to avoid anything, that can hurt the truck right?

So, is it true to say that its not proffered to drive the SR with 4HI activated unless you are going straight or on roads with wide turns.

This has nothing to do with this subject, but I think the 4runner has the weakest windows motor I have had in any vehicle. I have never had stuck, frozen windows like I have with the 4runner. Doesn't bother me a lot though.

 

[DKuhen]

I think turns are only bad on dry pavement.

 

[Banksaveli]

I think turns are only bad on dry pavement.

True, I did read that. But I noticed even on snow when you turn, the steering wheels gets heavy and the truck starts to wanting to stop

 

[jca21]

Hello,

I purchased a 2011 SR5 this past March. Overall, I am happy with the truck. I only added 1 thing to the truck, Narf Bars.
I had a 2005 Honda Pilot before the SR5.

congratulations on the new vehicle purchase:driving:

This is my first REAL SUV. I never considered the Pilot a real SUV. When I bought the SR5, I never asked questions about the Part-time 4 wheel drive and thats my fault. I remember once activating the 4HI and while turning the truck you can say didn't move and made weird noises. Anyways, I did some research and I know more now. I understand how it operates now.

So the only time I should turn the 4HI is when I get stuck? Once activated, its not proffered to make tight turns.

not necessarily, by the time you get stuck, sometimes 4wd will be of little use. as long as your are not on dry pavement or rain you should be ok to use 4wd. i recommend using it in snow or mud or off on a trail somewhere.

So, lets say its snowing and I am on the highway if I have it activated and something happens where I need to make a tight turn to avoid anything, that can hurt the truck right?

if you're on the highway and need to make a sharp turn to avoid an accident, hurting the truck a little is better than hurting yourself

So, is it true to say that its not proffered to drive the SR with 4HI activated unless you are going straight or on roads with wide turns.

for dry pavement straight roads are preferred but if you're in the snow or mud or trail it shouldnt matter.

This has nothing to do with this subject, but I think the 4runner has the weakest windows motor I have had in any vehicle. I have never had stuck, frozen windows like I have with the 4runner. Doesn't bother me a lot though.

posted my reply in red.

 

[DKuhen]

True, I did read that. But I noticed even on snow when you turn, the steering wheels gets heavy and the truck starts to wanting to stop

That sounds like there is a problem to me, but I'll let more knowledgeable people come in and your question.

 

[jca21]

True, I did read that. But I noticed even on snow when you turn, the steering wheels gets heavy and the truck starts to wanting to stop

thats probably because there wasnt enough snow/ice on the ground to cause the truck to lose traction. some wheel slip is necessary for the transmission to not bind up.

also the steering will feel a little heavier when in 4wd due to the front tires engaging and causing more traction to be felt. thus more resistance.

as a side note, i've only had to put my 4runner in 4hi once this year in the snow. other than that it does just fine in 2wd in snow.

 

[Banksaveli]

Thanks you all for the replies.

1 last thing

Like today we had lots of snow and I had it in 4H. I went to Walmart and their parking lot was cleaned up by the time I got there. I tried to park the truck and forgot 4H was on and thats when I felt it almost wanting to stop. I should have just turned it off then tried to park.

I do like the truck and it puts a smile on my face and I drive it

 

[jca21]

Thanks you all for the replies.

1 last thing

Like today we had lots of snow and I had it in 4H. I went to Walmart and their parking lot was cleaned up by the time I got there. I tried to park the truck and forgot 4H was on and thats when I felt it almost wanting to stop. I should have just turned it off then tried to park.

I do like the truck and it puts a smile on my face and I drive it

usually once i hit dry pavement i'll remember to take it out of 4hi.

parking with the vehicle in 4hi is probably the most damaging.

takes a little getting used to but once you get used to it you do it without even thinking

glad you're liking the new truck :cowboy: