New 5th gen... Big Mistake?

[scanny]

Well if you have a 2010 there's no arguing with that. Makes me wonder what was up with the 2010 & 2011 brochures and the reviews/comments I've run across around the net. Maybe they were just regurgitations of inaccurate brochures? Is yours actually a Canadian model or did you import from the US? Next time I see a used one for sale up here I should swing by just to take a look. I would find it easier to live with myself if this 5th Gen multimode SR5 never existed.




Thanks for the real world feedback! Good to know 4HI is OK in the 120km/h range and you didn't have any adverse handling. :thanks:

Anyone else do high-speed driving in 4HI out there?

Mine is purely Canadian bought in August 2010 here in Mississauga ON and I assure you that when I was shopping for the new SUV there was no option of full-time SR5 even on Toyota Canada web site.
And you're welcome, it's all was discussed here few times, but seach is far from perfect here, so I'd happy to answer any question you have. If I know the answer of course: )

 

[453030]

In this case, reading all of your comments, yes, I think it is a mistake for you. Do your best to undo the deal.

 

[Ukie]

Anyone else do high-speed driving in 4HI out there?

I do just to keep front parts lubricated.
What are your fears?

And yes, if you are going to regret owning an SR5 just talk to the dealer to undo/modify your deal. Do you home work, read papers (if any) you've signed to get an idea about possible penalties.

 

[M1911]

Well the one thing I don't think I have run across yet is a good justification for this removal of the Torsen (in 2010 for the US and over the last two years up here)? The obvious is probably cost but were there possibly some durability or longevity issues with the Torsen?

Cost. The Torsen diff is very reliable.

 

[WCVanHorne]

In this case, reading all of your comments, yes, I think it is a mistake for you. Do your best to undo the deal.

Think so? Most of the feedback seemed to be that I was fine in 4H for extended periods on the highway (we are talking winter driving here) and related high speed handling was fine; and in town I don't really have to worry excessively about getting out of 4H the second I go from snowpack to pavement.

Don't forget other than my unpleasant surprise at having moronically overlooked the lack of a center differential the 5th Gen SR5 fit us to a tee. Clearance, height, leg room, carrying capacity, light weight towing, significant winter travel, gravel and odd logging road use, etc. I'd sort of be starting from scratch and the SR5 was rather the limit of our price range. At this point I am suspecting we might just wind up back here, frustrated that Toyota took out the Torsen, but with not a lot of other choices.

Reading back I probably came across as somewhat melodramatic and overwrought but I am bit OCD and I'd only had 4h sleep last night after reading though half this forum! :sleepy:

What had actually bothered me the most is that there might have been a 5th Gen multi-mode up here for a year in 2010. However that's starting to look like a marketing material myth.

I think I might be reaching the point of acceptance (having gone through anger, denial, etc.) and probably should skip bargaining. If I can start obsessing about new shocks, a stubby antenna, and new tires I probably have it made. :

 

[WCVanHorne]

I do just to keep front parts lubricated.
What are your fears?

Feedback like yours has mostly allayed my main fear: The possible unsuitability of 4H for high-speed and/or longer term use in variable traction on road conditions.

I'm feeling better now. :thumb3:

However any more feedback on 4H high-speed highway driving is welcome.

In some ways it will be interesting using a stick again, at least in the winter. :driving:

 

[DC runner]

The rule of thumb is this: If the road condition isn't one that doesn't require 4wd, then don't run a traditional system on it. Wet, dirty, slippery, snowy. All fine on it.

There really is no need to run that 4wd on bone dry pavement and in that situation you can get wind up. No point risking the system.

If you are driving twistys in the rain and feel better with 4wd on, do it.

The problem is wind up. This explains it better than me:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/axle-wind-up.html


Axle wind can destroy a diff. But, again, you don't need to run 4wd on dry pavement.

 

[WCVanHorne]

Cost. The Torsen diff is very reliable.

Rather a short sighted decision given my perception of the audiences for this vehicle (IMHO worse than dropping the V8 option).

Bling, electronics, wheels, tires, and suspension mods are easy aftermarket. Core drivetrain much less so. Being able to choose 2WD, AWD, 4WD, and 4L really made it suitable almost anywhere for anyone.

 

[Ramzey28]

Part time 4wd will be fine, I would invest in some good at tires, that will make the biggest difference......

 

[Batang.Gapo]

I still have to track down the official upper speed limit for 4WD. Am I correct that those of you with owner's manuals don't see it? Or is the previously reference 62 mph / 100 km/h?

I tried to find an answer to this question when I first got my ride, could not find in the owner's manual. If I remember it correctly, there is no speed limit when engaged in 4WD. I just could not remember if I got the answer from one of the threads here or somewhere else.

 

[WCVanHorne]

The problem is wind up. This explains it better than me:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/axle-wind-up.html
Axle wind can destroy a diff. But, again, you don't need to run 4wd on dry pavement.

This is basically the sort of thing I understand and was worried about. That article is actually quite a bit on the cautious, dare I say paranoid side. Sort of the other end of what others have been saying here with respect to it being OK to leave on for 100's of km in poor winter driving on pavement. Just as I was feeling a bit more relaxed about using it too...

 

[WCVanHorne]

I tried to find an answer to this question when I first got my ride, could not find in the owner's manual. If I remember it correctly, there is no speed limit when engaged in 4WD. I just could not remember if I got the answer from one of the threads here or somewhere else.

So do you have yours on the highway for say 100's of km in 4H during poor winter driving conditions (I.E. intermittent snow cover, drifts, etc.) or do you run in 2WD letting the VSC, etc. take care of things? It's that little bit of front pull though I wouldn't mind having in case things get a little loose.

 

[rjmckay99]

Fellow Edmontonian driving experience

I will try and ease some of your fears. My girlfriend didn't even shift into 4wd during those massive snow dumps we got last spring. She had no experience with part time 4wd and was nervous about breaking our new vehicle.lol. When I found out I explained the system to her but being a good prairie girl she didn't feel the need anyway. Toyota has programmed the traction control to be pretty aggressive and 4wd isn't really helpful at highway speeds.
As others on here have said, a good winter tire will serve you much better than the full time AWD. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I always shift into 4 hi around town for starts and stops, then 2 hi for highway.
The 4runner is a great vehicle if you give it a chance. You will be very happy with it on the road up to Marmot I am sure!

 

[WCVanHorne]

I will try and ease some of your fears. My girlfriend didn't even shift into 4wd during those massive snow dumps we got last spring. She had no experience with part time 4wd and was nervous about breaking our new vehicle.lol. When I found out I explained the system to her but being a good prairie girl she didn't feel the need anyway. Toyota has programmed the traction control to be pretty aggressive and 4wd isn't really helpful at highway speeds.
As others on here have said, a good winter tire will serve you much better than the full time AWD. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I always shift into 4 hi around town for starts and stops, then 2 hi for highway.

Thanks for the feedback! Also I've been a winter tire guy for 20+ years so no convincing required there. :thumb3: Even during the the time it was out of style due to people thinking "all (aka no) seasons" were the thing. I'm leaning towards some top of the line Nokian studded. Now there's another religious argument.

Actually during some of the bigger dumps the last few years I had a lot of fun leaving SUVs spinning behind me with my little Yaris and proper tires!

The 4runner is a great vehicle if you give it a chance. You will be very happy with it on the road up to Marmot I am sure!

There is at least one straightaway up that road that I was thinking of when I was asking about 4H being good above 100 km/h. I've booted it up that road for first tracks many a time. Also down in K-country there are some long stretches of *wide* gravel that it's nice to open up on when conditions suit.

 

[WCVanHorne]

I always shift into 4 hi around town for starts and stops, then 2 hi for highway.

PS. Since you are from around here you probably know exactly what I'm talking about in terms of in town transitions from the residential snow pack (or oatmeal in the spring) to bone dry arterials. That's the sort of stress I want to make sure the drivetrain can handle in 4HI without the Torsen.

Also sounds like you basically keep it in 2HI on mixed highway; at least until the snow/ice gets pretty constant and one is actually in a consistently low traction situation. And while we are talking the same language by mixed I mean something like hwy 16 in the park along the Athabasca/Jasper Lake, Talbot lake section where you can get some nice mini drifts or slippery sections and bone dry pavement alternating.

 

[Beakerbox]

Toyota ran the 2010 Trail edition (same part time 4x4 drive train as the SR5) in the Baja 1000 stock mini size truck class. There were some vehicle modifications but the engine and drive train are stock. It seems plenty capable in 4x4 at high speed for extended periods of time on very tough terrain. It's a tough little truck. I wouldn't worry about it. Watch this and you will feel better about your purchase. 75 on the highway isn't going to be a problem..

Toyota 4Runner - From Rubicon to Baja: The Race - YouTube

 

[DannyLlama]

Toyota ran the 2010 Trail edition . I wouldn't worry about it. Watch this and you will feel better about your purchase. 75 on the highway isn't going to be a problem..

Toyota 4Runner - From Rubicon to Baja: The Race - YouTube

That vid is The only thing usefull that came out of this thread

 

[Batang.Gapo]

So do you have yours on the highway for say 100's of km in 4H during poor winter driving conditions (I.E. intermittent snow cover, drifts, etc.) or do you run in 2WD letting the VSC, etc. take care of things? It's that little bit of front pull though I wouldn't mind having in case things get a little loose.

Mostly 2WD and intermittently on 4WD on poor driving condition 100km/h or less. I am just being too cautious when driving condition is not too favourable.

Also, you'll find in the owner's manual that it is recommended to engage 4WD for atleast 16km/month to lubricate front drive train.

 

[JohnJerk]

FJ (automatic) and Taco share the same simple 4wd system as 5th gen non limiteds, so it is not some new zany concept for Toyota to implement in their truck line. It's a great system that gives the driver a more zen interaction with their machine. I had an 06 taco and only didn't like the system when I had to lend the truck out to others who would not be as careful as me about shifting in and out. The 2013 5th gen going from lever to dial is a step backwards because the lever gives confidence while the dial makes you wait sometimes.

I live in snow country and wouldn't hesitate to run this system again. In fact wife wants an FJ...

 

[Gerdo]

Sounds like you should have bought a Subaru and mounted a set of studded snows.

A true AWD vehicle will handle snow better than any 4wd vehicle (full time or part time). Part time 4wd will not allow any slip from the fron axle to the rear. Part time 4wd will send power to the wheel with the least traction (worst case). Remember that the front and rear diffs are open ( meaning that the tire with the least traction will want to spin).

Your best bet is a vehicle with a good AWD system (not all are a great system) and a set of good studded snows.

4wd will pull you thru the deep snow and get you moving. Studded snows will help keep the vehicle going where you point it and help stop it. Studs do increase the slide factor on wet roads.

Nothing replaces driving the appropriate speeds for the conditions. I do understand the different types of snow do allow you to drive at different speeds. The usual snow in Colorado is dry and you can drive the highways fast with little fear (due to the grip). I would never drive as fast back east where the snow is wet. Tires pack up and it is very slippery.