newb question

[ozzy4355]

I hear people on the fourum talking about putting the 4 runner in 4wd. I have an 2004 SR5 and isnt it all time 4wd? I dont see any magic 4wd button. I have the high 4 and low 4 knob. I know this sounds dumb.

 

[d_clark]

The 4Runners with the V6 have selectable 4x4, having 4Hi, 4lo and 2Hi.

Those with the V8, have full time 4x4, hence they have 4Hi, and 4Lo.

Sounds like you have the V8 in yours.

 

[SubSonic]

Agreed, sounds like you have a V8 4WD. Do you have the center differential "lock/unlock" button to the left of your steering wheel and below the instrument cluster? Mine is in a cluster that also has the invertor switch (115V Power On), RSCA OFF (rollover side curtain airbag/disable) and I think the VSC or TC on/off button (rear view of an SUV that appears to be swerving). I am not near my 4R at this time or I'd be more exact with those buttons...

The center-diff switch button image has a series of tires (shown like they're on a vehicle - 2 in front are turned to the right, the 2 rears point straight ahead), connected with lines, with an X in the middle of it.

If you have all of that, then you, like me, are in "4WD" all the time. We have the option of locking the center diff for better traction, and/or using 4LO for nasty situations where we'd otherwise (and still may) be stuck.

This is my 5th 4WD over the last 25 years, and I've only ever had to use 4LO twice - you'll likely never have to use it unless you are hard-core into off-roading. This is, however, my first quasi-AWD so I do not know how often or not I will need to mess with the center diff lock feature. Call me after it snows here...lol

 

[BlairB]

If you have all of that, then you, like me, are in "4WD" all the time. We have the option of locking the center diff for better traction, and/or using 4LO for nasty situations where we'd otherwise (and still may) be stuck.

This is my 5th 4WD over the last 25 years, and I've only ever had to use 4LO twice - you'll likely never have to use it unless you are hard-core into off-roading. This is, however, my first quasi-AWD so I do not know how often or not I will need to mess with the center diff lock feature. Call me after it snows here...lol

You can have all of those buttons and not be full time 4wd. I have the exact one and have the part time 4wd V6. Also, the VSC off is only on 2008 and newer models.

One final note about 4Lo, you might not need it often, but you should cycle it occasionally ensure it is in proper working order if you do ever need it. The same goes for the locking center diff, just make sure you don't make a turn on pavement, rock or any other high grip surface with it on! Basically, you should never drive onroad with it locked (with the exception of rolling straight forward a few feet when testing it out occasionally).

:bigok: