Noob, 4wd question

[snikad]

Hi guys, I have been looking around this forum for an answer, but have been unable to find a clear answer.

I currently drive a high millage Jeep Grand Cherokee for a few reasons, solid front axle, and the 4wd system. I like choice and control, and jeep used to provide me with that with selectrac. If you dont know what that is its a 4wd system that had 2wd hi, 4wd hi full time, 4wd hi part time, N, and 4wd lo part time. I like the control jeep dosnt have it on GC anymore but someone told me you can get the same thing with a 4 runner. I cant seem to find out on tooyotas website so maybe someone could explain to me the 4runner 4wd systems.

Thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Hi guys, I have been looking around this forum for an answer, but have been unable to find a clear answer.

I currently drive a high millage Jeep Grand Cherokee for a few reasons, solid front axle, and the 4wd system. I like choice and control, and jeep used to provide me with that with selectrac. If you dont know what that is its a 4wd system that had 2wd hi, 4wd hi full time, 4wd hi part time, N, and 4wd lo part time. I like the control jeep dosnt have it on GC anymore but someone told me you can get the same thing with a 4 runner. I cant seem to find out on tooyotas website so maybe someone could explain to me the 4runner 4wd systems.

Thanks

With the exception of an 'N' mode a 4th gen has 1 more mode than you listed, 4LO full-time plus all the others. The V8 model doesn't have a 2HI but it has all of the rest.

So to recap... V6= No 'N' but an on-pavement suitable 4lo mode. V8's; no 2HI.

Here's a great link with some good descriptions of the 4th gen T4R system: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=12

This one is a good FAQ resource: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4297

Good luck and welcome

:cheers:

 

[snikad]

That figures, cant get it with the engine I want, and no neutral on the Transfer case. I wonder why no company makes an suv with a 4wd system I like these days.

Anyone know if the V8 is that much better then the V6? NO TRD blower for either?

Like the locking rear diff, but am not a fan of electronic LSD. Hopefully I can take the plunge because there are a lot of features I like about the 4runner.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

That figures, cant get it with the engine I want, and no neutral on the Transfer case. I wonder why no company makes an suv with a 4wd system I like these days.

Anyone know if the V8 is that much better then the V6? NO TRD blower for either?

Like the locking rear diff, but am not a fan of electronic LSD. Hopefully I can take the plunge because there are a lot of features I like about the 4runner.

-Neutral is a rarity and very appreciated by the motorhome crowd that tows the vehicle. I haven't heard many T4R owners say they wished they had it. I am curious, why are you 'big' on having a t-case with N?
-Not too sure about blowers. I know the first couple of years of the V8 could get a blower. There's now a FJCruiser 4.0L blower that should work on the T4R. Search some more here and at the FJC sites, you'll see some references to blowers.
-Many many threads here about V6 vs V8. The short story is the V6 is great and so is the V8. The average V8 fuel penalty is 1-2mpg. If you live at a high elevation and upsize the tires with tall, hard rolling M/T's the V8 may actually equal the V6's mileage. The V8 has a timing belt with a 90k change interval. The V6 has a chain that requires no service. The oil change on a V6 is easy as can be. The V8's filter is hard to reach. Bottom line is the are both great.
-ARB makes a locker that several have used with great success.

Take the plunge, you'll be glad you did. If you're looking at 03-06 read the FAQ link I sent you and it'll clarify mid-life changes that occured in '05 & 06. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4297

I have suggested you search two things. The search doesn't work very well all of the time. It seems to leave off older threads and sometimes it just misses. An alternate, reliable search method is here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43046

:cheers:

 

[colombo]

Keep driving Jeep! Seems that you like it so much! Jeep forever!!!
I don't want too many people drive 4R. So I won't be inique in my town.

 

[ExJeeper]

Having owned 11 Jeeps and several with the selec-trac 242 case, I can tell you the V6 setup is the same. 2HI,4HI (which you can run all time) 4LO. Has a center locking diff which would be the "Part Time" like on your Jeep. The 4HI unlocked would be the "Full Time" on your Jeep. Im coming from a Hemi grand and I can tell you the 4.0 V6 is awesome in the 4Runner. New Jeeps are JUNK! Stay far away!

 

[Thai]

New Jeeps are JUNK! Stay far away!

I agree with this statement 95%...Jeep Wrangler is a cool Jeep.

 

[Vizwar]

I have the V6 with the TRD exhaust and TRD cold air intake. I have NO shortage of power and all I'm missing out on is a little extra towing capacity. I got the V6 for the same reason, the ability to be in 2-HI on dry pavement.

 

[ExJeeper]

I agree with this statement 95%...Jeep Wrangler is a cool Jeep.

The new one is junk. Junk powertrain and piss poor quality control. They ride pretty damn good for a SFA Jeep, comparable to the WJ series Grand Cherokee. If it had the 4.7 and a full top instead of that POS gimmicky Freedom Top it would be better.

 

[Thai]

The new one is junk. Junk powertrain and piss poor quality control. They ride pretty damn good for a SFA Jeep, comparable to the WJ series Grand Cherokee. If it had the 4.7 and a full top instead of that POS gimmicky Freedom Top it would be better.

Isn't Wrangler known for their poor quality control?? But, unlike other Jeeps, the Wrangler does not have much luxury features to go wrong...thus, it is one of the more reliable car on the road.

The new powertrain is not great, but still a slight improvement overall than the old 4.0 engine.

Wranglers are meant to be driven topless.

BTW, in terms of catastrophic failures, i would rate the Jeep Wrangler ahead of FJ Cruiser...so, quality control is a relative term.

 

[ExJeeper]

Isn't Wrangler known for their poor quality control?? But, unlike other Jeeps, the Wrangler does not have much luxury features to go wrong...thus, it is one of the more reliable car on the road.

The new powertrain is not great, but still a slight improvement overall than the old 4.0 engine.

Wranglers are meant to be driven topless.

BTW, in terms of catastrophic failures, i would rate the Jeep Wrangler ahead of FJ Cruiser...so, quality control is a relative term.

The new ones have all kinds of electronic crap like all new cars. ESP, ETC, TCM, PCM, ABS and its all junk with cryco. I had a 91 YJ with 4.0 and the thing was every bit as reliable as a Honda or Toyota, same with all my XJ Cherokee 4.0s. Too bad they make junk now and dont stand by their product anymore hence me in a 4Runner. There is NO comparing the 4.0 I6 to the 3.8 minivan engine. None.

 

[shuly]

Have you driven a 4runner? That may be all it takes to convince you to go for it! We still have our 96 with over 200k on it. Wouldn't trade either of them for anything.

If you are really dead set on a particular xfer case, then maybe you should look at an older vehicle. Something that is in excellent condition or something you could build up (assuming you want to do that.) Don't forget you can put an afermarket xfer case on a 4runner that might just give you more than you are asking for.

As far as the ATRAC (electronic LSD) it does a great job assuming you practice with it a bit. Where it doesn't work a clutch based ltd slip won't work either. You can buy a rear locker for the 4runner and still keep the ATRAC up front. Best of both worlds with IFS.

 

[Thai]

Too bad they make junk now and dont stand by their product anymore hence me in a 4Runner. There is NO comparing the 4.0 I6 to the 3.8 minivan engine. None.

You actually think Toyota is an angel?! For me, Toyota is a great brand because they build good products from the get-go, but they are not that much different from other brands when it comes to "standing behind their product." Here is a current example of what some (and eventually most) FJ owners are suffering from: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30130

Remember, this "fender bulge/crack" problem is a significant problem...hell, it is a major freaking problem down the road for anyone who intend to keep it a long time. The cost to repair it aftermarket? I heard anywhere between $10-15,000. Hmm, do you want to guess why Toyota is hiding behind the "you off-road or mod it" argument?! Yes, even 2009 FJ Cruiser with the new & improve fender design is still susceptible to this.

Comparing the 4.0 vs. 3.8 is always a big debate on Jeep forums...the old-timers think the world of the 4.0. (Trust me, i know the 4.0 well enough...my brother has the 1st gen Rubicon.) It is a great crawling engine, but that is about it. Yeah, it is easy to maintain, but then again, the 3.8 ain't too shabby either since it is relatively low-tech compared to modern engines. Any mechanic can work on the 3.8. Where the 3.8 is much better is in the overall performance...it is much much better on the highway, it is quieter, it is fuel efficient, and it is almost proven in it's reliability as the 4.0. (Remember, the 3.8 has to pull a lot of weight when it's in a minivan.)

So, people complain about the 3.8 off-road...so what?! It is pretty torquey, as compared to the modern "cam" engines. And when you get the Rubicon model with the 4:1 TC, does it really matter?? When you're in 4LO, the 3.8 provides plenty of torque and climbing power for the small Jeep. So, off-road, it does plenty good. But, when it's time for the long drive home, i would much rather be in the 3.8.

Don't get me wrong, i like Toyota a lot...see my garage. However, Toyota is far from being an angel when it comes to screwing the customer. Toyota is like the rest of the bunch.

 

[Thai]

BTW, my brother also has a 2008 FJ...so, i am very impartial in my opinion.