I have been researching the purchase of a 2012-2013 4runner TE with low miles. I just found out that the 4wd is part time only. I did a search on the forum and found numerous threads on the topic. Bottom line is the limited is not in my price range, would it be ok to drive down the highway at 65 in 4wd I'm snowy conditions?
Part time 4wd question
- Thread starter Rushca01
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Thanks for the link.
So a 5th gen 4runner may not be the best choice for a daily driver around town during snowy winter days.
Jeremy556
New member
If you are completely ignorant of your drivetrain, yes, a part time 4wd is probably not the best daily driver for you. Fortunately, you can get the limited, which has a center differential, so as long as you keep your booger hooks of the dial, you won't break anything.
eddiebx
New member
No vehicle is going to be a good daily driver if you plan to travel that fast in the snow. Cars with fancy schmancy all wheel drive systems might get you going much better over slippery roads, but they all stop the same, lol.
I've had zero problems with my part time 4wd in the snow during any conditions. Key is to use your brain and not get over confident
Stream2Stream
New member
Where in Indiana are you that the highways aren't plowed regularly? When I was up there I had a 2-wheel drive, long bed, manual tranny Ford Ranger and I never really got myself into too much trouble (other than my unplowed apartment parking lot…). Just go slow, don't try to NASCAR the commute and you'll be fine in almost anything really.
However, I agree with [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] here. If you are really that concerned about it all (or if you have to drive a few miles a day on side streets that might not see a plow every morning), I would suggest a Subaru. My buddy in Lafayette has a Forrester XT. For a station wagon that car is legit.
However, I agree with [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] here. If you are really that concerned about it all (or if you have to drive a few miles a day on side streets that might not see a plow every morning), I would suggest a Subaru. My buddy in Lafayette has a Forrester XT. For a station wagon that car is legit.
Thanks for the suggestion but I'm not really interested in a Subura at this time.
95 percent of my driving I have no problem with it being rear wheel drive only but there are those occasional times when my area gets 8-12" of snow and I would take comfort in knowing that I could have it in 4wd without causing undue stress. I also have a family property that when conditions are bad outside it can be inaccessible by a family coupe.
95 percent of my driving I have no problem with it being rear wheel drive only but there are those occasional times when my area gets 8-12" of snow and I would take comfort in knowing that I could have it in 4wd without causing undue stress. I also have a family property that when conditions are bad outside it can be inaccessible by a family coupe.
1engineer
Moderator
I really want to help but you make no sense. In your original post you want to go 65 mph on slick roads. Now you want to go through 8-12" of snow? At 65 mph? Please tell us what your concerns are and we will try to help.
FYI I live 15 minutes from a ski resort in the mountains. I have driven my 4Runner through blizzards on the interstate and plowed through snow that was up to my bumper for a short distance in the woods. When it gets slick I just shift my lever into 4WD. When it is not slick I shift my lever into 2WD. How hard is that? What benefits do you think a 4WD will give you other than accelerating in slick conditions? Answer those questions and we can give you the answers. Did you read my link?
KidVermicious
New member
You cannot safely do 65mpg in 8-12 inches of snow. If the roads are bad enough that you think you need 4WD, they're bad enough that you need to slow down. That's what everybody is telling you. It doesn't matter if you can do 65mph in 4WD with a part-time transfer case (you can), because you should never be going that fast in the sort of road conditions that require 4WD.
Again, thanks for the replies.
65 is an over exaggeration on my part. No I would not drive 65 in truly inclement weather conditions as I know it's not safe. But I have driven 45-50 in slushy/snowy conditions in other 4wd drive vehicles and there was a huge difference between the truck being in 2wd and 4wd. The truck was a 2013 Chevy Silverado with manual shift between 2wd and 4wd and 4lo, so I do not have an issue shifting between the two.
Admittedly I am knew to 4runners and 4wd systems in general. I used to own a 99 Jeep GC which was 4wd all the time. I have done more research since posting and the link provided by 1engineer helped as well.
After further consideration I don't think the part time 4wd will be an issue.
65 is an over exaggeration on my part. No I would not drive 65 in truly inclement weather conditions as I know it's not safe. But I have driven 45-50 in slushy/snowy conditions in other 4wd drive vehicles and there was a huge difference between the truck being in 2wd and 4wd. The truck was a 2013 Chevy Silverado with manual shift between 2wd and 4wd and 4lo, so I do not have an issue shifting between the two.
Admittedly I am knew to 4runners and 4wd systems in general. I used to own a 99 Jeep GC which was 4wd all the time. I have done more research since posting and the link provided by 1engineer helped as well.
After further consideration I don't think the part time 4wd will be an issue.
JB.
New member
Probably more information than you want or need at this point, but if you happen to be interested enough to desire extra context, this thread might interest you.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/133871-using-part-time-4wd-dry-pavement-te-sr5.html
Intruder
New member
The way I look at it is that if you're driving at a speed that allows you to shift from 2Hi to 4Hi (under 80 km/h) then it's safe to drive in 4Hi at that speed. Just remember not to shift into 4Hi if you're already slipping as the sudden engagement of 4wd in that situation could put you into a ditch or worse. Generally, if I feel the wheels start to lose traction or the traction control kicks in pretty consistently I take my foot off the gas if it's safe to do so, wait until the slipping stops, engage 4Hi, then get on my way again.
I had the same concerns. I figured you were not literally meaning 65mph. I live in NJ. Sometimes during a snow event traffic can move faster or slower depending on conditions. While driving in a heavy rain or moderate snow/ice I would like to have all wheels engaged for added “traction and improved handing” this way I can stay with the flow of traffic if it’s faster. Also, I don’t want to worry about drive train bind if I’m not on a slippery surface for a period. I’m not sure what systems are engaged while I’m in 4WH. VSA should still be engaged. I think Atrac is only for 4WL. Hell, I know what I want, an SR5 with All wheel drive and KDSS. :reddance:
