Question about the 4wd system

T

TheShowtime

New member
Hey guys I have the AWD push button version of the 4Runner. I know with my system I could even drive on dry pavement and not mess anything up with the push of the button as long as I don’t lock my center diff.

My question is if you have the J shifter 4WD system on the 4Runner without the push button. If you move your shifter to 4hi could you also drive it in dry pavement? Was curious if 4hi unlocked is same as AWD.
 
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AWD has a differential in the Transfer case. 4WD does not.

AWD the front tires that take the longer path around a corner are allowed to spin faster than the drive tire(s).

4WD the front and rear axles are tied together. 1 front tire and 1 rear tire are forced to spin at the same speed. When you turn and the rear tires take a shorter path than the front tires it creates binding.
 
Guess 4hi is the same as locking the center diff?

If it was snowing very light could you put your 4Runner in 4hi and not mess anything up?
 
Last edited:
TheShowtime said:
Guess 4hi is the same as locking the center diff?

If it was snowing very light could you put your 4Runner in 4hi and not mess anything up?
Click to expand...
They used to have a little card on your visor explaining that the roads need to be slippery or wet to be in 4Hi or 4Lo. As like the other users said. One front and One rear are locked together in J shifter transfer case.

So if its snowing and the roads are covered you can be in 4Hi. As the road would be wet and slippery so the 2 axles can slip and not bind.

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I grew up driving 4x4’s. I run 4hi on patchy ice and snow. Its fine, you just don’t want to turn very sharp.
If you turn too sharp you can feel the binding and tire scrub. Just straighten it out to relieve the pressure and then push it forward into 2hi, and then make your turn.
Doesn’t take long and you get used to shifting back and forth between 2 and 4 as conditions dictate. Like driving a manual, soon you shift without a thought about it.

Get on a dry gravel road and put it in 4 and try driving and turning. You’ll get a feel for the binding and tire scrub.
 
Yup that's how I do it as I grew up the same way. I honestly run around it 2wd and pull the lever to 4Hi as need then go back to 2wd. When it's really snowing I like to see it as a challenge if I can make it in 2wd. Lol. It dosent take long to figure it out.

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My Owners manuals (98 and 99) don't really list a Maximum speed for 4H. They do in reference to transmission gear selection and engine RPM, but the max speed is the same for both 2H and 4H, and 4th gear is 102MPH LOL.

They do both list maximum shifting speeds for H2 to H4 and back.

Lever type = 25mph
With A.D.D. = 50mph
Push button = 62mph
 
Problem with me is I can’t switch from 2wd to 4wd quick. Takes forever to lock and unlock my center diff. But thanks for everyone’s help. I now understand the 3rd gens 4wd system.
 
You should be fine in "AWD" mode for almost all snow-type situations. Set it and forget it for bad weather...

The standard "j" shift transfer case only has the limitation of 55mph for shifting INTO 4WD, you can go any speed you want once in 4WD and can shift out of 4WD any time you want.

Oh, and you want to exercise the system at least monthly (5 miles). If the roads are dry, shift while driving straight and avoid turns. For the electrically shifted transfer cases, it is important to operate it just to keep it working - and the more you operated it, the faster it works.

-Charlie
 
phattyduck said:
You should be fine in "AWD" mode for almost all snow-type situations. Set it and forget it for bad weather...

The standard "j" shift transfer case only has the limitation of 55mph for shifting INTO 4WD, you can go any speed you want once in 4WD and can shift out of 4WD any time you want.

Oh, and you want to exercise the system at least monthly (5 miles). If the roads are dry, shift while driving straight and avoid turns. For the electrically shifted transfer cases, it is important to operate it just to keep it working - and the more you operated it, the faster it works.

-Charlie
Click to expand...

Too add to Charlies Post. I would practice and exercise the transfer cases on dirt or gravel roads. That way if its a J Shift Transfer case you will not bind up if turns are involved etc. Also alot less traffic on these roads as well which helps if you need to look at the floor. ;-)
 
brillo_76 said:
Too add to Charlies Post. I would practice and exercise the transfer cases on dirt or gravel roads. That way if its a J Shift Transfer case you will not bind up if turns are involved etc. Also alot less traffic on these roads as well which helps if you need to look at the floor. ;-)
Click to expand...
I'd love to, but living in Los Angeles and a busy family life means no rain/snow and no gravel/dirt for months on end. :moping:

-Charlie
 
I am sorry if i am hijacking a post. I am trying to figure out how to post. I have brake backing plates all rusted out. Is there a easy fix.i was told necessary to pass inspection. Thanks

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jetfan186 said:
I am sorry if i am hijacking a post. I am trying to figure out how to post. I have brake backing plates all rusted out. Is there a easy fix.i was told necessary to pass inspection. Thanks

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Click to expand...
Short answer: It can be fixed:

The bad news. There is no easy fix. You have to pull the axles out the 3rd member. Then press everything off the axle back to that plate. Put a new plate in then press everything back on.

I would change the wheel bearings while you have them off.

This will give you an idea how fun this is to do

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AVhSDnw2ugo

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