Question for 4th-gen V6 4wd owners

[pipspeak]

I'm curious how many people leave their V6 in 4wd the whole time, and how many generally drive only in 2wd in normal conditions.

I assume that 2wd offers slightly better gas mileage and puts less long-term wear and tear on parts of the drivetrain. Am I correct in assuming this, and are there any other advantage to staying in 2wd vs. 4wd?

 

[Presto]

I assume that 2wd offers slightly better gas mileage and puts less long-term wear and tear on parts of the drivetrain. Am I correct in assuming this, and are there any other advantage to staying in 2wd vs. 4wd?

Yes, you're correct. Stay in 2WD unless you really need the 4WD.

 

[Baba Booey]

Generally, I keep it in 2WD unless conditions warrant otherwise. However, I believe the owner's manual recommends driving at least 10 miles per month in 4WD in order to keep the system properly lubricated.

 

[sharp4runr]

I normally drive in 2WD but I did a couple of tests where I drove in 4WD for a few gas tanks. The verdict was that the mileage did not suffer dramatically and was actually slightly better in one occurence (See signature for spreadsheet). I think the reason is that you are still carrying the driveline components all the time so the weight is against you. Also the drivetrain loss is small when in 4WD compare to Rwd.

Like Baba Booey said, you need to drive in 4WD a few miles a month to lubricate the components. Also you need to lock the center diff every 6 months to do the same.

 

[pipspeak]

Good to know... thanks. I hadn't thought about locking the diff every now and then.

 

[Dennis]

If the road is wet or otherwise imperfect, I'm in 4WD. I only drive 2WD on nice days, and I only do that because I slightly prefer the way the handling feels in 2WD.

The difference in gas mileage between 2WD and 4WD is probably there, but it is too small to be measurable by an owner. Even the difference between a V8 (always in 4WD) and a V6 is only 10%. 10% is not easily discerned by an owner without careful records over an extended period.

 

[AlexJet]

I drive mostly in 2WD, even in the winter with 1-2' of snow. I use 4WD when driving in hard off-road conditions, deep snow or ice. I like handing on 2WD.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Locking Diff

Like Baba Booey said, you need to drive in 4WD a few miles a month to lubricate the components. Also you need to lock the center diff every 6 months to do the same.

Locking the differential? To ask a very silly question, just how do I do that? I have a 2005 V6 SR5 4x4, and I do use the 4x4 a few miles every month - as per the recommendation of the dealership.

 

[Uneek]

2WD for now, except for 10 miles each month to keep it lubricated. 4WD when going snowboarding, off-road or when conditions get really nasty.

 

[Uneek]

Re: Locking Diff

Locking the differential? To ask a very silly question, just how do I do that? I have a 2005 V6 SR5 4x4, and I do use the 4x4 a few miles every month - as per the recommendation of the dealership.

There's a button to the left of the steering column, shows a pic of the front and rear axles along with a driveshaft going down the center with an 'X'. I'm not sure if the indicators lights are different on the '05, but mine also has an orange light next to the green 4x4 indicator light on the dash for the center diff near the fuel gauge.

 

[ksneubec]

The 4wd system on the V6's are essentially an all-wheel drive system, meaning that you are usually only using the rear wheels, unless the vehicle detects some kind of slipping, when it will push more power towards the front wheels. By locking the center differential, as explained above, you force power to the front wheels, giving the truck an almost 50% front wheels, 50% rear wheels.


I used to keep the truck in 2wd unless bad weather/off-roading, but I've realized what others have mentioned- that you don't really lose noticeable mileage if you leave it in 4wd. There is no harm in leaving it in 4wd, as long as you aren't driving around with the center diff. locked- this should only be done off-roading, or on slippery surfaces- snow or a good rainfall. I'd be hesitant to lock it off the trails in most conditions.

If you drive around in 4wd and start to lose traction because you hit a puddle or sand, even on a sunny day, the system may help prevent an accident by giving you power to the front wheels- something that can't happen unless it is in 4wd as opposed to 2wd.

 

[Fro-Runner]

I use 2WD mode except during the rainy season (Nov.- Feb.) and during windy days (santa ana's) here in so. California. The 4WD actually helps you maintain better control when the winds are howling in the 25-50 mph ranges!

 

[sharp4runr]

The 4wd system on the V6's are essentially an all-wheel drive system, meaning that you are usually only using the rear wheels, unless the vehicle detects some kind of slipping, when it will push more power towards the front wheels.

I don't totally agree with this explanation.

I thought that in 4WD on the 4Runner there is a roughly 40/60 F/R split while in 4WD. If the 4Runner is only using the rear tires for power and then switch power to the front wheels when needed then it uses a similar system as the Honda CRV. I don't think thats the case thoug :

 

[BenSD]

I leave mine in 2WD nearly all the time. If it's a rainy day, or I'm going to be doing some offraoding, I'll kick it into 4WD. You will notice a difference when you switch it into 4WD. Sometimes I kick it into 4WD if the driveway at work is wet. I back up it and the 4WD helps give a bit more traction as the weight shifts to the front wheels. If I forget to kick it out of 4WD on the way home from work, I do notice that the truck requires more pressure on the gas pedal than if I have it in 2WD. At that point, I have to switch back to the slow lane, slow down to below 62MPH, and switch back to 2WD.

 

[Presto]

I drive mostly in 2WD, even in the winter with 1-2' of snow. I use 4WD when driving in hard off-road conditions, deep snow or ice. I like handing on 2WD.

This Canadian has seen more snow in a week than I see all season. I'm trusting him.

 

[AlexJet]

This Canadian has seen more snow in a week than I see all season. I'm trusting him.

Come to Canada and have some fun in a snow. Sometimes it can fall 4-5' of snow overnight... Weather in Canada can be unpredictable.

 

[Presto]

Come to Canada and have some fun in a snow. Sometimes it can fall 4-5' of snow overnight... Weather in Canada can be unpredictable.

Canada's great. I've been to Windsor and gone to the "Windsor Ballet." There's a lot of them up there. :girl:

 

[4RunnerSE2006]

I'm curious how many people leave their V6 in 4wd the whole time, and how many generally drive only in 2wd in normal conditions.

I assume that 2wd offers slightly better gas mileage and puts less long-term wear and tear on parts of the drivetrain. Am I correct in assuming this, and are there any other advantage to staying in 2wd vs. 4wd?

According to the Owner's manual, 10 miles per month minmum.

In general, I don't think you need to go in 4WD mode unless road condition is bad or if you are off roading.

 

[dingo]

I leave it 4hi during winter and rainy season. Just set it and forget it. Now that it's clearing up here in the bay area I'm back to 2hi. There is also a dirt road near my house so I get to exercise 4lo with my center locked now and then.

That reminds me, I need to wash my 4runner before the sun and warm weather bakes the mud and gunk on my clearcoat. Time to take out that clay bar.