Question on how 4wd works & towing 2003 4runner

[Eric6530]

New to forum, so thanks for any help. I have purchased a 2003 4runner sport with v8, having owned scouts in the past and a 91 4wd suburban, I am confused how 4wd works on this vehicle. When I am off road on muddy logging road do, I want to be in 4lo with funny little button with picture of 4 wheels and drivetrain pushed in or not? also this vehicle came with towing package, however I do not believe the hitch which is attached with 2 bolts to the frame will be adequate to tow my 3300lb enclosed trailer with electric brakes, or am I wrong? Thanks for the help.
Eric

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Welcome

Great article here... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=12

The funny little button is to the left of the steering I presume. That button locks and unlocks the center differential. The center diff, when unlocked, allows for on-pavement 4wd operation similar to an AWD (ie no binding).

The other thing the diff lock does is to bypass the part of the VSC that cuts the engine power if a wheel begins to slip. Bottom line is if you're off-road and going slow you'll probably want that button pushed.

You should be fine with your trailer... 3300lbs is well within limits for either the V6 or V8 hitch.

:cheers:

 

[RoarFunner]

Welcome, Eric!!!

Take a closer look at your hitch. With the V8, you likely have the full frame hitch, suitable for a weight distributing hitch. I believe there are four bolts into the frame rail, plus two in the back above the hitch, behind the bumper cover.

Even my V6 with the weight-carry-only hitch has two bolts on top under the bumper cover and two bolts under the bumper frame. I can't use a weight distributing hitch with this setup, but I can still pull 5k lbs with a 500 lb TW.

 

[Uneek]

Early 2003 V8s have the same hitch as the V6 4Runners. You have higher capacity hitch, if it's tubular under the bumper and has attachment points to the frame rails.

Early 2003 SR5 and Sport Editions have the gray cladding and flares and later 2003s came in body color. I don't know if the change over for the hitch on the V8 occured at the same time with the body color cladding and flares though.

 

[audiqtr]

Welcome Eric,

If you car came with a manual, there are some basics outlined for you in there about the use of and do's and don'ts of 4WD.