rear wd, 4 low, 4 high?

[jjdbike]

Ok so I know this thread is really going to out me as a 4x4 idot. I see it as worth the risk as there ase so many highly knowledable and expereinced folks here, moreso than my local Toyota dealers for sure.
Here goes, when should one lock into 4 low vs 4 high? What do’s and don’ts need to be kept in mind? Where does one need proceed w/ caution when choosing between 2wd, 4 high & 4 low?
Also, in my previous vehicle (04 Xterra) when changing from 2 - 4 I would come to a stop before swithing. To get out of 4 and bck into 2, I need to stop, shift, then back up to disengauge 4.
Is the ’11 4runner SR5 similar? Any differances I should be aware of?
Thanks for you generous advise and patience w/ the unexperienced & unschooled!
JD

 

[mo_mo]

Ok so I know this thread is really going to out me as a 4x4 idot. I see it as worth the risk as there ase so many highly knowledable and expereinced folks here, moreso than my local Toyota dealers for sure.
Here goes, when should one lock into 4 low vs 4 high? What do’s and don’ts need to be kept in mind? Where does one need proceed w/ caution when choosing between 2wd, 4 high & 4 low?
Also, in my previous vehicle (04 Xterra) when changing from 2 - 4 I would come to a stop before swithing. To get out of 4 and bck into 2, I need to stop, shift, then back up to disengauge 4.
Is the ’11 4runner SR5 similar? Any differances I should be aware of?
Thanks for you generous advise and patience w/ the unexperienced & unschooled!
JD

There's a link on the front page of the 5th get section "Are You a New or Prospective 5th Gen 4Runner Owner? Need Help Searching? Start Here!"
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owner-need-help-searching-start-here.html

It contains some good answers. Also, check your drivers visor as I believe it will have some helpful instructions for you.

 

[Jhalko]

Ok so I know this thread is really going to out me as a 4x4 idot. I see it as worth the risk as there ase so many highly knowledable and expereinced folks here, moreso than my local Toyota dealers for sure.
Here goes, when should one lock into 4 low vs 4 high? What do’s and don’ts need to be kept in mind? Where does one need proceed w/ caution when choosing between 2wd, 4 high & 4 low?
Also, in my previous vehicle (04 Xterra) when changing from 2 - 4 I would come to a stop before swithing. To get out of 4 and bck into 2, I need to stop, shift, then back up to disengauge 4.
Is the ’11 4runner SR5 similar? Any differances I should be aware of?
Thanks for you generous advise and patience w/ the unexperienced & unschooled!
JD

I know you've gotten several "Here is where to search" links, basically all your questions while not that common, have come up before. Even if you read some of those threads the answer might not be clear, ideally post a response in a relevant link, even if you are resurrecting a really old thread. Then folks will know you researched but still don't understand...

But I believe this will answer your questions young Jedi....
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/76083-engaging-4wd-system.html

Edit: Also in that search link down the page is a link that explain different 4wd systems, very short read that offers great explanation of how different systems work.

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Welcome to owning a 4Runner!

I'm going to try and keep it simple as there are tons of threads in this forum with details for each function:

1) 4hi can be used for basic things like snow, gravel or dirt roads where the surface is predictably smooth yet will give or allow tires to slip. 4hi is NOT suggested to be used on dry, non-slippery surfaces especially making tight turns as turning on grippy surfaces will cause the axles to bind up. Although Toyota suggests 10 miles in 4hi to keep the parts lubed up, try and pick straight sections of road to do this, disengaging 4hi for tight turns and definitely not for use during parking.

2) 4hi may be engaged while moving, no special consideration other than staying under 50mph when engaging/disengaging.

3) 4Lo provides more precise response to the gas peddle due to the extremely tight gear ratio. Suggested use for more technical trails, rock-crawling, steep inclines off-road. A-Trac (electronic, ABS controlled version of lockers front and rear, will apply brakes to shift power to wheel with grip without pulling back on engine power) will only work in 4lo.

4) 4lo will only engage on stopped vehicle with shifter in Neutral or Park and same to disengage.

5) 2hi for regular, daily on-road use. Some of the more experienced off-roaders like to stay in 2hi while offload to test/challenge their ability to pick the best line knowing they have a full arsenal of options to get out of situations should things get sticky.

Enjoy the new ride!

 

[jjdbike]

Thanks folks.

J I did a search but apparently not throughly enough. Thank you for the link. I will def explore & read.

Boyds, perfect eplaination.
Honesly, I assumed much of that but didn’t want to fall into the trap of assuming incorrectly.

Happy New year!
JD

 

[Deuskid]

Welcome to owning a 4Runner!

I'm going to try and keep it simple as there are tons of threads in this forum with details for each function:

1) 4hi can be used for basic things like snow, gravel or dirt roads where the surface is predictably smooth yet will give or allow tires to slip. 4hi is NOT suggested to be used on dry, non-slippery surfaces especially making tight turns as turning on grippy surfaces will cause the axles to bind up. Although Toyota suggests 10 miles in 4hi to keep the parts lubed up, try and pick straight sections of road to do this, disengaging 4hi for tight turns and definitely not for use during parking.

2) 4hi may be engaged while moving, no special consideration other than staying under 50mph when engaging/disengaging.

3) 4Lo provides more precise response to the gas peddle due to the extremely tight gear ratio. Suggested use for more technical trails, rock-crawling, steep inclines off-road. A-Trac (electronic, ABS controlled version of lockers front and rear, will apply brakes to shift power to wheel with grip without pulling back on engine power) will only work in 4lo.

4) 4lo will only engage on stopped vehicle with shifter in Neutral or Park and same to disengage.

5) 2hi for regular, daily on-road use. Some of the more experienced off-roaders like to stay in 2hi while offload to test/challenge their ability to pick the best line knowing they have a full arsenal of options to get out of situations should things get sticky.

Enjoy the new ride!

excellent summary! :thumb3:

 

[uptheirons]

Welcome to owning a 4Runner!



I'm going to try and keep it simple as there are tons of threads in this forum with details for each function:



1) 4hi can be used for basic things like snow, gravel or dirt roads where the surface is predictably smooth yet will give or allow tires to slip. 4hi is NOT suggested to be used on dry, non-slippery surfaces especially making tight turns as turning on grippy surfaces will cause the axles to bind up. Although Toyota suggests 10 miles in 4hi to keep the parts lubed up, try and pick straight sections of road to do this, disengaging 4hi for tight turns and definitely not for use during parking.



2) 4hi may be engaged while moving, no special consideration other than staying under 50mph when engaging/disengaging.



3) 4Lo provides more precise response to the gas peddle due to the extremely tight gear ratio. Suggested use for more technical trails, rock-crawling, steep inclines off-road. A-Trac (electronic, ABS controlled version of lockers front and rear, will apply brakes to shift power to wheel with grip without pulling back on engine power) will only work in 4lo.



4) 4lo will only engage on stopped vehicle with shifter in Neutral or Park and same to disengage.



5) 2hi for regular, daily on-road use. Some of the more experienced off-roaders like to stay in 2hi while offload to test/challenge their ability to pick the best line knowing they have a full arsenal of options to get out of situations should things get sticky.



Enjoy the new ride!

Solid write up. Very well done, made some greats points.

 

[Tortule]

The best advice I can give you is that I bought a 2WD model and kick myself for doing it. Having the 4WD ability is really nice even if you don't go offroad. In the case of the Limited trim model the 4WD is full time. It also turns out that the SR5 Premium model has full time 4WD as well.

 

[desertred]

The Limited model is the only 5th gen with full time 4WD. The other trims (SR5, TE, and TRD Pro) all have part time 4WD. The SR5, like the Limited, uses a dial to switch between 2 and 4WD, but the SR5 is a part time system. The TE and Pro use a hand actuated lever to switch between 2 and 4WD.

 

[Deuskid]

The Limited model is the only 5th gen with full time 4WD. The other trims (SR5, TE, and TRD Pro) all have part time 4WD. The SR5, like the Limited, uses a dial to switch between 2 and 4WD, but the SR5 is a part time system. The TE and Pro use a hand actuated lever to switch between 2 and 4WD.

Correct me if I'm wrong... but part time can also read:

When needed?

 

[desertred]

Yes, or maybe better yet, on demand.