I just recently bought a 2007 4Runner Sport 4wd V6 with lock Center Dif. I was curious if anyone knew how much snow this thing could drive through before becoming stuck ? I have a Stock height Jeep Wrangler with 31/10.50's BF All Terrains and I wounder which can drive through more snow.
Snow Depth VS 4Runner
- Thread starter Seabass86
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I'll describe my experience, maybe you can interpolate. I just bought an '08 with 4 wheel drive V-6, but not the center differential type. Had the front raised 2.5" and the rear 1.5" and removed the running boards. Tires are 16" Michelins nearing replacement time, about 57k miles on them. Had a 6" snow the other day and it cruised through it like no snow at all. This morning went out in a fresh 10"+ snow, could tell there was snow, but no problems at all. This was fresh soft snow. I know from experience a crusted snow is a whole different ball game.
I have previously owned Tacomas and learned you could get around OK in fresh 17" of snow but deeper than that significant snow plowing occurred and getting around got a lot tougher; often would have to go until stuck, back up in tracks and take another run in the tracks to plow a few feet further.
I'm curious about the center differential type, why have the two types of 4WD? Is one superior to the other?
I think your answer depends upon the type of snow (wet or dry makes a big difference) and the type of tires on the vehicle.
Two years ago, my 4th gen pushed through snow that was up to the bottom of the headlight lenses. I never actually measured the snow, but it was a little more than 2 feet deep. I didn't think I would make it, but I guess the conditions were just right to allow my 4Runner to keep traction while pushing the snow. It was awesome......almost like I was plowing the driveway with my front bumper.
There's a video on YouTube with a guy in an older Grand Cherokee who did the same thing. I'll have to see if I can find it.
Two years ago, my 4th gen pushed through snow that was up to the bottom of the headlight lenses. I never actually measured the snow, but it was a little more than 2 feet deep. I didn't think I would make it, but I guess the conditions were just right to allow my 4Runner to keep traction while pushing the snow. It was awesome......almost like I was plowing the driveway with my front bumper.
There's a video on YouTube with a guy in an older Grand Cherokee who did the same thing. I'll have to see if I can find it.
Wow. Learn something new every day. Thanks. I thought the full time 4WD had a center differential and the multi-mode was like 4WD's of yesteryear without a center differential. Not used to these new fangled cars, been 30 years since I have had an automatic transmission. Been flying airplanes for fifty years and have never flown one with an instrument panel with as many bells and whistles as this Toyota has...
The Haynes manual I have talks about gear oil for the transfer case and front and rear differentials, makes no mention of a center differential... is that part of the transfer case? If so, would explain why I didn't see one under there. Guess I've got a lot more learning to do, thanks for the help.
adkinsadam1
New member
SkylineGTRracer
New member
I wish I was there with my 4runner. can anyone say snow DRIFTS!!! lol:boink:
It's really a function of the consistency of the snow and your tires. I've got snow tires on mine and have driven through 18" of light, dry, fluffy snow. I put it in 4WD low and locked the center diff. I didn't have any trouble at all.
However, if that had been heavy, wet snow, I likely would have gotten stuck.
However, if that had been heavy, wet snow, I likely would have gotten stuck.
Timberline
New member
I can't address the OP's question from the 4Runner side as we're still looking for ours. But I can address it from the Jeep Wrangler - I've had mine in as much as 3ft (w/o drifts) and never had a problem. As others have pointed out your tires will have a big impact on this as well.
Aquabear
New member
With my T4R 08 V6 4LO, Diff loc in Dec 09 in NY we had over 24" of heavy wet Columbia free all natural white stuff that we went thru no prob at all again and again UNTIL I hit a mound of snow up to the lights/hood that stopped me- I was going slow so no momentum. Had to get pulled out.
Tires, I agree have a big impact I have Nitto Terra Graps - hated the stocks crap tires which would slip on an inch or two. No lift - yet.
Tires, I agree have a big impact I have Nitto Terra Graps - hated the stocks crap tires which would slip on an inch or two. No lift - yet.
paraordnance
New member
from my personal experience - with good tires the only limiting factor is vehicle height. When you hang on a frame you done hopeless. Everything also I plowed right through. Go, measure height from a ground to bottom of the frame rail and you have an answer
It all depends upon the consistency of the snow. When I was driving through 18" of light, fluffy snow, I was obviously plowing through snow that reached far above the frame.
Ilovesnow
New member
You should move a few hours north to central Illinois! Although we do have ice storms here too, whereas I don't think ice is as big of an issue in northern Illinois. Still, we get at least a couple of heavy snowfalls here every year.
I took some pics from when we had roughly 8" a few weeks ago, I will have to get them posted.
RocNYRunner
New member
We get plenty of snow here in Western NY, seems like I need to use 4WD with only a couple inches on the ground with these stock Michelins.
My T4R will have new boots before next season!Unrelated: Para and M1911, good names, maybe I'll have to change mine to "Springfield Operator"
I went to school in Ithaca, and as a going away present after my last day at school, got to spend a few days snowed in in Homer, NY.
I've got a Para and a Springfield, but my favorite is my Wilson :naughty:
The way I see it is to just go for it. You’ll know when it’s too much snow because you’ll be stuck. Then you will have your answer. :driving:
The stock Michelin tires are terrible. Get yourself a good pair of tires and you will be much better off. However, I have pushed my 08, v6 through about 20” with the stock tires even though I did get stuck. I was in 4h with an open diff and the VSC kept kicking on and got me stuck. Once I turned off the VSC and I was able to get moving again I lock the center diff and it was easy sailing from there.
The stock Michelin tires are terrible. Get yourself a good pair of tires and you will be much better off. However, I have pushed my 08, v6 through about 20” with the stock tires even though I did get stuck. I was in 4h with an open diff and the VSC kept kicking on and got me stuck. Once I turned off the VSC and I was able to get moving again I lock the center diff and it was easy sailing from there.
