Testing 4wd in a used 4R

[Tokend]

I'm looking for a used 4th gen. multi-mode 4wd 4Runner. Never having owned a 4wd, I want to test this before plunking down my cash.

When test driving, how should I test the 4wd? Should I engage it while driving straight or standing still? What should I listen for and feel for to spot units with potential problems?

Also, are all "towing packages" alike? Somewhere (Consumer Reports, I think), I saw a "towing preparation package" as an option, which specifically mentions a heavy duty radiator/cooling system, transmission cooler, etc. But, I don't see specific mention of these features in 2005-6 brochures. This leads me to believe that the Toyota "towing package" consists of a hitch and wiring. If the HD cooling stuff is optional with the towing package, how do I recognize whether a particular 4R has them?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Uneek]

Multi-mode 4WD is only on the V6. You can shift into 4-hi while going straight and under 62mph. It may or may not go into 4WD right away, either give it a little gas or let off on the gas and it should engage 4WD within a few seconds. You can go into 4-hi while standing still, but if the gears are not in perfect alignment, it won't engage until you roll slightly.

V8s are full time 4WD.

For both V6 and V8, to get into 4-lo, you will need to be fully stopped and in neutral.

If you're getting a V6, 2005 has the hitch receiver as standard equipment, optional in 2006. The option doesn't change anything other than having the actual receiver and ball mount. You will not lose or gain a transmission oil cooler with or without the "towing package". Many V6 owners have added their own external transmission cooler, but there is one that's already inside the radiator. The 7-ping is on 2006 models even without the hitch receiver as well as the included pig tail harness to hook up a trailer brake controller.

The V8 comes standard with a weight distributing hitch. It's a beefier and more heavy duty hitch and it has an auxilary external transmission cooler that's in front of the radiator.

 

[Tokend]

Thanks, Uneek. Very helpful.

When engaging 4wd (hi or lo), is some amount of "clunk" normal, or should it be as smooth as shifting a manual transmission? Also, when running in 4wd, should I notice an increased amount of noise from the additional gears turning?

If you're getting a V6, 2005 has the hitch receiver as standard equipment, optional in 2006. The option doesn't change anything other than having the actual receiver and ball mount. You will not lose or gain a transmission oil cooler with or without the "towing package".

Sounds like the dealer (not Toyota) with the 2005 Sport I'm considering is blowing smoke. He says that the "tow package includes the heavy duty cooling features (radiator, trans. cooler, etc.)."

 

[qballjr13]

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but I think the V8's that have the tow package include a trans cooler. Can someone confirm that?

Are you looking at a V6 or V8?

 

[Cape 4RUNNER]

Sounds like the dealer (not Toyota) with the 2005 Sport I'm considering is blowing smoke. He says that the "tow package includes the heavy duty cooling features (radiator, trans. cooler, etc.)."

It all depends in what engine the T4R has, thats kind of critical in proving/disproving what the dealer said. If its a V8 Sport Edition then yes it would have all the heavy duty cooling features. If it is a V6 then it would not. Simple as that.

 

[Tokend]

It all depends in what engine the T4R has, thats kind of critical in proving/disproving what the dealer said. If its a V8 Sport Edition then yes it would have all the heavy duty cooling features. If it is a V6 then it would not. Simple as that.

Well, smoke it is, then. This is a V6 Sport. Thanks, Cape.

 

[Uneek]

Thanks, Uneek. Very helpful.

When engaging 4wd (hi or lo), is some amount of "clunk" normal, or should it be as smooth as shifting a manual transmission? Also, when running in 4wd, should I notice an increased amount of noise from the additional gears turning?



Sounds like the dealer (not Toyota) with the 2005 Sport I'm considering is blowing smoke. He says that the "tow package includes the heavy duty cooling features (radiator, trans. cooler, etc.)."

The shift is pretty smooth for the most part, sometimes you might feel a slight thump or hear a sound when 4WD engages. There's no additional sound or noise once you're in 4WD. You might feel the steering being a little heavier in 4WD over 2WD.

No such thing as a tow package. The differences in cooling lies between the V6 and V8. In 2006 for the V6, only the hitch receiver is optional (and if not present, no ball mount). That would be the only difference between a 2006+ V6 with the tow hitch option and one without.

The 2005 Tacoma (second gen), on the other hand, with the same V6 has additional cooling, different battery, alternator with the towing package.