Toyota 4runner 2012 Limited vs SR5

[1engineer]

Yes. All trim levels of the 4th gen have the Torsen center diff. You don't have a part-time 4WD system on your 4th gen. You either have a full-time system (V8) or a multi-mode system (V6). The multi-mode system is just like the fulltime (that is, it has a center diff), except that it also has a 2WD mode.

When your 4th gen is in 4WD, the front and rear driveshafts can turn at different speeds (unless you lock the center diff). It can do that because it has a center differential. A part-time system does not have a center diff, just a transfer case, so the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed. Since the rear wheels cut closer on a turn, the rear wheels need to turn slower than the front wheels, which means the rear driveshaft needs to turn slower than the front driveshaft. It can't on a part-time system, so driving a part-time system in 4WD on dry pavement can stress the driveline.

On the 5th gen, only the Ltd trim level gets the Torsen center diff -- the 5th gen SR5 and Trail Edition have a traditional part-time 4WD system with no center diff.

And this, all you mechanically challenged posters, is the briefest, most succinct definition I have read on the differences between 4G (both types of 4WD) and a 5G (again both types) that has been written here. Very well put. I will even put one of those smiley faces here. :boink: Some of you should print this out and study it.

 

[XDLeader]

Woah

LOL :lol:

Thanks for the info I knew since the start it would be a silly question but I actually meant Personal Wise


GMS Rims was meant as on going blah blah etc..



Couldn't I buy the SR5 and give it all the perks that the Limited has and save myself about 3-5k?

 

[gamerc]

Here's the difference.

When I joined this forum, I read through probably 30 or so pages of posts in the 5th Gen sub-forum. Lots of information to process- but well worth the effort. I got up to speed relatively quickly, and could start contributing...We are here because we share a common interest, and can learn from each other.

I, for one, do not enjoy helping people that are just too lazy to help themselves to what is already laid out right in front of their fingertips. Have I posted stupid questions? Absolutely. Would I ever ask for help without at least trying to search for the answer? Absolutely not.

---off my soapbox now.

Maybe someone would take you seriously if you ever contributed around here
LOL
I kid I kid...

 

[1engineer]

LOL :lol:

Thanks for the info I knew since the start it would be a silly question but I actually meant Personal Wise


GMS Rims was meant as on going blah blah etc..



Couldn't I buy the SR5 and give it all the perks that the Limited has and save myself about 3-5k?

No. No XREAS suspension, no full time 4WD, no nav (except trail), no dual zone climate. Leather seats, better stereo, yes. I have an SR5 and it is fine for what I use it for, which is putting lots of miles on it, hauling my bike to trails, etc. It is a very good ride on interstate.

 

[chetJ]

I was in the same boat as you OP. What changed things for me was the noticeably better ride of the LE. The other creature comforts are nice but were not as important in my choice- my personal opinion

 

[Jaker]

Here's the difference.

When I joined this forum, I read through probably 30 or so pages of posts in the 5th Gen sub-forum. Lots of information to process- but well worth the effort. I got up to speed relatively quickly, and could start contributing...We are here because we share a common interest, and can learn from each other.

I, for one, do not enjoy helping people that are just too lazy to help themselves to what is already laid out right in front of their fingertips. Have I posted stupid questions? Absolutely. Would I ever ask for help without at least trying to search for the answer? Absolutely not.

Exactly! I lurked around for at least two weeks reading everything possible before I joined and posted my first post.

The OP's question isn't about an obscure topic either. This has been discussed quite a bit and there's a plethora of information available.

I hope the OP becomes an active, helpful member on this forum; but this is a good lesson to learn early.

 

[08T4R]

Yes. All trim levels of the 4th gen have the Torsen center diff. You don't have a part-time 4WD system on your 4th gen. You either have a full-time system (V8) or a multi-mode system (V6). The multi-mode system is just like the fulltime (that is, it has a center diff), except that it also has a 2WD mode.

When your 4th gen is in 4WD, the front and rear driveshafts can turn at different speeds (unless you lock the center diff). It can do that because it has a center differential. A part-time system does not have a center diff, just a transfer case, so the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed. Since the rear wheels cut closer on a turn, the rear wheels need to turn slower than the front wheels, which means the rear driveshaft needs to turn slower than the front driveshaft. It can't on a part-time system, so driving a part-time system in 4WD on dry pavement can stress the driveline.

On the 5th gen, only the Ltd trim level gets the Torsen center diff -- the 5th gen SR5 and Trail Edition have a traditional part-time 4WD system with no center diff.

Gotcha. Thanks for the run down, I was just being a curious browser while on tapatalk at work.

 

[robsonj]

Part time 4WD question

Great thread. We just rented a 4runner for a weekend camping trip with a view to purchasing early next year. We rented a 2012 Limited (its what they had) and was very please with everything about it, though we're still on the fence a little between the Limited and the SR5 (I wished the TE had a 3rd row seat option!).

My main question is on the SR5 when not in 4WD mode, is the vehicle essentially in rear wheel drive, or front wheel drive? We live in the midwest where we get a reasonable amount of snow each year, so I would be concerned about a rear wheel drive car on some of the corners etc.

Cheers
Jonathan

 

[Jtraskell]

Rear wheel drive. Sounds like you need a limited. You will be much happier and it will be much safer for you and your family and the general public at large.....be safe.

 

[philsey]

My main question is on the SR5 when not in 4WD mode, is the vehicle essentially in rear wheel drive, or front wheel drive? We live in the midwest where we get a reasonable amount of snow each year, so I would be concerned about a rear wheel drive car on some of the corners etc.
Cheers
Jonathan

Rear wheel drive. Sounds like you need a limited. You will be much happier and it will be much safer for you and your family and the general public at large.....be safe.

No, no, no. Don't listen to some guy from Floriduh!

I, too, live in the midwest. Yes the SR5 is RWD, when not put in 4WD. IF you drive sanely, traction control helps a lot. I've TRIED to do donuts, and it just won't. But just pull it into 4WD and all is good. Easy peasey. I had 2 Pathys (same PT 4WD) before my 4R, and never, ever, have had a problem with this type drivetrain - in fact prefer it.

Drive smart in bad weather - which to me includes Blizzaks in the winter - it's cake.

 

[AustinCyclist]

what's the weight diff between sr5 and limited.. or maybe a better question, what does the kdss/4x4/3rdrow/leather/runningboards/plates/sound-deadening etc add in terms of weight to a 4r?.. assuming a lighter vehicle is faster 0-60 if engine is same. apologize if this has been discussed in a diff thread.

 

[philsey]

what's the weight diff between sr5 and limited.. or maybe a better question, what does the kdss/4x4/3rdrow/leather/runningboards/plates/sound-deadening etc add in terms of weight to a 4r?.. assuming a lighter vehicle is faster 0-60 if engine is same. apologize if this has been discussed in a diff thread.

Go to Toyota.com. All specs are listed.

 

[M1911]

Rear wheel drive. Sounds like you need a limited. You will be much happier and it will be much safer for you and your family and the general public at large.....be safe.

I live in Boston and have an '03 Limited. While I prefer fulltime 4WD to part-time, I don't think it is much safer, just more convenient.

4WD helps you go, it doesn't help you turn or stop. Turning and stopping is a function of your tires, which is why I run snow tires in the winter. In fact, 4WD can make it easy to be overconfident, because when you step on the gas in the snow, the 4Runner just accelerates almost as normal. As a result, you may not realize just how slippery it is until you try to turn or stop.

The major advantage that fulltime 4WD has in the snow is when the road surface changes from snow covered to wet to dry and back. In the 5th Gen Limited, you just leave it in 4WD. In a 5th Gen SR5 or TE, you'll have to shift into and out of 4WD.

The sort of situation where this can be an issue is if it snows during the day when you are at work, but stops before you get home. The city has the streets plowed down to bare pavement, but the plows have left a nice 18" high ridge of snow at the end of the driveway. With the Torsen center diff, it is easy to make that slow-speed, 90 degree turn to get into your driveway. With a part-time system, if the road is dry you might find it hard to make that turn in 4WD.

 

[Ukie]

what's the weight diff between sr5 and limited.. or maybe a better question, what does the kdss/4x4/3rdrow/leather/runningboards/plates/sound-deadening etc add in terms of weight to a 4r?...

A yellow sticker on my door jamb says: Modifications to this vehicle have reduced the original carrying load capacity by 47 lb. My SR5 came with 3rdrow/leather/running boards.

 

[Jtraskell]

No, no, no. Don't listen to some guy from Floriduh!

I, too, live in the midwest. Yes the SR5 is RWD, when not put in 4WD. IF you drive sanely, traction control helps a lot. I've TRIED to do donuts, and it just won't. But just pull it into 4WD and all is good. Easy peasey. I had 2 Pathys (same PT 4WD) before my 4R, and never, ever, have had a problem with this type drivetrain - in fact prefer it.

Drive smart in bad weather - which to me includes Blizzaks in the winter - it's cake.

Philsey, the OP (of this issue) asked if our 5k lb BOF truck is front or rear wheel drive when not in 4 wd.......common man. After that question, how safe would feel with him/her driving an SR5 in your neighborhood on ice/snow? I would rather see this person in an all wheel drive rig, so those judgment calls do not have to be made. Safer for him/her and you!

And oh by the way, spent many years in Chicago, Aurora and Bloomington Illinois. (As well as all parts of Oregon). Goodbye cold, good bye ice and snow. Hello heat, I like heat. Warms the bones......be safe.