Transfer case question?

[Roadking]

I am looking at a 2011 SR5 to replace my trusty 2005, but regarding the 4WD, the dealer says the 2011 has a two-speed transfer case? He said instead of the dash-mounted button, it is a lever on the console. Ok, isn’t that the same the same thing (electric vs. manual)? I do not understand. He kept telling me it is only a two speed. He said to get what I have in the 2005; I need to go to the Limited model?

How many of you find the sliding cargo tray of use? I can choose between two SR5’s, with or without. I do not really see it as a value added option. Any thoughts?

As the hunt narrows down I might have a few more questions.

Thanks, as always!

 

[Intruder]

Your 05 has a Torsen centre diff that gives you full-time 4WD then 4HI and 4LO when locked. The 5th gen SR5 and TE are rear wheel drive when in 2HI and have 4HI and 4LO. The 5th gen Limited has the same Torsen centre diff as your 05.

 

[Flip-er]

Intruder

thanks for the lesson,
glad to learn something on the 4runner
thanks again

 

[FatDave]

How many of you find the sliding cargo tray of use? I can choose between two SR5’s, with or without. I do not really see it as a value added option. Any thoughts?.

Thanks, as always!

it's all about you.

I took my tray out and installed a storage box. Others love their sliding trays.

You could probably get the dealer to give you one for free or not charge you for one if the vehicle you want has it and you don't want it.

The decision on type is not trivial.

The TE has available options and body work made for off road. If you're a 4WD nut, get a TE. The limited is nice but it's not as good off road -- no rear locker and it has lower body parts/clearance. One of the members here took a limited and converted its body parts to TE, but he doesn't have the rear locker. Seems to me like it's easier to add leather to a TE.

If you're not ever going off road, the Highlander is nice -- your wife will probably like it better. About the same pricing.

If you're not sure you've got the right vehicle, don't pull the trigger.

Best of luck.

 

[Roadking]

Thanks for the info.

So, the 2011 is minus the "lock" feature in Hi and Lo?

And if I'm not mistaken the "lock" feature only works to about 26 mph...so above 26mph they are the same thing...is that correct?

 

[KCcarguy]

There are several threads on this, but it is confusing. The 5th gen SR5 is basically always locked because of the lack of torsen center diff. This causes the front and rear to turn at the same rate, so the 4WD will bind if you turn on a non-slippery surface. I have never heard of a speed limit on the 4WD and its certainly not 26mph.

 

[M1911]

So, the 2011 is minus the "lock" feature in Hi and Lo?

The 2011 SR5 and TE have a part-time 4WD system. So when you engage it, it behaves like a 4th gen in 4WD with the center diff locked.

As a result, you should not drive 5th gen SR5 or TE in 4WD on dry pavement (a few miles going straight is fine, but avoid turns).

If you want a 4Runner that behaves like your 4th gen -- just put it in 4WD on dry pavement and forget about it -- then get a 5th gen Limited. The 5th gen Limited has the same Torsen center diff as the 4th gen.

 

[Roadking]

Thanks KCcarguy, that makes sense….got it. That’s sort of what I thought; now I understand what the dealer was trying to explain in a round about way.

The 26mph 4WD “lock” option is on my RAV4…sorry about that.