V6 4WD question

[aamills]

I test drove the sport edition V6 with 4WD. The conditions were normal (no rain, snow, etc.). I put it in 4WD to see any difference in driving conditions, during the short time I did not notice any difference
The salesperson insisited that I should put it back in 2WD because it is not good for it and that gas mileage worsens. Additionaly he mentioned that the 4runner will hop during sharp turns because of the differential. (I did not test this)
My questions to those who have 4WD (V6)...

Does it really matter 4WD or 2WD for dry payments?
Are there different riding characteristics in dry payment 2wd vrs. 4wd?
Worse gas mileage you knowticed in 4wd?

None of these reasons would turn me away from buying one because I really see no reason to drive 4WD in dry conditions, just curious.
Thanks!

 

[sharp4runr]

You do get worse mileage in 4WD just because you have to add power to another axle. I would imagine that running in 4WD all the time would mean a loss of 1 MPG.

You can drive 4WD on dry pavement. The T4R is advance enough with all the differentials that it will not cause damage.

I notice that in 4WD, it is a bit more sluggish. Maybe it's a mental thing for me.

I haven't noticed my rig "hopping" during sharp turns while in 4WD. Maybe if you Lock the center differential this would be more prevalent. Though you would not want to lock the center differential while on drive pavement as this would cause more wear on your tires as well as the driveline components. Locking the center differential should only be done on slippery surfaces like mud, rocks and such.

 

[TranceKrayz]

i drive mine in 4wd on dry pavements with center diff. unlocked of course. i try to switch it to 2wd as often as possible to get better gas mileage, but there are times when it tends to rain on and off so i keep it on. i don't notice any difference on dry pavement, except maybe a little sluggish, but that may be psychological. from what i think i understand, 4wd on dry pavement should be fine as long as center diff. is off. the only harm it should do is a lill less gas mileage.

 

[jharris2]

:iagree:

 

[Hitman]

I agree also...

From what I've experienced so far, driving in 4wd HI on dry pavement is fine, so long as the differential is not locked.

 

[PMac]

You're fine to drive around in 4HI as much as you like on the 4th gen 4runners. The V8 models are full time 4WD.

I notice a difference when I have 4HI engaged. It's not so much a sluggish feel though, but I feel my ride handles better. I can especially tell this when I go into turns or on a curvey road.