Why is V8 Full Time AWD?

[robaroni]

I heard that everything was going fine with Bruce Jenner until he got a V8 4Runner and then he decided to become a women! :wow:

You would be happy with either drive train but if you do a lot of towing you might want to consider the V8.

Actually, Bruce still has his twig and berries.

 

[bpowa]

huh... I didnt even know 4runners came in a v6.. Id be crazy not yo have that extra torque.

Kidding... OP original question. Im not sure why v8 comes with all time 4wd. Im not complaining. I wanted a v6 but got a v8 due to price. When I bought it people were selling their v8's.. Suckers..

 

[nevada]

From what I understand...with the center diff unlocked its naturally split 50%-50% but in the event of a slip, you can have a max torque split of 60% Front - 40% Rear or up to 30% Front - 70% Rear. With the center diff locked its 50%- 50% all the time.

I know this is a very old post, in an old thread..
but I wanted to address this, it will in fact do a 100% split.

up on jack stands, eventually the front tires stopped spinning completely, only the rears turned.


I don't know what they CALL it, but in my opinion its AWD, until the you lock the center diff.

 

[N3BP]

If you really dislike the AWD, I think it would be possible to convert to the V6 2WD/4WD system. You would need the VF4AM T-Case, the V6 front diff with the ADD unit, VF4AM 4WD control unit, and the VF4AM 4WD switch. That should be it in terms of parts. Now you will have to add the missing wiring harness between the ADD unit to the VF4AM 4WD control unit. Looking at the wiring diagrams, it appears that the 4WD system operates independently of the main ECU with the exception of the ABS disable trigger. So converting shouldn't throw codes.

Might be a worthwhile project if you have some extra time on your hands.

 

[rooost]

Best reason I have for a V8 in a T4R - Cause you can...at least for a limited time !


I marvel at the numbers current engine technology can produce but I am officially crossing over into old guy territory..How the hell do you work on them? and really you dont have to work on them so, Its just not my world. Hell there is an F-150 with a 4cylinder !

 

[amalik]

The V8's system provides great performance, reliability, and comfort to the point that you really don't notice the difference between a 2WD system. Granted, if you're cornering the vehicle like a race car and wanting burnouts for fun, then you may not be happy with it, but in normal driving, off-road, and over all conditions the All-Time 4WD system is such a nice design, most V6 driver's leave their vehicles in 4Hi to get the same benefits.

Hey BW,

Sorry to revive an old message here but I just found this thread.

In regards to your point about V6 drivers would have to leave in 4H to get similar benefits to the AWD V8, they can't unless the road condition allows for it (wet, snow, ice, mud, etc) -- on dry pavement you would destroy selectable 4wd.

Basically i'm saying, another + of the AWD system is having that power to the 4 tires regardless of road condition (thx to the center diff) -- AND being able to lock between the front and rear axle.

In practical terms, does the AWD on the v8 take care of most street conditions like snow/ice/rain, etc -- and people only really lock the center diff off-roading??

 

[ULCajun]

Hey BW,

Sorry to revive an old message here but I just found this thread.

In regards to your point about V6 drivers would have to leave in 4H to get similar benefits to the AWD V8, they can't unless the road condition allows for it (wet, snow, ice, mud, etc) -- on dry pavement you would destroy selectable 4wd.

Basically i'm saying, another + of the AWD system is having that power to the 4 tires regardless of road condition (thx to the center diff) -- AND being able to lock between the front and rear axle.

In practical terms, does the AWD on the v8 take care of most street conditions like snow/ice/rain, etc -- and people only really lock the center diff off-roading??

I don't believe this is true. It's the same 4wd system isn't it?

 

[amalik]

I don't believe this is true. It's the same 4wd system isn't it?

No. The 3rd gen V6' are selectable 4WD, AKA part-time.

*Corrected edit* -- 4th gen is different. See kevinpt's post below.

 

[kevinpt]

Hey BW,

Sorry to revive an old message here but I just found this thread.

In regards to your point about V6 drivers would have to leave in 4H to get similar benefits to the AWD V8, they can't unless the road condition allows for it (wet, snow, ice, mud, etc) -- on dry pavement you would destroy selectable 4wd.

Basically i'm saying, another + of the AWD system is having that power to the 4 tires regardless of road condition (thx to the center diff) -- AND being able to lock between the front and rear axle.

In practical terms, does the AWD on the v8 take care of most street conditions like snow/ice/rain, etc -- and people only really lock the center diff off-roading??

No. The 3rd gen V6' are selectable 4WD, AKA part-time. Should be the same for 4th.

all (USA) 4wd 4th gens have the center diff lock. its the same between v8 and v6 as far as 4wd system. only difference is 2wd in the v6. you can run the v6 in "awd" all day if you want if the center diff is not locked

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hey BW,

Sorry to revive an old message here but I just found this thread.

In regards to your point about V6 drivers would have to leave in 4H to get similar benefits to the AWD V8, they can't unless the road condition allows for it (wet, snow, ice, mud, etc) -- on dry pavement you would destroy selectable 4wd.

Basically i'm saying, another + of the AWD system is having that power to the 4 tires regardless of road condition (thx to the center diff) -- AND being able to lock between the front and rear axle.

In practical terms, does the AWD on the v8 take care of most street conditions like snow/ice/rain, etc -- and people only really lock the center diff off-roading??

All US 4th Gens came with a Torsen T3 Center Differential that can be locked. This allows for 4Hi operation on roads without significant or noticeable binding unlike older systems and/or Domestic part time systems. The only real physical difference between the two transfer cases in the 4th Gen is that the V8 units lack the 2WD option. Functionally they are the same in 4Hi and 4Lo, this was changed in the 5th Gens as only the Limiteds got the T3.

 

[amalik]

All US 4th Gens came with a Torsen T3 Center Differential that can be locked. This allows for 4Hi operation on roads without significant or noticeable binding unlike older systems and/or Domestic part time systems. The only real physical difference between the two transfer cases in the 4th Gen is that the V8 units lack the 2WD option. Functionally they are the same in 4Hi and 4Lo, this was changed in the 5th Gens as only the Limiteds got the T3.

Corrected my post above, thanks.

That is pretty badass!

Give and take I guess. 3rd gens can only go in 4H or 4L when conditions are met. 4th gen is superior in that sense, I thought it was only the v8 models. At the same token, I haven't seen any 3rd gens with this infamous V6 exhaust manifold leak or whatever

Seems like a VVTI V8 4th Gen is the best of all gens though, considering there is no v8 option in any other gen.

So [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION], why do some people show V8 - 2WD in their sigs, are they on the pipe?

I just saw this from another member:

I currently own 3 T4R 4th Gen
#1) 2003 Sport V8 2WD purchased new, totaled @ 175,000.
#2) 2003 SR5 V8 2WD running w/engine from #1(Son#3 is Driving)
#3) 2003 Sport V8 4WD

 

[ULCajun]

Corrected my post above, thanks.

That is pretty badass!

Give and take I guess. 3rd gens can only go in 4H or 4L when conditions are met. 4th gen is superior in that sense, I thought it was only the v8 models. At the same token, I haven't seen any 3rd gens with this infamous V6 exhaust manifold leak or whatever

Seems like a VVTI V8 4th Gen is the best of all gens though, considering there is no v8 option in any other gen.

So [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION], why do some people show V8 - 2WD in their sigs, are they on the pipe?

I just saw this from another member:

I currently own 3 T4R 4th Gen
#1) 2003 Sport V8 2WD purchased new, totaled @ 175,000.
#2) 2003 SR5 V8 2WD running w/engine from #1(Son#3 is Driving)
#3) 2003 Sport V8 4WD

V8 was offered in either a 2wd model and a 4wd model.

 

[pliance04]

V8 full time 4wd

I just purchased a 2004 v8 full time 4wd and thought it would be garbage but i like it thus far. Smooth, quiet, and the gas mileage is not far from the v6 either. I would think its a lil safer as well.

 

[TRDCal]

I know this is a very old post, in an old thread..
but I wanted to address this, it will in fact do a 100% split.

up on jack stands, eventually the front tires stopped spinning completely, only the rears turned.


I don't know what they CALL it, but in my opinion its AWD, until the you lock the center diff.

Little late to the party but I'm here. I can't argue any real world testing as far as jacking up wheels and seeing what spins etc. because I've never done anything like that. The Torsen center diff in the 4th gen is a limited slip which to me meant it will never distribute 100% torque to one side or the other(front or rear). Read this posted from a fellow member :http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/4thgen/2003specs.pdf. His name is J.A. or something not sure but he compiled some real great 4runner information here: Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website

I guess I did have the torque split off but I can say forsure from driving experience that it never acted like a open differential and sent all power to the front or back wheels on icy roads. But that may have just been the TORque SENsing doing it work and always sending power to the wheels with traction.

I'm not expert on the subject but I can tell you I miss that system now after driving my first winter with a pickup. Love my Tacoma but it's no Fulltime 4wd V8 4runner!

 

[bigskyeric]

I wish mine was a V8 for towing purposes.. That and they sound great with aftermarket exhaust. Take in to account your budget, will you be towing anything? Has the timing belt been replaced? (The v6 has a timing chain with no scheduled maintenance) and if it's a higher mileage 4Runner has it been maintained? ( differential fluids, axles, transfer case) as they see more wear and tear. I tow a 17 foot fiberglass boat and my v6 is competent but not confident. Both are strong motors with the 6 having more horsepower but less torque. If I didn't tow a boat I'd choose the 6 all day long. You can leave it in 4 unlocked if you want the same confidence the 8 offers. Mpg is slightly less with the 8 but if you drive long distances it should be a factor if your budget is tight. I don't know how the 8s are later in life but my 6 with 211,000 miles runs as smoothly as it did the day it was made. My transmission hesitates from 1st to 2nd gear and has gotten slightly worse from towing my boat up down the steep hills here in Duluth. I don't know if the 8s transmission holds up better or worse than the 6s... What I do know is you can buy a used 6 Tranny for cheap so they must not fail too often. What ever you choose... It'll be a better investment than any other SUV on the market. The book on mine actually increased by $1200 the first year I owned it. Good luck!

 

[dinorunner]

4WD HI All the time

Thanks to the moderators for not closing this thread. It is informative and portions are entertaining as well.

Question: I own both a 2007 and a 2008 V6 SR5. Am I to understand that (ignoring gas mileage) I could just leave them in 4WD HI all the time with no ill effects?

 

[m85476585]

Thanks to the moderators for not closing this thread. It is informative and portions are entertaining as well.

Question: I own both a 2007 and a 2008 V6 SR5. Am I to understand that (ignoring gas mileage) I could just leave them in 4WD HI all the time with no ill effects?

Yes, that's fine. I've read a lot of MPG threads, and I have yet to see conclusive reports that 4HI vs 2WD has a significant effect. There's no doubt being in 2WD helps MPG, but I don't think the difference is measurable.

2WD-only 4runners have a higher EPA mileage, but that's because they are about 300lbs lighter and don't have CV axles that are rotating all the time. The transfer case could have fewer moving parts, too (or maybe there is no transfer case? That would help a lot)

 

[flipflopnfly]

Thanks to the moderators for not closing this thread. It is informative and portions are entertaining as well.

Question: I own both a 2007 and a 2008 V6 SR5. Am I to understand that (ignoring gas mileage) I could just leave them in 4WD HI all the time with no ill effects?

You cannot leave a V6 in 4HI all the time on dry pavement, there will be ill effects.

The reason I bought the V8 is twofold, both for towing. The V6 is not a heavyduty towing setup.

One, the factory tow package. 7-pin, Class IV hitch, trans cooler, 130A alternator, 27F battery and larger battery tray.

Two, the V8 (duh). I had a 4.0 Tacoma, that was an ok TV, had a 4.7 Tundra, that was a better TV because of better torque and better torque band. So downsizing to a 4Runner the 4.7 was a no-brainer.

 

[N3BP]

I believe you can keep it in 4HI all the time as long as you don't engage the central transfer case lock (button to the left of the steering wheel). The transfer case lock should only be used in reduced traction situations.

 

[techno]

i like using 2wd mode for powerslide u-turns, or bootleg turns when I'm offroad, like you see F1 cars do a lot when they want to turn around in a tight space but they don't have reverse to do a 3 or more point turn. It's good fun.