New to the 4 Runner platform had afew questions

Hey all,

I'm new to the forum and to 4 runners in general and so far its been a great experience for my family.

I have a few questions regarding 4wd operation as well as looking for advice for getting the best lifespan out of our new vehicle (21 sr5)

• First, when operating 4wd from 2wd does it matter if you are on the accelerator or not? Our old vehicles (GM trucks) we pretty much but it into 4wd at any time or any speed. I read in the manual that it is suggested to engage below 100kph but makes no mention if you need to be off the gas or if it matters at all.
• Upon reading it mentions to use the 4wd system for 10mi every month just to keep everything lubricated and moving. We did this the other day down a empty highway as we haven't had to many off-road adventures yet. Going in a straight line and cycling through 4hi for a few kms then stopping and shifting into 4 lo for a few hundred meters. Is that sufficient enough 4wd usage while we are not off-road? Also engaging the 4 hi and 4 lo on dry pavement for the point of cycling is that an ok practise?
• Any general advice or tips would be appreciated.
• We also noticed when switching out of 4 hi at lower speeds that there is a notable clunk on disengagement is that normal? at higher speeds no sound is present.
• We have already added a new roof rack but wondering what has been some modifications everyone has done that's been really beneficial.

Thanks all

 

You should be below 40 mph when engaging 4hi, there is no theoretical speed limit on how fast you can go with it engaged, but most people would say that if you’re going highway speed, i.e. 65 mph, you probably shouldn’t be using it or you should slow down.

The system doesn’t care if you are on the gas or not.

There is a sound it makes when it disengages. There is no maximum speed to disengage, only to engage.

If you’re driving on dry surfaces, you should probably stick to straight lines, but it’s not the end of the world if you start binding up the system to make a turn, people get too worked up about that.

 

Hey LandCruiser,

Thanks for answering my questions.

Im pretty green when it comes to running a 4wd vehicle and as i said before really wanna do things properly and prolong the lifespan of this vehicle. I knew they were pretty bulletproof vehicles to begin with but was just curious.

Haven't had much use for 4lo at all since our purchase but had read that you should use it every month to keep things working properly.

 

I use 4wd 4 times a year to test it .. works good after 10K miles new...2016 runner now engages 4wd quicker than new..
I do the 4wd in a snow/rain and I put it in low speeds ... 4wd low put it on the no speed .. then I drive it 25MPH... on a dead end street ...straight ..works good ..grease the drive shafts and the splines..

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

It's definitely good that you're exercising the transfer case.

As far as modification; what will you be using the 4Runner for? There are all sorts of great modifications that may or may not benefit you. Knowing your plans for the 4Runner will help us make suggestions for you.

 

Welcome from Arizona! Preventive maintenance (PM) is always a good thing. The owner's manual has some good information. And the folks here will offer more great suggestions.

 

Thanks for the welcome Thatbassguy!

Ya i wanna make sure we keep all the systems working and utilized so have reminders set on my phone to use things.

Its mainly gonna be a family vehicle but we do plan to run our RTT on it as well as go on some off road adventures, nothing to extreme just get off trail and get the family outdoors.

Currently we went with the prinsu full rack no drill and have a autana 3 RTT

 

100% agree Ironguy

I always try to take care of our vehicles so that they take care of us.

very new to toyotas in general so just trying to learn as much as possible.

Now that we have the 4 runner though kinda got the bug for my own personal vehicle to be toyota.

 

Thats what i figured is things would get better over time as things mesh more.

Always forget how aggressive 4lo is until you actually use it lol been awhile since i have ever used it. Even in past vehicles.

 

Great choice on the Prinsu rack!

As far as mild off-roading, a good set of tires is usually the best upgrade to start with. The stock tires are probably fine for mild trails, though.

A suspension upgrade can help if you're carrying extra weight regularly. The stock suspension will do the job, but can be a bit mushy and sag when loaded down.

I would definitely get some basic recovery gear, just in case. A set of traction boards and a shovel are a good start.

 

well I go to florida beaches on the beach .. put it in 4wd low ... drive on the beach ..park on the beach and I love it ..