Is the all wheel drive system on Limited as reliable as 4L 4H 2H system?

The sr5, because it doesn’t have the rear locker, is a “safer” choice when being operated by someone who is unfamiliar with the system. Although, as already mentioned, you have to really *want* to lock the rear diff lock for it to happen. You’d have to stop, put it in neutral, *then* select the rear diff lock.

The limited is simpler to operate in most situations, but you could potentially get in trouble with it if you don’t know what you’re doing. Specifically, if you select the center differential lock, then drive around with it locked all the time, that would cause the front and rear driveshafts to bind in the same way as your SR5 does anytime it’s in 4wd.

In the end, the 4runner in any trim, does require a little knowledge to operate in a way that doesn’t potentially cause damage. If your wife intends to use 4wd, she needs to know both when and how to engage 4wd, and how to disengage it. How to engage 4wd is important, because simply turning the dial to 4hi will not immediately guarantee it will engage. For example, it may be very difficult to engage 4wd if you are stuck in a ditch or a snow pile and your suspension is compressed on one corner more than another, or if your steering wheel is turned. It’s best to anticipate the need for 4wd and engage it on flat surfaces with the wheel straight.

If other people are driving my 4runner, I would explain to them first how to you use 4wd. If they are hesitant or would rather not learn it how to operate it, then I would just get them to agree not to engage 4wd.

 

I would add, go to an off road driving class and / or hook up with a friend or club. You both should be able to articulate how and when to use your 4-wheel drive features.

The good news is that it is pretty easy once you see it and get some time in the seat. Bonus! You’ll have a great time in the class. It will help you connect with your inner Aussie Overlander.

Enjoy your new TOY!
Mike

 

Worry not for the full-time 4WD system; worry more about the XREAS suspension on the Limited if your friend intends to keep it stock. XREAS may as well be dead man walking after the basic 3yr/36k warranty. When it fails, most people rip out the whole system and replace with basic shocks rather than paying $4k to repair it.

 

My first 5th gen and I'm impressed. I put Powerstop Z36 kit and the AWD has saved my buttocks several times before. I knew I was heading towards ditch on wet curve and before I knew I was sliding it kicked in and pulled me right back into the road and stopped. I even backed a trailer up a muddy slope with street tires and never slipped a wheel. Impressed again. I guess it's a Lexus system anyway. They usually test everything through Lexus before Toyota gets. Honestly my Limited seems Lexus to me but it's nicest one I have had. I don't like 3rd row. Xreas is great while it lasts. Especially 80-90mph on interstate and it takes a curve like a champ for a refrigerator freezer.

 

I like the auto limited slip in rear. I believe all limited slips are automatic but it sounds technical.

 

Everything is auto. She can't mess anything up. You can drive with transfer case locked. More than anything it won't let you tear something up or engage if it isn't supposed to. Lots of lights and chimes will go off tell you something is not right. Bad gas cap causes crazy stuff too. Most my driving is highway and weekend rides and I like my Limited. It's not off road model but I can leave them on interstate anyway. I just need tires.

 

I don't think you can go over 5mph with locker rear but it's for crawling out of a bind. AWD is what you want for her. It works even if you aren't paying attention to what your doing.

 

It locks front and rear together so they pull at same rate.

 

You can go as fast as you like locked but you lose ABS and the rear end behaves differently so for legality issues, they tell you 5mph.

I agree AWD but there’s better commuters out there than a 4Runner. A Lexus RX is way better for street use.

Toyota stopped using real limited slips years ago and simulates one with the brakes. It works ok but it isn’t real. The diff itself is open.

 

Limited slip would be most dependable and it works at every speed. Yes 4runner isn't best commuter car unless it's a lot of mileage. Lexus for sure or any car platform like that. It meets my expectations because I know what to expect. It's not best at anything except starting and running will minimal maintenance for thought of miles. I think some buy on reputation or looks, but value to me is in keeping and no payments. I want to see how many miles I can get that's why I do everything I can to reduce temperatures and increase power, mileage and longevity. think vehicles are overpriced for what they are. I can build a place for me to live for new car prices.

 

You sure about that? I remember first Tundras had LSD sticker on its auto limited slip. I put limited slip out of 88 Supra in my 97 4runner. There wasn't any slip, more like straight axle. Bad for that runner. Bad on black ice. I know Mobil 1 had LSD addictive in it but no sticker on diff that it's required. As best as I can tell mine doesn't have ABS brakes. I thank those started with the technology in 2014 or up. I have EBD I believe but no ABS light. I'm glad. I don't like to watch as I slide into something screaming with pedal on the floor. I didn't see any anti lock wires when I upgraded brakes. Usually you want those off in 4wd. Probably integrated with all the safety doo dads and 4wd turns off. I don't know. I think mine is limited slip because I can get both tires to spin pulling out on gravel. I will have to check again. I'm curious now. I'm going to go spin the tires. Probably have to put front bumper against a tree to spin. I don't understand how calipers create limited slip unless the wheel that spins is held by caliper until other wheel engages then releases. That's a lot of engineering if it does.

 

Rav4 I have always considered a woman's SUV but I know of them with over 500k and looks good still because of a little care. They really push TRD on everything now. It used to be a little more exclusive. I guess you can add to price.

 

09 is when they started with the Tacoma but yeah all Toyotas are open diff maybe with the exception of the 86 and Zupra.

 

Hmmm must be cost cutting. I guess computer can create the illusion of traction now. I can understand that because to much grip in back could get squirmy. My 97 hit black ice and wheel was straight but 4runner heading somewhere else it wasn't pointing with Supra limited slip. There was no slip coasting across ice.

 

I think they all leak around 150-175k. Mine is but works. I saw a limited with a collapsed system, but I planned and researched if it was integrated into anything or be removed. ARB 2883 and 5100s for front and 5100s and bags for rear. That was first question before buying limited. I like JBL system but 3rd row is pointless.