What have you done to your 5th Gen 4Runner today?

Surprised it didn't feel different while driving.

 

I only noticed when I was in the parking lot of destination and turning full wheel. Oh wellll

 

As designed, there should be no adverse affects when in 4H at any safe speed. Last year I was traveling in 4H on the I15 in snow and icy conditions while dragging a cargo trailer. Speeds were from 20 mph in heavy snow (not plowed) to 45-50 mph on plowed but, icy interstate highways. When I was taking an exit, not many are plowed so I just left it in 4H and made wide turns. But I was always aware that it was in 4WD and kicked it out when not needed.

 

It shouldn't make any difference.

 

It does, especially if any turning is involved. 4wd vehicles should not be driven on hard dry roads at all really, but it's normally not an issue going straight. Turning is the problem. You'll be putting tons of stress on the front axles, differentials, and steering components as well.

AWD can drive and turn on hard pavement due to vicious coupling or LSD. To transfer torque from one set of wheels to the other when one starts to slip.... Or an electronically controlled clutch to allow a rotational difference between front and rear axles.

Theres more to it... But too much to type LOL Just Google how 4wd works, difference between 4wd and AWD, and why you shouldn't drive on dry pavement in 4wd...

 

Good to know. This is the one I used when I did this before installing the TRD intake. It fit but the securing tabs did not line up. I ended up using a hose clamp to hold it in place.

 

It’s not a dodge so I’m not too worried lol!

 

Thanks for the info. It’s Good that you were able to use that part when you upgraded to the Full CAI

 

Yep I bought my TRD intake in pieces rather than the kit which was $200 cheaper. This was reused since it fit perfectly and I am running an AFE Pro Dry filter rather than the TRD filter.

 

That’s a good way to do it, it came out nice.
I was able to get a good buy on the TRD filter so I went with it over the AFE.
Someday I’ll like to try that one though.

 

The Sirius back up lights are so bright that they actually help light up behind the truck for the backup camera. I could see better behind the truck on the head unit after I installed the 921 bulbs.

 

You didn't harm anything at all. If you read your manual, Toyota specifically states run the vehicle in 4wd roughly 15 miles a month. I generally wait for a rainy day and leave it in 4wd either to or from work which is roughly a 16 mile drive each way. Toyota is known for having issues with their 4wd systems when they are not regularly used and cycled so consider that your monthly 4wd usage.

 

yeah they are reallllly bright. i took your advice on these for this exact reason and am very happy with it. thank you!

 

"On the highway at 70 mph". And more than likely, not turning sharp. This is not like making a wide turn at 5 mph on wet and icy pavement.
And all but one of the 4R models doesn't have AWD. I like my direct engagement 4WD system, no b/s when I want front drive.

 

I contacted Carista about adding the sunroof options to the app, but I guess it's not possible. Seems I'll either have to see the dealer or get Techstream.

 

ANY turns with 4wd engaged on hard grounds is not good. Wet and icy pavement is more ideal than dry pavement but i still wouldnt be using 4lo unless you are in deep snow... 4hi maybe OK if NEEDED but still not something i want to do often as the system is not designed for that. AWD IS designed for that. And any speeds over 50-60 is also not ideal for 4hi. Even straight, though it wont do much damage if going straight.... 4 lo you should remain going real SLOW!!!! And NOT used on pavement.

I mean it says some of this right on the visor.... But understanding how 4wd works is even better than reading the visor info and warnings.

When turning, the wheels move at different speeds and angles. The front tires follow a different path than the rear. Using different amounts of torque. SO when a 50/50 4wd system is engaged it doesnt allow the wheels to vary from one set/axle to the other and puts undue stress on the different components.

Im not a fan of AWD, but i dont live in cold climates either, in snow thats not overly deep, and on ice, AWD is ideal. I do a lot of off road driving and AWD can not come close to 4wd in that regard. But on pavement 4WD really just shouldnt be engaged at all.

 

I use my 4wd to distribute the weight more evenly to both axles while towing. And yes, 60mph tops in 4 hi.....

 

Lots of vehicles that are meant to tow have a tow/haul mode... Unfortunately the 4runner does not. Wish it did. I never really tow anything heavy, my bass boat is far under the tow limit... But i still use the limiter, "S MODE" in 4th so its not going into overdrive.

I havent really thought about using 4hi to tow, not sure how it would change the way it distributes the weight, care to explain? I like learning new stuff.... Once engaged torque is distributed through the transfer case up to the front axles, but i dont understand how it can distribute the weight up there.

 

Well of course take the overdrive off. And I have an ECT power button that advances timing or something. Just makes sense to me to have power to all 4 wheels while towing a load. And it’s recommended the 4wd be engaged every few months to keep the fluids circulating. I don’t use mine more than I should and won’t be driving in the snow anymore. They get it plowed quick here...

 

It may distribute the load (stress) on the axles, but it will not change the weight distribution.

 

I loved my ECT on my Tacoma. Wish the new runners still had it.

Honestly I wouldn't use 4wd while towing, except when loading or unloading the boat on a steep or wet and slippery ramp... Just personally.

 

I didn't mention anything about turning on dry pavement in 4 low. I stand by what I said, YMMV.
I've had Toyota 4WD vehicles since I was 18, some fully locked and some with just rear lockers.
And at my age, the newer 4WD systems with all there nanny controls are perfect for todays fresh four wheelers.

 

Read your manual. Manual clearly states engage 4wd and drive 15 miles once a month. If your driving, even on dry pavement, as long as you aren't locking the wheel and going in circles, you'll be fine. Of course loose dirt or off road is ideal but that's definitely not what they mean in the manual. 90% of all 4Runners will never leave the pavement.

 

Sad

 

Wonder how many will ever even be put in 4wd. I'm fine with that though. Stay off the roads in bad weather, especially in MD Home of some of the worst drivers on the planet. Every day on the road here is a new adventure.

 

On what page of your manual does it say to drive in 4wd on dry pavement? I cant believe that. Nobody that truly understands how 4wd works would say that. And the visor says differently. They believe most people understand that 4wd shouldnt be used on dry pavement. If a person is not going to take their vehicle off of pavement they shouldnt buy a 4WD, they are wasting money and not using a component that was meant to be used, if not used it can lock up.

Even if NO turns are involved, driving at highway speeds in 4wd, You will be putting excess stress on your 4WD drivetrain, differential, transfer case, and gears. Expensive items to repair or replace. If you do make turns, and most people WILL if going 15 miles, you will cause more wear and can damage components, especially if going more than 20mph. This is FACT. Please google it. We learned that the first day of 4wd drivettrain class. Will it ruin these components immediately? No, but will certainly stress them and cause premature wear.

But im done with this conversation. This isnt the best thread for it.... I was only wanting to share some of the stuff i have learned in college and maybe help prevent a member from causing early wear to their 4wd system. If yall want to ride around on dry pavement with your 4wd engaged so be it. But im really surprised a group of enthusiast of a vehicle meant for off roading think thats OK.

 

I try and remember once every 3-4 weeks. Generally on a rainy day, plenty safe to be in 4wd. I think a lot of people over think the 4wd system. Don't drive in tight circles in a dry parking lot but you're absolutely fine in wet weather. No idea where in the manual and no desire to look at the moment. It's actually 10 miles not 15 as per a quick google search. Same recommendation for the Tacoma.

 

Yep, far better than MD I grew up on Long Island. I would take LI drivers over MD drivers any day.

 

Here's what a normal sunny dry day driving in MD looks like.

No one holds speed around a curve
No one holds speed up hill
No one speeds up until they merge into the right lane at 40 then slowly gets on the gas
People love to do 50 - 55 in the left lane
No one signals (not a law in MD when changing lanes)

God forbid there is rain or snow

 

AZ by far the worst, most people dont even know what rain is.