texas1234

Does anyone have opinions or first hand knowledge of the reliability of the push button 4wd engagement system (button, actuator, wiring, etc) on 3rd generation 4runners? I just bought a 2002 4runner with this system and would like to get some opinions or knowledge on this before spending money modifying the vehicle only to have this be a weak or unreliable component. I don't plan on doing rock crawling or similar activities but more long distance, remote expedition trips.

Thanks in advance for any and all opinions and information on this.

MTL_4runner

One of the big issues was this because it was now AWD instead of 4WD like the older 3rd gens were:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/vsc-trac-defeating-anyone-closer-45793/

ecchamberlin

I have had great luck with my 01 with this system. No problems at all and i do go rock crawling in addition to the longe expedition trips.

lee

same. i have wheeled the crap… out of my awd/4wd setup with NO problems to report.

i like that i can leave it in awd with the ctr diff unlocked to get into a trail, then lock the ctr diff and turn off vsc to wheel for real.

i do recommend you disable vsc if you plan to actually wheel it hard, imo, its a piece of crap and its no fun wheeling if the truck does some of the work for you

flightservice

166K miles and have yet to have as issue.

Potomacduck

I have a '99 Limited. Last week I hit the button to put it in 4WD, it worked but it would come out of 4WD.

The dealership and a second mechanic told me it has a bad actuator on the transfer case. $900 part + 13 hours of labor = $2,300.

I think it sucks.

nc994run

Do you drive the suggested 10 miles per month (per the manual) in 4WD to keep all the parts lubricated?