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My 4runner sucks in the snow....

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Old 12-04-2008, 09:59 PM
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My 4runner sucks in the snow....

High center of gravity, short wheelbase, light weight...


What's not to love?

It snowed her in Parker about two inches on top of frozen pavement. It made for some fun driving.

Now, give me 6 inches to 1 foot of snow and the 4runner shines. Otherwise, I will take the Honda....

I do however appreciate the anti-lock brakes.


The 4runner makes me appreciate the AWD upgrade in 2000.
Old 12-05-2008, 12:12 AM
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Put some weight in the back, and get some better tires, by the sound of it.
Old 12-05-2008, 03:07 AM
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Originally Posted by breknraj
Put some weight in the back, and get some better tires, by the sound of it.
ditto
Old 12-05-2008, 04:38 AM
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My Runner's about the best vehicle I've ever owned for snow driving. Even in 2wd, it doesn't do that badly, but I have a good amount of weight in the back and good traction tires on it too.
Old 12-05-2008, 04:46 AM
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I have always done real well in the snow/ice with 4WD engaged. I also had the correct tires for those conditions. I also drove a lot more cautiously though not always slow - just more alert.
Old 12-05-2008, 05:19 AM
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Snow driving.... I have no idea what you guys are talking about.
Old 12-05-2008, 05:24 AM
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Everyone complains.... my ______ and this and that sucks in the snow...
I have seen nearly every vehicle perform in the snow and I have to admit, if it has a decent set of snow tires, they will perform better than if having all seasons or just regular tires. IMO, its not the vehicle, but the operator....
Old 12-05-2008, 05:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Vermejo
Snow driving.... I have no idea what you guys are talking about.
x2...
Old 12-05-2008, 05:44 AM
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Even my 2wd 4runner does well in the snow
Old 12-05-2008, 06:36 AM
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Hey everyone, this was a sarcastic post. I was laughing to myself because people expect to hop in to the 4runner to be far more than it is in the snow. Yep, it is all in your tires and how you drive it.

We had some incredible conditions here in Parker where things were far more slick than I had scene. You had ice under snow which led to a lot of accidents.

I agree that the 4runner, when appropriately driven and equipped, gets around really well.

Last week when out getting the Christmas tree, I slid into a 3 foot snow drift. When I tried to back out, no dice. When I hit the magic button, out I came with no tire spin.

Yes, the 4runner is fantastic. When I talk to folks about picking one up as a good used car, they always want a Tahoe or something like that. Yuck.
Old 12-05-2008, 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by DYNNOMMYTE
Everyone complains.... my ______ and this and that sucks in the snow...
I have seen nearly every vehicle perform in the snow and I have to admit, if it has a decent set of snow tires, they will perform better than if having all seasons or just regular tires. IMO, its not the vehicle, but the operator....

ACTUALLY I had a 1984 Toyota Tercel 4x4 wagon--and even with Bald tires--that thing was the best 4wd vehicle i ever had--If it would have had more ground clearance it would have been unstoppable.

But really it was just a kick ass little snow beater--i am talking about driving in the mountians--step inclines.....

Granted the wheels where like razors and it weighed---oh about enough so three guys could pick up an end....
Old 12-05-2008, 07:25 AM
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P.S.--i miss the snow--and the challenge/fight
Old 12-05-2008, 07:26 AM
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Mine does fine in the snow but I wish i had the multi-mode auto which my mom's '99 Limited has and her's is a bit more surefooted when the snow is only a few inches deep or just on slick surfaces period.

My AWD Eclipse was simply awesome in snow under 7" deep.
Old 12-05-2008, 07:39 AM
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Yea,my 97 is great in the snow..even better when I air down the AT's at 20psi
Old 12-05-2008, 07:48 AM
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Mine wasn't that great until I put a bit of weight in the back now it just cruises
Old 12-05-2008, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by DYNNOMMYTE
its not the vehicle, but the operator....
People have complained about various cars "sucking" in snow. Usually, they are not properly equipped (had one guy complain that his Bridgestone S02's sucked in snow. It's an ultra-performance summer tire--- ), and more importantly, THEY suck driving in snow.

I've never had problems with either of my 4Runners nor with my Tacoma. That's with no sand bags or whatever in the back, either.

I've not even had problem with snow tires on my FWD cars in the past.




Last edited by cackalak han; 12-05-2008 at 10:28 AM.
Old 12-05-2008, 09:05 AM
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Its all in the tires, boys and girls.
In my 89 with 33x12.5bfg m/t's i slide everywhere in 4x4. 2wd is a joke
when i put my pizza cutter a/t's on (33x9.5 bfg a/t) my traction went up 500% and it does better in 2wd that the m/t's do in 4wd.
In 4wd it does FAN-tastic.
My 99' with selectible awd/4wd.. in awd it SUCKS in the snow (well, compared to 4wd) but with crap tires... it does awful in 2wd (some crappy goodyears) but in 4wd is works great, like fan-tastic.
What i say, is get some good tires, as narrow as you can.
BFG a/t's, michelin M/S, LTX or x-ice, or revo's, and you will love driving in all snow...
Old 12-05-2008, 09:12 PM
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My Revos were excellent last year (31X10) in the snow/ice. They are very predictable and I know exactly when they will break loose in the rain and snow.
Old 12-06-2008, 05:50 AM
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I think My 99 Runner is Awesome in the Snow. I just have some Firestone Destination AT's on it. I actually need some new ones though. The ones on now have about 45 k on them. I am actually waiting for the first snow too see how there going too be. They have prob about 5/32 left LOL. The last 3 winters with them has been great though.

My 98 civic I have Firestone winter force on that. My wifes 05 civic has Nokian Nordmans.
Old 12-06-2008, 08:21 AM
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When toyota bought back my tacoma, I bought a tundra for me, sold the wifes mini and bought her a 4runner. the problem with the 4runner is that it is 2wd, so I told her that she can drive the tundra in the winter (which she prefers all of the time) and i'll drive the 4runner. the 4runner is awesome in the snow!!!! It handles way better than my tacoma ever did, and i have no weight in the back of the 4runner, just good all season tires! I do have to say that the 4runner rides like compared to the tundra or my old tacoma which was mildy lifted.

Last edited by mudnsnow; 12-06-2008 at 08:22 AM.


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