I might be looking to buy a 4Runner in the next month. I am familiar with my part time shift 4x4 and rear locker on my Tacoma. Do 4runners have a full time system that operated all the time even in street driving? Don't want that type of vehicle. What type of 4x4 systems did they offer in the 2000 to 2002 years. I'm seeing a lot of loaded Runners with leather and running boards for sale in my area. Thanks.

 

No 3rd Gen 4Runner has full time 4WD. Some '00 through '02 (maybe some '99?) have an option for an AWD mode that doesn't lock the center differential like on a typical part time 4WD system. This lets you safely drive in high traction situations without damaging the driveline. You still have the option to lock the center diff and have a low range, too. I like the AWD option for winter driving.

MadCityRich

 

4runners that have full-time 4wd also have part time 4wd. you don't lose anything and you gain a ton of control on wet city streets

 

incorrect

I have a 99 limited and it has

full time 4wd (which can be left on forever)
part time 4wd, only when you have some slip. this is old school 4wd mode
lo range
locker
2wd mode with spinning front cv's

 

Full time 4wd is just that meaning you have no other choice. On the '99 Limiteds you can choose to leave the AWD "on" but it's still not really full time since you can go to part time 4wd.

 

the 99 limited was built and designed as a fulltime 4wd first, with part time and 2wd capability.

they designed everything to last, and be driven in, full time mode.

 

The 4runners have standard 2wd drive mode for normal driving, then an AWD mode for times that you need it (like when it is raining). Then you have "part-time" 4wd (aka the center diff is locked).

Then you have low-range 4wd. And if you can find a locker as well then you have that option.

The end awnser is that you will be happy with whatever you get. All 4runners can be used in 2wd mode, and limiteds have an AWD mode as well (other models might too but i know all 00+ limiteds do).

 

Thanks for the good info. I don't like full time 4wd like Land Rover and Grand Cherokee I don't feel I need it, and I think it uses more fuel.

 

It does use more gas and is unneeded most of the time, but it is nice to have when you do need it. I use AWD mode everytime it rains.

 

one of my recent 360 mile trips

computerized mpg numbers, average highway
trip, 120 mile measurement in each mode, pegged at 67 mph

2wd - 22.5 mpg

fulltime4wd - 21.4 mpg

there is a difference, but not a boatload


18 miles a tank basically. in town it would be 2 mpg difference