I am considering the purchase of an '00 4Runner SR5. Several dealerships have assured me that this truck can be operated in 4WD on dry pavement however everything I have read on part-time 4WD systems indicates that this is not recommended. When I ask the dealers how the 4Runner is able to accomplish this (from a technical standpoint) they seem incapable of answering my question. Can anyone give me a brief explanation of the 4Runners 4WD system and how it may differ from other part-time systems? Does it have something to do with the type of centre diff. that Toyota uses?

 

A 2000 SR5 cannot be operated on dry pavement in 4WD. The 2001+ SR5's can because they have multi-mode 4WD with center diff. That was available in 2000 (and 1999) only on the Limiteds.

 

What jalaber said...

 

I figured out why I have received conflicting info. on the '00 SR5 4WD system.

It turns out the 4Runners here in Canada have different specifications than our American cousins. There is no difference here in Canada between the '00 and '01 SR5 4WD. Both have a centre differential and therefore either model can be used on dry pavement. The '01 does come with skid and traction control which is suppose to be a nice improvement.

The Limited's added an electronic transfer case which is of no real advantage or disadvantage (pushing a button vs. pulling a lever).

I don't know if this is of any interest to you all but since I have had so much help from the forum I thought I would bring you up to date on what I have learned.

Cheers.

 

A dealer incapable of answering a technical question...no way!