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.

 

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/

 

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.

 

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

 

166K miles and have yet to have as issue.

 

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.

 

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