I have a 98 4Runner SR5 2WD and just picked up a cherry 97 4Runner SR5 with a manual and 4WD. Since I have only used 4WD vehicles a couple of times in ski country, I am wondering if 4WD should be used around town. Today it was dumping rain and just for fun I was testing out using 4WD. It certainly felt sure-footed around turns without that 2WD spinning and drifting I felt without it. It seemed to run smoothly of the Freeway as well. I know it's not an AWD, so is it just for snow, ice and offroading or should I be 4WD around on the streets in the rain? The only time it felt wrong was taking a slow tight turn into a parking space going forward or in reverse . It felt like the drivetrain was dragging like the brakes were on. Is that normal for my 4WD? It has 265 70 16 Dunlops RR A/Ts. Thanks.

 

Generally speaking, its better to use 4x4 off pavement. If its slippery, muddy, icy, etc, yeah of course use the 4x4. I personally wouldn't run 4x4 on the highway though.

 

Don't use it on dry pavement for sure. I did, like an idiot, years ago and blew a rear seal. I don't even run it in the rain, as I see no need.

 

Yeah, if you need 4wd in the rain then its time for some better tires!!

 

That's your transfer case binding up, don't do that!

 

off topic but i like the avatar ian, you bastid

 

i will only use 4wd if its slick enough where i cant get traction in 2wd or with the e locker

 

if your 4Runner has multi-mode 4WD, it's ok to use 4WD on pavement/hard surfaces as long as you don't lock the center diff.

if it doesn't have, then it's better that you don't to prevent drivetrain binding.

 

I don't know where you live but if you have snow then yes use 4wd on the road. I live in Colorado and I never use/need 4wd in the rain.

I do use 4wd in the snow alot. If there is some snow on the road at stops I'll pop it into 4wd to take off easy then drop it out once moving. I'll pop it in and out on the highway in the snow, up to ~50mph.

Remember, 4wd does not mean that you can drive as fast as you can just because you have 4wd. It still drives on rubber tires and they will slide in 2wd or 4wd. Most of the MORONS that are in ditches and upside down on the snowy mountain roads are in 4wd vehicles thinking that they can drive as fast as if the roads were dry.

Don't over drive your tires grip!

 

hahahaa!!

Its only cause your truck is 10x cooler than mine

 

No 96-98 4Runners came with the multimode. Only 99-00 Limiteds and all 01+ models came with them.

Exactly. 4WD means nothing when you're trying to stop.

 

Thanks for the tips Guys. I live in San Diego, so no more 4WD. I am use to zipping around in my 2WD Runner and my 4WD model is not near as stable. So I have been taking it slow, although the manual 5 is a lot quicker. My 2WD has Bridgestones 695s and Bilsteins as well. Just saw the binding article on 4x4abc, another great reason to add Aisins to my upgrade list.

 

You can most certainly use 4wd on the highway if needed.

 

Dude bridgestone 695's !!!!
Those things must be huge !!

 

No, they're just 29 x 9.50 x 15s. The Model is a Dueler A/T 695. Great street truck tires.

 

Yes you can, but you shouldnt. Its not good on equipment(or prolly needed)

 

My theory is, its cheaper to replace a T-case than a whole truck, if you feel you need it to drive safely, then use it. That said, I have the multi mode, so its usually not an issue, but It won't always engage without stopping so I have used 4wd on the highway.

 

i heard you are supposed to drive 10 miles a month with 4wd just to keep components working normally. it's okay to run 4wd in the rain (actually says so in the manual) but ONLY do it if you are going to make fairly wide turns. If you are going to make a tight turn, then pop it back into 2wd (if you have ADD)

 

Care to explain? Whats it not good on? If your on the highway, your driving in a straight line with no hard turns that would cause drive train bind.

In fact, I do beleive the owners manual states 4wd can be used up to speeds of something like 60 mph.

 

actually, thats the max speed you can shift it to 4wd. I believe the top speed for 4wd is higher, if not normal compared to 2wd. 4 low is another thing...