2021/2022 Limited Full Time 4WD. Why is there a dial to select different 4wd options?

I called my dealership, they told me what I already stated.

 

OK, honestly, what they told you makes more sense. I still don't understand why Toyota prices them like that on the site.

 

Here you go.

$1,367 Toyota Genuine 17" Bronze TRD PRO Wheel Set w/Black Lug Nuts Set PTR20-35110-F5 x4 + PT076-60200-02 x4 Bundle

https://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-Genuine-Bronze-PTR20-35110-F5-PT076-60200-02/dp/B08GYNMNML

$1,244 2010-2023 Toyota 4 Runner Aluminum Wheels PTR20-35110-BK

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-4-Runner-Aluminum-Wheels/dp/B00OBT0R5E?pd_rd_i=B00OBT0R5E

 

AWD is different than full time 4wd.
AWD has no center differential, and instead is powered by the rear differential. Reference power is around 85/90% rear to 10/15% front. Light duty to say the least, but still variable so good on tires and drive train.
Full time 4wd (like the 4runner limited, and generations of land cruisers) use a beefy center differential to power the front. Reference power is around 60/70% rear to 40/30% front. Heavier duty for sure and still variable around corners so good on tires and drive train longevity.
Part time 4wd uses a fixed center differential to the front, delivering a fixed (non-variable) power to front/rear. Great for off-road and on dirt but not great for tires or drive train longevity.

In my opinion, and in your driving conditions, the limited full time 4wd is a no brainer since it can also be locked (4H / 4L) like a part time 4wd system but also give you rugged variable full-time 4wd all of the time.
Part reasons why land cruiser made such a name for itself

 

There are some vocabulary usage and errors here that can make it harder to understand the different systems. For example, differentials vs transfer case. They are different things and do different things. Differentials don't power anything. Not sure about the “reference power” comments. Also, a part time 4wd is not commonly viewed as having less drivetrain longevity, allthough they are more prone to user error that can cause problems.

 

someone with a part time 4wd system would say this
but the information I shared is all correct do whatever research you need

id be kicking myself too if I got a part-time system. only advantage here is slightly better mpg's for summer/spring driving. but why would anyone get a 4runner if they wanted mpgs.

 

So you're implying that all the folks that own a non-Limited 4Runner are just a bunch of shmucks?

 

I didn't want the crappy looking Limited and I wanted the rear locker or else I would have chosen a AWD option if it was available in the TRDP. It was never about mileage because this is the wrong vehicle for mileage.

 

Not sure why anyone would knowing (or not knowingly?) pass up toyota's ;legendary full time 4wd previosly only available on landcrusiers and fj's (both discontinued in NA)
however when I need some info on cool color schemes, new tech packages, or rim options I'll be sure to chime in here

 

Yeah but the locker isn't there plus the fake scooped hood looks good IMO. The dealer isn't going to change all that out for you just like they wouldn't put the AWD case and ECU in a TRDP for you.

 

@Daytonaviolet knows all about doing this. I doubt he would describe it as 'easily' updated, though. Doable, but it takes some time, effort, and $$.

And no, you would not find a dealer who would do this at the time of purchase...wheels and tires, maybe, but not body panels.

 

Damn g Lol. It’s not that I disagree with your thoughts on the full time 4wd system. I’d want one if it wasn’t wrapped in the Limited trim.

My only issue was that many of the words you used to describe the different systems were incorrectly used. Whatever… this isnt graduate school or anything, and nobody is giving you a letter grade.

But the way you described things left me feeling like information was sucked from my brain, not added to it. This effect was magnified by the fact that you really sound like you know what you are talking about.

By the way, I’m not immune to explaining things poorly, so Im not trying to be judgy. But I try to not respond with a smackdown lol.

 

dealer is not going to change bumpers ans rockers. But yes it’s easily updated yourself

 

My Limited about to get new shoes. And, er, feet? You know, wheels to go with the shoes. Finally. Can't wait to drive it and post pics....

 

New Socks maybe???

 

New shoes and soles.

 

Ok, let's be logical about this. If tires are analogous to shoes, then wheels gotta be analogous to feet. Shoes wrap around feet. They attach to them, cushion them, and prevent 'em from touching the ground.

And thus, various suspension components attached to those feet gotta be like ankles and knees and such. Just sayin

 

I noticed the same thing, he seemed to use the word differential when he really meant transfer case. For somebody who doesn't know how these systems work, that could be confusing. I always find these threads a little bit painful, they're always full of misinformation.

 

But, you can't just go out and buy new feet, well not outside of the dark web anyway???

 

its all powered by the engine but powered, directed, distributed, whatever term floats ur boat


AWD, front-dif, center dif, transfer case all into 1 small unit or aka "rear differential", variable power front/rear, they may tell you its 50% power front /50% power back but it is not. more like 85/15



Part time, no center dif, fixed front/rear power, bad for tires and driveline longetivity:




Full time 4WD, uses center dif, variable (non-fixed) power to front/rear, better for tires/longevity
center dif can be locked the same as part time 4wd if desired

 

This must be the video where the screenshots came from. It makes no mention of tires, but does state the Part-time 4WD system "reduces component wear".

 

There barely a measurable difference in component wear. Also as far as I know, the front diff of the AWD Runners dumps the ADD and adds in a intermediate tube bearing. So you trade one wear item for another but it's not something you'll have to change every year or even 10 years.

 

i have no dog in this fight... and for a few years i wanted a limited for the full-time 4WD.

its just odd the video used to support the claims actually states otherwise.

 

I think it's bad that they mention anything about extra wear in AWD vehicles. Yes there are more things turning and technically that's more total wear but it's going to last as long as everything else.

 

Agree. It looks like a video put together for Toyota salesmen.

 

..when engaged in 2wd
a corolla will do great for this too

but if wear is an issue for full time 4wd vehicles, just ask any land cruiser owner in the past 60 years if this is true!

Don't think anyone will say the same for part time 4wd. I don't know of any reliable part time 4wd systems..
but yeah for some light offroading part time is a good choice - you'll save a few ounces of gas in 2wd

reason I think toyota went to part time 4wd is to cut costs, or maybe people didn't know the difference, or thought it was too confusing to use
5th gen limited 4runner maybe last vehicle with a true full time 4wd system since bye bye land cruiser and fj

 

100% agree with you here. The gen4s had full-time 4wd drive on all the 4wd 4runners.

Before I bought my 21 4runner, I was thinking of getting a used 4th gen, but all the rust pushed me into looking at 5th gens. It took a bit of research on my part to understand 4wd systems in general, and specifically to understand what type of system toyota used.

When I realized the 5th gen system was different to the 4th gen, and I understood the implications of the missing center differential, I distinctly remember thinking the switch to part-time 4wd was a definite step backward in time.

But at the same time, I viewed it as mechanically simpler, which can be a good thing in its own way. So I quickly made myself feel better with that logic.

Also my disinterest in the limited trim didnt even make that as a viable option to get full-time 4wd.

I’d argue the part-time system is even more complicated to operate lol. Mostly due to the restrictions on when you can use it. Some level of competency is required to know it’s limitations.

This is one point I still dont get. Not reliable in what sense? I havent run into many reports of failures yet, and you’d think you’d see them on forums.

Actuators not actuating because they havent been used for years doesn’t count, and neither does not knowing how to use the system, because those are just examples of neglect and user errors.

You could argue the needle bearing issue on the front differential, but that is not an inherent problem of a part-time system. Apparently it’s an inherent problem of how toyota builds them though lol.

 

Just to state my Toyota long term 4x4 experience,
I had a 97’ Tacoma 4x4 V6, manual 5 speed that I bought new. I put over 250k miles on it in 21 years of ownership. I never had a problem with 4H or 4L during that entire time. It was still working great when I sold it.

I did use 4H at least once a month and I changed the diff/transfer case oil per manufacture recommendations. The only problem I ever experienced was the rear drive shaft transfer case output seal had a leak that the dealership fixed.

I’m actually kicking myself in the butt for selling it. Paid 19k new and sold it for almost 5k, 21 years later.

 

Ohhhh F.....!!!! If our friends gang had a truck like that and listed for sale I would have purchase that. I need a cheap truck for little things around the house like wife's garden stuff. Knowing the owner and knowing that vehicle is religiously maintained is a key factor for me.

 

I agree, I had all the maintenance and parts receipts for the whole 21 years, also I kept the old drain plug gaskets on a key ring. The buyer probably felt like I was interviewing a potential babysitter for a newborn. It went to a good home. The kid and his dad were both Toyota fanboys. His dad brought a creeper and spent half an hour under the truck and couldn’t find anything. Zero rust on body and frame. Only fallacy was the red paint was faded.

Another plus, it was bone stock.

I’m starting to tear up just writing this.
It would have been perfect for my teenage son, he reminds me of this every week!

Heck, even the AC still worked with the original refrigerate.

I’m now depressed, I need to stop talking about it.