HELP! 4x4 explanation needed please

I am going to purchase a 4th gen 4runner 4x4 in the next few weeks. From my reseach the v6 can be changed to run into 2wd, 4x4 hi, and 4x4 low... The v8 however only has the option to be in either 4x4 hi, or 4x4 low.... meaning that it stays in 4x4 hi for regular driving.......

First of all, am I correct with what I have said so far?

Secondly, I was always told NEVER to run a vehicle in 4x4 mode on dry roads or it would damage the system. Does this mean that the v8 4x4 is more of an AWD vehicle in stead of a true 4x4?

Thirdly, Does that mean if I buy a v6 4x4, I can leave it in 4x4 hi and drive on the highway all the time? If NOT, then that means that the v6 4x4 hi and the v8 4x4 hi are different..... SOOOO, which one is better for offroading????

I hope you guys understand my confusion about this... I am new to the 4runner community and I am wanting to get well educated about these things before I make a large (for me) purchase of $7500.

Bonus Question: What do most 4runner enthusists prefer v6 or v8? What are the best years and trims of the 4th gens?

Thanks in advance for any help,

TJ

 

The V6 and the V8 are full time 4wd when the center diff is unlocked with the V6 having the option to go 2wd. You lock the center diff in both for part time 4wd.

 

My 4th gen was a v8. It was full time 4wd with a high and low range. The 4.7 v8 was a wonderful motor.

What you should know is that the v8 was a interference motor. Meaning, if the timing belt (yes belt) broke, the pistons could hit the valves. Major damage if this happened. Don't remember what the v6 used (belt or chain) but IIRC, it was not an interference motor.

So with a v8, you want to be 100% sure to do the timing belt every 90k-120k miles. If you don't know on the one you buy, get it done or do it yourself. It's involved so if you are unsure, get someone else to do it.

That being said, when I changed mine at 120k, it was still in perfect shape.

 

welcome

 

So do all of the 4th gen 4x4 4runners have a button/switch to lock the center diff or is that an option on them??? BTW, thanks for the help..

TJ

 

All 4WD 4th gen’s have a separate center locker button, so you can go ham in 4WD on pavement as long as you don’t use that.

 

All 4th gen Full Time 4wd Runners have a center lock button.

 

Thanks to all!!! Such a great community! I was not expecting to get the answers to my questions so fast!

Thanks so much..
TJ

 

You can think of the V8 as an all-wheel drive until you lock the center differential then it is four wheel drive. The V6 four-wheel drive also acts like all wheel drive until you hit the center differential button then it should only be used off-road

 

^this. Nailed it.
And welcome to the forum. If the V8 is in good condition, no rust, not a lot of miles on it, then it should be a very good buy. We won't be seeing this engine ever again and if you want reliability for a long time, you are in good hands. Post pictures and records if you can, I'm sure there will be an army of folks here with tons of great advice. A great bunch of folks here with tons of knowledge and FREE too!