Leaving new 6th gen in 4HI

[4WheelBugout]

Does anybody know if the new Gen 6 works different with the 4HI?

Can I leave it in 4HI without risk of damaging anything, like AWD? Or do I need to switch from 2HI to 4HI depending on condition?

 

[jluff007]

4HI typically depends on the condition, and not something used as an AWD feature. It's also noted that you shouldn't exceed 50-55mph when in 4HI. 4LO is used for heavy terrain, thick snow/mud.

 

[4WheelBugout]

4HI typically depends on the condition, and not something used as an AWD feature. It's also noted that you shouldn't exceed 50-55mph when in 4HI. 4LO is used for heavy terrain, thick snow/mud.

I live in the north east, where the roads can be a mix of ice/snow and dry pavement. I know for sure that 4HI can be used above 50-55mp, but cannot be engaged above this.

I'm looking at the SR5 that doesn't have full time 4WD like the Limited and land cruiser. So I'm wondering if it's relatively safe to leave it in 4HI all winter or if I need to be super careful.

 

[jluff007]

this post also has the owners manual with information about drive modes and how to switch in/out of 4wd modes starting on page 412.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...aintenance-guide-2025-4runner-6th-gen-📕.2054/

 

[jluff007]

I'm looking at the SR5 that doesn't have full time 4WD like the Limited and land cruiser. So I'm wondering if it's relatively safe to leave it in 4HI all winter or if I need to be super careful.

I might not be the best resource since i don't currently have a 4runner, but plan to get one in the next year or two... but i still wanted to try and be friendly help a little :/

I don't think it's generally recommended, and can be detrimental to the 4wd system when used on pavement regularly. I only use the 4wd on my truck only in situations where i might be slipping a bit more. For example, if i go over a mountain pass and start to hit some slush/snow on the road, i'll put it in 4H, then back into 2H when i hit pavement again.

 

[Jeff_DML]

I live in the north east, where the roads can be a mix of ice/snow and dry pavement. I know for sure that 4HI can be used above 50-55mp, but cannot be engaged above this.

I'm looking at the SR5 that doesn't have full time 4WD like the Limited and land cruiser. So I'm wondering if it's relatively safe to leave it in 4HI all winter or if I need to be super careful.

No, you cannot leave in 4HI all winter based on those conditions. You need to get a limited/platinum or landcruiser if you want AWD/full-time.

 

[Nodak]

just note, the 4runner has PT 4wd or FT 4wd, not awd.

awd typically is brake applied function to simulate a 4wd system.

 

[qtb007]

It is all about where the mechanical fuse is. If the roads are slick enough that the tire can slip against the asphalt -- rather than the stress being pushed back to the transfer case -- you're OK in 4H. Dry parking lot where you are making 90 degree turns? That's going to be bad. Relatively straight highway with wet roads? No issue. I did my monthly transfer case and ADD workout on a straight section of 45 mph highway coming from work... usually on a rainy day.

You will feel the binding. It feels like the vehicle wants to push straight ahead (because that's exactly what it is doing when the front and rear prop shafts are spinning the same speed.) I was off roading in November in my 4Runner and pulled onto the main road while still in 4H. Just forgot to take it out at the end of the dirt road. Immediately felt that the vehicle didn't naturally want to turn. Popped it back into 2H. Minor stuff like this won't damage the transfer case.

IME, 2H was adequate almost all the time. I ran dedicated winter tires and that's the important part for driving in winter conditions... not the number of driven wheels. 4WD only gets you going; it doesn't improve handling in a vehicle like a 4Runner unless you are Travis Pastrana. Smooth inputs, looking ahead, and driving within the limits of your braking and cornering grip are the keypoints for winter driving. Only when I was driving in sustained slush and snow did I drive long periods in 4H.

 

[Dead Horse]

just note, the 4runner has PT 4wd or FT 4wd, not awd.

awd typically is brake applied function to simulate a 4wd system.

Nothing in this post is correct.

Not all 4Runners have 4x4, a couple of trims have AWD just like the LandCruiser. It's a completely different transfer case setup, and it's what the OP wants.

AWD is NOT brake applied. That would be traction control, MTS or something similar.

 

[Azimuth]

Nothing in this post is correct.

a couple of trims have AWD just like the LandCruiser.

Not to be super pedantic, but the LC and the Platinum/Limited 4Runners have full time 4WD, not AWD.

 

[Dead Horse]

Not to be super pedantic, but the LC and the Platinum/Limited 4Runners have full time 4WD, not AWD.

Nah. Be pedantic. Correcting somebody that's confidently incorrect (like me!) is the best sort of correct.