Manual vs electronic 4x4

[Runnen4fun]

I recently caught the overland flu I have always enjoyed camping and driving on road trips. However I did not have a 4x4 and stayed in camp sites. I was trying to acquire a 4Runner TRD pro but I have two kids and other bills so I got an sr5 with the electronic 4x4 dial and it was all I could do but I am happy with the truck my question for you is did I make a mistake? Or is the toyota electronic 4x4 good to go wherever I wish to go? All answers are appreciated I want to have fun and take my kids to places I have never been. But I want to be safe and make sure I make it back.

 

[TerryD]

If it's like other makes, the only difference is the way the t-case is shifted. One uses a linkage to a handle and the other uses an electric motor with detent switches but both turn the same selector shaft and operate the same innards. I have a K2500 with the stick and the Xterra has the selector dial and they both go in 4wd and work. One bit of advice from yesteryear is to just randomly operate the t-case through the ranges just to keep corrosion buildup on the contacts rubbed through. I'm sure the newer units are sealed better than the older ones but it's still not a bad idea. I try to operate mine once a month. I just stick it in 4HI and tool around the yard a bit, then drop to low and do the same, then back to 4HI and 2HI.

 

[NotGumby]

I agreed with Terry. Those electric motors need to be used occasionally to ensure longevity. I have them on 4H/4L, rear and mid locker locker. I go out in the fields once a month and engage all, or in the snowy parking lots in winter. When I bought my rig with 69k kilometers on the clock, the rear one would not engage because the contact was corroded.

 

[DanR]

Just make sure you operate the 4wd; they usually only go out if they aren't used.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Scarab]

The rest of cars is so electronic these days it's silly not to trust 4x4 response systems actuators. As others have said it's only the engagement and controls that are electronic really.

Having said that I'm replacing the Terrain Response control module on my Discovery this weekend, perhaps if it was manual I wouldn't have been driving around in Grass, Gravel and Snow mode for the past 3 weeks ;)