Hello is there a downside to having a full time 4wd 4Runner vs the 4 runners that have changeable from 2wheel to 4wd? Does one last longer or having other affects on the cost of ownership and wear and tear? I plan on keeping this car for as long as it runs.
I have a 2003 V8 full time 4WD 4runner with 260,000 kms. with no issues. I change all driveline fluid every 80,000kms. Being in Canada, it's nice to know you don't need to switch to 4wd when you run into some bad weather.
Changeable one lasts longer as you don’t use it when not necessary. Less friction, less wear and tear. Laws of physics at play.
It seems like to me that the 4wd that is full time would wear faster because it is in 4wd all of the time which would put more wear on the front axle. It will also have a little bit worse fuel mileage for full time. Changeable 4wd has been around a long time and it is most likely proven. It is also a Toyota so it will last a long time anyways.
Like others mentioned, full 4WD wears faster, is more expensive to maintain and has lower gas mileage.
