Full-time 4WD

When was the last time, if ever, Toyota offered full-time 4WD on a US market pickup truck?

Any details on the mechanics? Is this confirmed to be a Torsen center differential w/ mechanical lock just like most of the Toyota off-roader SUVs (LC/LX, GX, etc.)?

Wanted to open discussion on this…this is probably my favorite addition with the 4th gen, sucks that it’s exclusive to Limited trim. A Nightshade Limited might be nice to see down the road though…

 

I think certain Trim Levels of the 4R have it, assuming its the same system coming to the Limited Tacoma.

 

It's confirmed via auto journalist, they called it a torsen central diff that allows full time 4WD

we know 4Runner Limited, Lexus GX 460 have the same torsen central diff, so it could just be the same or slightly modified unit.

Torsen is awesome man, way more capable than those clutch pads based AWD vehicles. If I ever want to trade in my 3rd gen DCLB TRD OR, I'd trade for 4th gen limited DCLB with full time 4WD, it's way more useful than part time 4WD

 

I'd kill for the torsen diff tcase with ability to lock the center diff and high and low range. (Selectable 2wd of course) like 4runners have had for a LONG TIME.

AWD on snowy icy roads is so much more superior. No idea why they only have this option in the limited

 

Truck... Never? FJ comes to mind besides the SUVs mentioned.

 

Yeah a torsen center diff sounds awesome, and the right solution for street driving.

It's still paired with open front and rear that diffs... that will use the brake to stop wheelspin? But I guess once you've got both the front and rear axles working for you the e-diff will be sufficient to transfer power side to side?

 

Shouldn't have wheel spin with the electronic traction system these will come with. I'm in same boat as you guys, this is most exciting thing for me so hoping they extend the option to other trims going forward.

 

I suspect open diff's with torsen center for normal 4 high. Then 4 high locked will have a mechanical lock on the torsen same as 4H on the 4wd model. 4 low locked will have it through the transfer case, again same as 4wd operation. But what I havent heard is if there is a rear diff lock at all on the limited.

 

I would hope a rear locker is an option on the limited. That'll suck if it's not.

I just wonder how well the torsen center + open front and rear diffs work in the real world. It might be fine (???) but if one rear wheel is on something slippery enough, it can still spin freely and you'll go nowhere. I guess that's where the electronic braking saves you.

 

Had no problem with it on the FJ except the sucking of many gallons of gas.

Actually has me thinking... With a hybrid system, I wonder if there would be like 500mi range.

 

and this is where i wish they did what they do in the 4 runners... make it a selectable awd tcase like found in some 4runners (even 3rd gen 02 and older 4 runners had this). Just like the current tacos with a normal running mode of 2HI and ADD up front to disconnect everything for maximum mpgs (outside of locking manual hubs RIP), you have a 4 HI and 4 LO, both with the ability to lock the center diff to go from AWD to 4x4.

Toyota literally has this tcase at their disposal and it boggles my mind why they dont just put it in everything 4runner/taco as it would be such a huge selling point above the competition.

 

I've got a 4R Limited, and the full-time 4WD is nice for mixed road conditions. It would be nice if Toyota makes it an option on other models. I'd pay for it.

 

Honestly it sounds pretty cool I kind of wish I had that over the winter as I kind of hate having to constantly remember to engage the four-wheel drive when I start sliding around.
Also about time they give the limited something special because right now it was just kind of a bastardized stepchild with all the benefits that you can get on any other trim and nothing unique.

 

Toyota has used it on the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, LX, and GX in North America, typically (in the last 15-20 years) with a Torsen T3 locking center diff. I expect the Tacoma will use the same system.

The 2003-2009 4Runner V6 had the most adaptive version (2-HI, 4-HI, 4-LO, 4-LO Locked), but I expect the Tacoma will likely only offer 4-HI, 4-LO, and 4-LO Locked, similar to the 4Runner V8 and the current 4Runner Limited, among others.

Jeff

 

So they confirmed the Limited will have the torsen center lock diff. But will the TRD Pro? I can’t find confirmation anywhere? Would love to have the AWD option on the Pro my old GX and LCs had it and it’s great for rain and snow.

 

Doubtful. They would have said so in the press release. Limited only.

 

I have a 4Runner Limited, and the it's very handy in the winter, as so often I have mixed road conditions.

 

This is exactly what brought me back to Toyota. I currently drive one of those AWD (ridgeline). Can’t wait! Of course based on 1/2 the post around here I’m sure it will completely suck. Ha