Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by slowmachine, Jan 20, 2015.
I'm going to pick up a 2001 4Runner SR5 4x4 tomorrow morning. I'm not new to Toyota trucks, but this will be my first 4Runner. I'm buying it to flat-tow behind a motorhome.
welcome! got some members nearby!
BORA wheel spacers and MaxLiner set... just starting!
Welcome from another NH T4R!
Have you checked to be sure this can be done safely? I've read that Toyota is not good for a dinghy unless you install a REMCO driveshaft disconnect... http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/what-cars-can-be-flat-towed-behind-an-rv.html states there are no Toyota's good for this situation because the drivetrain needs to be under power to stay lubricated, hence the disconnect. Maybe you've covered this aspect but I thought you might want to know.
I'm reasonably sure that I can tow it four-down as-is. It has, as far as I know, a manual transfer case with a Neutral position that disconnects both driveshafts. I am certainly willing to do the Remco thing, but I don't think it will be necessary. I'll have it up on a lift in the next week or so, and I can verify the functioning then.
After more research, I determined that there is no reasonable way to flat-tow a 2001 4Runner 4x4. I had to pull out of the sale. How old do I need to go to get something with a traditional mechanical transfer case?
I'm pretty sure you can find a Trailer for under a grand and not have to worry ab out it. Can always go that route.
To my knowledge, not many Toyota vehicles will dinghy-haul. Jeep cornered the market in that field.
Unless the 4Runner you were looking at had multimode, it had a mechanical tcase. It's not a matter of going earlier, it's a matter of Toyota's lubrication design. There are bearings on the output that spin with the driveshaft (even in N) but don't get oiled unless the input is spinning. They'll burn if you flat tow without modification.
There are alternatives to the driveshaft disconnect. You can install a floating axle conversion with manual hubs and just unlock them to tow (if you've got the money ), or you can spend five minutes disconnecting the shaft from the rear diff and tie it up and spend nothing.
I don't object to the price of the full-float axle kit. I like it better than the driveshaft disconnect. For this scheme to work, however, I need operable brakes on at least one end of the truck to stop it in case of a breakaway. Both ends can't be freewheeling. If I can figure out a way to do this with any year of 4Runnner that doesn't have a fiberglass top or 3.0 V6, I will buy one.