Towing 4Runner

lryrob9301 wrote:
In order to tow any Toyota / Lexus product 4down as is, it must have a MANUAL shift transfer case with NEUTRAL position. That means it cannot have a button or switch to engage 4WD, it must be shifted manually with a shift lever. Since 2010 Toyota has made a 4Runner Off Road edition / or TRD edition that has a manual shift transfer case and can be towed 4down.

I have a 2004GX 470. It has manual Hi/Lo range selector with a neutral position but the 2WD/4WD is electronic. I choose not to tow it 4 wheels down.

pauldub wrote:
My recollection is that the transfer case lube pump is on the input shaft which makes it not suitable for towing regardless of it having a manual neutral. I tow a 2000 4Runner and use a driveshaft disconnect.

Incorrect, the transfer case will lubricate from splash lube being circulated by the output shaft gears and chain. I personally know of 4 late model 4Runner TRD Edition vehicles that are being used as toads, all with several thousand towing miles.

My recollection is that the transfer case lube pump is on the input shaft which makes it not suitable for towing regardless of it having a manual neutral. I tow a 2000 4Runner and use a driveshaft disconnect.

In order to tow any Toyota / Lexus product 4down as is, it must have a MANUAL shift transfer case with NEUTRAL position.

Yes, that is exactly what I have discovered. I think when Toyota and Lexus owner manuals indicate they cannot be towed, it is the lawyers talking not the engineers. Thanks.
jor

In order to tow any Toyota / Lexus product 4down as is, it must have a MANUAL shift transfer case with NEUTRAL position. That means it cannot have a button or switch to engage 4WD, it must be shifted manually with a shift lever. Since 2010 Toyota has made a 4Runner Off Road edition / or TRD edition that has a manual shift transfer case and can be towed 4down.

OP here: Toyota says no of course, however, after reviewing lots of posts on this and communicating with those that have been doing so for years and many thousands of miles, I am comfortable towing either with one caveat. The vehicle must have a transfer case with a Neutral position. The 4Runner I had in mind has the electronic selector and won't work. All the early Lexus 470s, however, have the right setup so I'm likely buying an 04 GX470 and will rig it to tow. Both Remco and Roadmaster sell the baseplate. I already have a Roadmaster tow bar that I've used on three other toads so I'm good to go. Thanks to all.
jor

joraz wrote:
Anyone flat towing a Toyota 4Runner 4WD? I'm looking at picking up an old 4Runner (06 or so) or a Lexus GX470. I know I can flat tow the 470 and I suspect the 4Runner is no different. Anyone towing a 4Runner 4 down?
Thanks.
(Note: I know the owners manual says no)
jor

If you want to do this, check out Remco Towing you input the information and it will give you options, such as a Lube Pump, from Remco. Without a Lube Pump you will probably trash your transmission. But it will set you back around $2,000 too. Good luck.

If the owners manual says no, I would just ignore the advise of highly qualified Toyota engineers and go ahead and tow it. Your car, your money if things go wrong.

Toyota says no. It might work with a drive shaft disconnect. Have you tried asking on a Toyota forum?

Doing what others do can can cost you lots of money...or a 4Runner.