I think I understand the mechanical basic structure. I cannot fathom what advantage a 4×4 has over 4×2 with diff on dirt rutted muddy sandy roads.  Not much it seems.  Educate me. I’m about to eschew 4×4 for rear differential.

[mark van der vyver]

mark van der vyver on 25th March 2022 at 8:44 am

I learnt the hard way, I was told to pay a little extra and get a 4×4. I didn’t listen and after a visit to a snowy slippery area last year winter I found out that 2×4 Toyota Fortuner with diff lock doesn’t work in wet slippery conditions. I managed to get out of the area asap without any damage and started the search for a Fortuner 4×4 which I eventually found. I haven’t been able to test it in those conditions again but who knows what winter will bring. Moral of the story listen to your friends and 2×4 / diff lock does not work in wet snowy conditions, 4×4 in my case adds only 100kg to the vehicle.