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Proper operation of 4X4 ?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by 4x4x4trd, Jul 6, 2008.

  1. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:02 PM
    #1
    4x4x4trd

    4x4x4trd [OP] My other ride weighs 200 tons

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    I've only been off road once with this truck. Everything seemed to function properly at that time while playing in loose sand and hard pack.

    Today I'm reading the manual and note the part about driving in 4X4 at least 10 miles a month to keep the front lubricated. So, I'll run some errands locked in 4H on pavement and keep it under 50 mph. As I back out of the drive in 4H and cut the wheels hard to the right the back tires actually spin and it feels like I'm standing on the brake as the front end feels locked up. I let off the gas and the truck jerks to a stop. I then pull forward and there seems to be a short distance of no resistance and then the same feeling of the front locked and the back wheels spinning again. I back out on the street again, in 2H, straighten the wheels and go through the appropriate steps to get to 4L and lock the rear end to see if they work properly. The locker took it's sweet time but did lock driving forward slowly turning the wheel some.
    Going down the road straight in 4H didn't feel that bad and put a few miles on it but don't recall this truck that first time or any of my other 4X4's feeling like it was in that kind of a bind while turning. Sure they feel different in 4X4 but not like this. The drive in 4H didn't help the bind feeling while turning sharply. I went to a dirt field and it seemed gutless and would hardly spin the tires in 4H. I have put Bilstein 5100's on but they are only set at .85" and the front shafts are almost straight with no tears or leakage on the boots that I can see. Any thoughts or suggestions.

    I'm going to the dealer to test drive one on the lot and see what it feels like. :confused:
     
  2. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:04 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    DO NOT OPERATE 4x4 ON PAVEMENT
     
  3. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:06 PM
    #3
    Khaos

    Khaos Big Member

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    :eek:

    x2
     
  4. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:07 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    With that being said, you can break parts by driveing on the pavement in 4x4. Your front axel is turning all the time as it is, so you dont have to drive around in 4x4 to keep things lubed. Every now and then, get on a dirt road and throw it in 4Hi and 4 Low, just to make sure the disconnects are working, and you will be fine. :)
    What you experienced is the drivetrain binding because the front and rear are locked together.
     
  5. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:10 PM
    #5
    StompinStu

    StompinStu Active Member

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    eeeek 4WD on dry roads = expensive repairs. I have always owned 4WD vehicles til yesterday, my Taco is only 2WD. What they say about running 10 miles or so a month is true. Do as the other poster said, or lock in 4WD on a real rainy day. Even then, don't take turns too aggressively. Keep it nice and smooth.
     
  6. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:12 PM
    #6
    Khaos

    Khaos Big Member

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    No dude, 4x4 even in rain is still a bad idea.

    Go find a dirt road, washout, forrest, ect and run 4x4 in that. No pavement in 4x4 ever, not even if your driving through a flooded road, never run 4x4 on pavement.
     
  7. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:16 PM
    #7
    it's in coma

    it's in coma Well-Known Member

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    while we are on this...how fast can you drive on a trf off road with the rear diff. locked? How fast has any driven one without something braking?..
     
  8. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:18 PM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I knew a guy on TTORA that ran over 100 mph locked. Speed doesnt make things break. Just might take you with them when they do. :)
     
  9. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:19 PM
    #9
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    i was up to about 40/45 with my rear locked in my 06 prerunner.............everything was fine........and i was in a huge pasture.
     
  10. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:22 PM
    #10
    4x4x4trd

    4x4x4trd [OP] My other ride weighs 200 tons

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    I don't make a habit of it and I use 4H in the winter with slippery spots even with long stretches of dry pavement never with a problem. The manual says you can lock in up to 62 mph and that Toyota doesn't recommend it on pavement because of unnecessary noise and wear, and poor fuel economy. Then in the very next sentence tells you in cold weather to drive in 4X4 until the transfer is warmed up to quiet the truck in 2H to warm up the transmission quicker.
     
  11. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:25 PM
    #11
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    2001 with; cat-back side-swept twin exhaust, elbow mod, Westin bullbar with Hella 450 driving lights, Snugtop XTR camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.
    Funny note here- the rear diff lock sticker on my driveside door says not to exceed 5MPH! YEAH RIGHT!!!
     
  12. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:26 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Well, I have never heard of that one. :confused:
     
  13. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:27 PM
    #13
    roxspin72

    roxspin72 Enjoying my addiction

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    Dumd question, but would it be obvious if I damaged something? I know I did a couple transitions in 4WD, "HI 4 " from dirt to road. Anyone think I may have done some damage. I would'nt say I drove to far. Noticed I was in 4 HI when I could hear the back wheel chirp or felt resistance on a turn, and immediately switched back to 2WD..
     
  14. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:27 PM
    #14
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    LOL, That is a note from the liability lawyer. :D
     
  15. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:28 PM
    #15
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    i think thats for the safety of the joe blow citizen and for engaging the locker

    we all know a locked rear end behaves entirely different than an open one and if you dont know what youre doing it can cause major safety issues

    i think youd not want to lock it while moving too fast either
     
  16. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:28 PM
    #16
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    You will know if there is damage. Drivetrain damage shows its head very clearly. :)
     
  17. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:29 PM
    #17
    4x4x4trd

    4x4x4trd [OP] My other ride weighs 200 tons

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    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    08 White Access Cab TRD OR, Debadged
    AFE oil free drop in, Secondary removed, tint, front D-rings, Toyota bed mat, Undercover tonneau, TRD seat covers and floor mats, Pioneer speakers, Westin Platinum bars, Fumoto oil valve, short antena, Nifty Xtreme's, TSB leaf springs, Bilstein 5100's set at .85" in the front
    That first time off road as I haven't done the mode so was in 4L was no problems at up to 20 mph or so in the sand. Just keep an eye on the tach.
     
  18. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:30 PM
    #18
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    yes...it makes awful rackets and makes it difficult to drive
     
  19. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:31 PM
    #19
    roxspin72

    roxspin72 Enjoying my addiction

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    Cool, I will be more aware of my driving habits when dealing w/this...

    Thanks...
     
  20. Jul 6, 2008 at 8:32 PM
    #20
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    as far as 4x4 on pavement...like everyone else said...in dry conditions i wouldnt engage it...however...if the rain is pretty heavy and theres some standing water it may be ok...itll depend a lot on how slick the roads are

    i dont drive mine the "suggested" 10 miles a month or whatever...but i will go about once a month out to my land and hit some ditches and rocks and things and make sure everything is still engaging properly and pulling correctly etc
     

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