Its SNOWING...how to use 4x4 right (NEWBIE)

It's all been said but I will just summarize to one post as best I can. I think you have the same disposition as me, and are pretty much where I was 2 years ago.

I'm not getting into VSC, ATRAC, LSD, or Hill Assist. I don't have it, I don't think you do, someone else can write about it.

4WD - HI
Use for highway speeds
Can be engaged while moving up to 55mph, can be used at all speeds
Should never be used on high-traction surfaces like dry (or even somewhat wet) pavement
can make steering tougher. Don't force it, shift to 2WD if safe
you still have the ability to shift gears

4WD - LO
Need to be not moving, in neutral to switch it on/off. You might need to rock forward/back a few feet to engage, or turn steering back and forth
this mode changes your gearing to lower gears. Drive the first few feet slow for the gearing to take effect
only for offroad, low speed conditions
switch it on BEFORE you get in trouble
you still have the ability to shift gears, but remember the gear ratios are much different. 4L - 1st is for creeping
can be difficult to turn, avoid sharp turns if possible

LOCKER
Can only be engaged with 4WD LO on (unless you modded or have PreRunner)
Should only be engaged under 5mph, but has no speed limit after engaging (4WD LO's gearing will limit you)
this makes the rear wheels spin at equal speeds (changes from open differential to locked differential)
only used when 4WD LO does not work. Mostly used as an emergency tool that you put back when done.
most difficult for turning
you can still use all gears

HILL DESCENT
When descending a steep hill, start the hill from a dead stop.
The hill will provide all the 'go' you need. You can always go faster, but can't always go slower - ask me what overheated brakes smell like
Use lowest gear and shift up as necessary.
If the surface is dry, feather brakes to prevent brakes overheating.
If very slick, use 4WD, don't use brakes, use the low gears. If you slip, turn in the direction you want and give mild gas for correction. Brakes will increase potential for putting you in a slide and losing control
4HI will only help for steering
4LO will help for lower gearing. Again, 4L - 1st is a beautiful thing.

GENERAL MISC. TIPS
Don't loop your thumbs into the steering wheel. When offroading over obstacles the steering wheel could violently turn and break your thumbs
Don't go offroading alone. Recovery can suck or leave you dead without help.
Shovels are wonderful
Airing down tires can help with grip
Either air down or use chains - not both. Chains are only designed for a properly inflated tire (offroad chains might be an exception, I don't know)

Toyota made a nice little guide

 

I don't have anything to add to the already great advice that has been offered other than......Good for you for being sensible enough to ask and good for the folks here to take the time to help out,

When I was 20 I bought my then dream vehicle.......A second hand Jeep CJ7 Renegade. It was not only the first 4X4 I ever owned but the first 4X4 I ever drove. Like a typical Punk, the first time it snowed I barrelled into a parking lot and promptly while franticly whipping the wheeel back and forth with the brakes locked, piled into the side of a Ford Tempo. My buddy who was with me said...."Nice going Mr. Big Shot 4 Wheel Drive Man!"

Take your time, be careful and enjoy the new truck.

 

What do you suggest to put back there? Sand bags?

 

Yup 3 or 4 should do. I carry 6 as well as a canopy, but that might be too much.

The best thing about the sand bags, is if you get REALLY stuck, you can dump one or two under your tires for better traction.

 

This may be a stupid question...

While in 4hi, can you put it into reverse, and go reverse in 4hi?

Or should you stop the truck, put it out of 4hi to 2wd, and then to 4hi when you've switched it to reverse?

Same with 4low?

 

So to clarify, you can only engage the locker with 4wd LO on? Say if you push the button while driving in 2wd...nothing happens?

Luckily, I've only been the one driving my truck but I've wondered if I should put a sign there saying don't touch the "RED" (locker) button.

I've never engaged the locker.

 

My street is hardly ever plowed (especially these last couple of days with 30+ cm of snow) So I'm always in 4WD when I turn onto my street. And I always reverse into my driveway, so Yes, you can reverse just the same in 4WD.

 

Need to find some of these friends...

All my friends with trucks have 3/4 and 1 ton pickups, and they use it for hauling/towing. No 4x4 play.

Maryland is not a very friendly offroading state. I'd say in a 100 mile radius to where I live, there's really no wilderness to go wheeling in (I live outside of Baltimore). I've looked!

In the warmer months, I exercise my 4wheel drive in my back yard .

 

I had to share this 4x4 video. Its my favorite 4x4 video I've watched because its super unusual and funny.

If I ever get stuck, I would never think a _____________ would come to my rescue lol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmlHhL2rw7k

 

Hit me up, ill go

 

That is BAD ASS!!!

 

I haven't tried, but I don't think anything even tries happening unless you are in 4LO. Either that or it starts buzzing at you.

Hit up the regional forum of Tacomaworld.
Search out a club. I myself belong to an FJC club, I'm the only Taco on the trail when we go! I did a quick search and you might try Maryland Creepers.
Might be a bit of a drive but you can go to Rausch

Here's some more help

 

Good lord I just read through the requirements in that link I posted. Yeah, you guys are boned compared to what I get to do in Oregon. I think I pay $10 for a 2 year pass and trails are open nearly year round. Sorry

 

Dan, I tried to write in a way so all the operations could be clear to you... where they?

 

You can hit the locker button at 100mph in 2wd... it won't engage until you are in 4lo. It just flashes until it decides it can engage, ie little to not moving in 4lo.

Once the locker is engaged you can drive as fast as you want, granted you'll be in 4lo and shouldn't be going over 20mph in in 4lo anyway.

You can modify the TRD locker to engage whenever you want... little wiring trick.

 

Theoretically 4Hi will slow down faster because there's more driveline friction. In a RWD vehicle, driveline losses are about 20%. Having to move a front diff and three more driveshafts probably adds another 10% loss.

If you are in 4Hi, auto-LSD is active by default. Pushing the VSC button doesn't do anything. If you are in 2Hi (for example, wet pavement), VSC is safer in corners because it can brake individual front wheels to correct understeer or oversteer conditions.

Correct. There's a 4WD ECU that provides all the safeguards. The locker also disengages automatically when you exceed a certain road speed in 4Lo.

 

Yep. I believe so. Thanks. Your post was one of the most informative

 

Haha. Yep!

Thanks though. That second link you posted was a nice summary. I bookmarked it.

 

It actually requires a relay... and is more complicated than it was on the 1st Gen. Tacos.

My Tacomas all had a warning sticker on the driver door (as well as in the manual) stating to NOT use the locker for anything but emergencies and not to exceed 5 mph. Sure, you could go faster... but as a liability issue, they are affraid you could lose control if you go too fast since steering is made difficult with lockers engaged (both tires per axle are locked together... and if you turn the steering wheel and try to move, one tire must rotate more than the other).

 

Toyota calls "auto-LSD" in H4: 'TRAC' (but it is the same function as AUTO LSD, which is the 2WD limited slip with no engine regulation name).

I never saw it written that the rear locker disengages automatically.. it never has fo me... can you please provide that detail?