Manual 4x4's, anyone?

This is my only vehicle and work truck so I'm not taking it off-roading any time soon. Not planning on getting stuck but if I ever need to use the diff lock, does it have to be in 4Lo?

 

I forget, its been years but the Grey wire mod makes it so you can use the locker anytime (2WD included)

 

So just to clarify here OP does not have the j-shift transfer case....

 

You can already use it in 2WD. The grey wire mode allows the locker to be turned on during 4Hi.

 

Nah

 

Can you explain the difference?

 

The j shit literally shifts in a j pattern. 2hi, n, 4hi, 4 low.
Yours shifts in a straight line hi, N, low.. with front engagement being the button.

 

Pros/cons?

 

I think "immaturity" would be a more accurate generalization.

 

I had to look as I usually read the post to see if I have an answer and not the poster, but yep, the OP is female. Responses might have something to do with asking questions that require an answer vs a generic "OMG my tacoma is so cute!!!!" post. But I'm just guessing as I don't know how many stalkers and perverts are on the board.

 

I'd guess 'pro' you just need to push a button on the shifter to be in 4 vs moving the stick 3 inches so more 'friendly' to many. The biggest con would be if the actuator fails. Fewer parts to fail generally makes for a more reliable system.

I'd also guess you have automatic hubs so no worries about the front wheels being locked in. Just push the button and let the truck take care of it.

With manual hubs you can't shift on the fly with them unlocked, at least from my experience. If you try the tcase just grinds until you stop or clutch. With them locked in no issues. That one took me a few minutes to figure out when I first bought and wanted to check just the tcase shifting. With them unlocked you have to stop, get out and lock the hubs before you can get 4wd. It requires a little pre-stuck thought. I lock mine in before the snow storm and before I go off road so I don't have to deal with them when I actually need the front wheels. But with them unlocked you can go 2 low if you just want some extra torque or extra engine braking. That makes off-road, boat ramps, etc nicer to you your tires and brakes.

 

You have to push in the clutch to put it in 4wd, ya?

 

No stalkers so far.

 

Not for 4Hi. You do have to stop and push in the clutch for 4lo though.

 

Ok. In what situation would my shifter need to be in neutral?

 

If you park it in a shady area and think it might be stolen. Because once it's in neutral you can't drive it even if it's in gear.

Otherwise, it's just to switch to 4Lo.

 

So slip it into the neutral position without putting it in 4hi, after I'm parked? Or maybe if while I'm warming it up and I run back inside? I was hoping no one would be inclined to steal it because it's a manual, but maybe there are some car thieves with higher intellect than I anticipate.

I'd like to attempt real car-talk. When my 4wd shifter is in neutral, what's disengaged? Why won't it drive? Gimme nitty gritty stuff if you can. Or recommend a book.

 

I'm honestly not too sure on exactly what goes on but my guess is that the Transfer Case just disables power to the driveshafts when in Neutral. I'm sure other members that are more mechanically inclined will jump in and explain.

 

Ok. In a 2wd vehicle the tranny is connected directly to the engine at front and the driveline at rear. N is the spot where none of the gears are engaged obviously, so essentially the engine is disconnected from the axles.

In a regular 4wd it goes engine, transmission, and the transfer case is connected directly to the transmission. Both driveshafts are connected to the transfer case instead of the tranny. Putting the tcase in neutral has the same effect as the transmision in n. It comes in handy for towing.

 

Cool. What do you have to say about towing? I haven't experienced any side of it. I need 3/8" chain and some hooks? I understand sub-frames and how to not rip a bumper/radiator off but what's the deal?