When/How to use 4x4?

Well... in farm tractors the front axle actually spins faster than the rear axle to pull the rear through whatever. I've actually wondered if that was true in the automotive industry.

 

Since it hasn't really been mentioned. In my experience in snow, locked differentials are terrible. To clarify a tire may break traction while the others holds traction however a locked differential can cause both tires to break traction.

EDIT: I guess it doesnt matter though since you have to be in 4Lo to use it on a Tacoma.

 

It definitely depends on the snow depth and type, but I've used my locked rear in deep snow and it was an enormous traction aid. Turning sharp turns as you mentioned with a locked diff will cause the one wheel to brake lose.

Most snow plow guys lock their rears as the added traction pushing in a straight line is significant. Also had a newer rubicon out in 18" of fresh snow off-road and using the front and rear diff locks were able to get unstuck several times.

I think it is just down to application and driving style - you certainly have a point that they should be used sparingly. Toyota also says not to use 4LO and the rear diff lock above 15-20 MPH so its pretty restrictive for on-road use.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive4.htm

 

Do your research.

 

I think its clear here that your comments raise more questions than mine and between the two of us I have provided more resources and information on the topic. I have decades of practical 4wd research..

 

My truck will not even engage above 62. #angry beeping#

 

Just remember, 4WD doesn't mean shit when braking (unless you're engine braking). I see it all the time when someone is all "Herp derp I have 4WD so I'm invincible" and then they're the first ones to crash.

 

At least they can herp derp out of the ditch they slide into

 

Not if you're this guy.

 

owners manual

 

I'm sorry - how the hell would it make sense that your front wheels are turning faster than your rear wheels while driving? That is the dumbest thing I've read all day, and thus far I have already briefed two WC cases and have read through about 80 pages of a deposition. That definitely takes the cake.

 

They only turn faster in a turn and only slightly because your fronts are turning slightly wider than the rears

 

That was pretty damn swift. I was wondering if he deleted it himself or if a mod did.

 

Thank you for explaining it better than I did. There is definitely holes in my explanation. Sorry for that. Mud, sand, dirt or whatever low traction

Thank you for explaining it better than I did. I should have put a lot more details. My explanation was full of holes The inside front tire will want to turn slower but when in 4wd it turns faster (same as the rear) it will prevent the fronts front digging in to whatever low traction situation. Mud, dirt, sand whatever off road. That's why some mud bog guys run different gears in the front to help prevent the front from sinking in.

 

I think we went off topic a bit, the OP question was ....

"When should I be using 4 hi? I'm interested in how to properly use it in snow. Is it safe to just turn it on while driving down the road? Should the road be snow packed first? Just some snow/ice? Should it only be used to get moving if I'm stuck? Used on the express way?"

I am also interested to learn the proper and safest way to travel snowed, icy, and muddy roads. So my question is, why is not recommended to use the auto LSD at all times in this kind of roads?

 

Look out it's the COPS!

I kid, I kid. Please don't ban me sir. I was just walking home and happened upon this party.

 

David K or somebody correct me if I'm wrong here, but I believe this is because auto LSD requires VSC to be off, and that's the main reason. VSC offers both braking and throttle control where auto LSD only offers rear braking with no throttle control, which on roads may often be less safe.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-trac-trac-auto-lsd-explained-easy-to-understand-i-hope.70551/