Do 4x4's go bad if they aren't used?

I am looking to buy a 4x4 Double Cab TRD off Road truck.
My question is, should I be looking for a truck that has never really been off roading or one that has? One that has done off roading will probably have more wear and tear on it.
On that "has never been off road" seems to be more appealing because there is likely to be less damage, but if they have never gone off roading they probably never turned the 4x4 on very often (if at all)
Is this a cause for concern? Does the 4x4 system go bad if it isn't used? ie seals drying up or oil not getting moved around in the front wheels.

Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

There's no clear and dry answer to your question, a variety of factors come into play, such as how long was the 4x4 not engaged and how often and severe was the 4x4 used.

It's just like anything mechanical. With time the components will wear out with use as well as without use.

I really don't think you could go wrong with either, as long as the owners took care of the vehicle.

 

I believe my manual indicates you should operate the truck for 10 miles with the 4X4 engaged at least once a month to keep everything lubed. Try to kick it in for a few straight miles on rainy days when it isn't getting excercised, but that is probably overkill.

Generally, I would say that the 4WD components will be in as good of shape as the rest of the truck. If the truck looks like it was ridden hard, it probably was.

 

I second what Tillers, and John Taco said.

When you do find a truck and your testing it out, do engage and disengage the 4x4 actuator a few times to see that everything is in order. Also shift into 4 Low and test that out.

Do understand that some noise is normal when that happens too. Reading the owners manual should be very helpful as well.

If I were you and I did make a purchase, I would change the front diff, transfer case and rear diff oil just for peace of mind. It is cheap insurance.

 

tell me if im wrong, but putting your 4x4 into 4x4 every so often WAS originaly for truck with lock outs. so with the lock outs disingaged, there WASN'T anything "moving" in the front 1/2 of the 4x4 system. so locking in the front end and putting it in 4x4 WAS nessasary to ensure that everything got lubed.
with newer trucks, lock outs are not options, so everything is always moving, therfore always getting lubed and always wearing (except for the one or two gears that engages the 4x4 in the transfer case).
so is it actualy nessasary to do it in vehicles without lock outs?

 

Read the manual.

 

i did, and i will. but i dont know why you tell me to read the manual, it will tell me nothing about theory or lockouts.

 

Even if I were not to take my Taco Off Roading Winter in Montana gives me a good 6 months to use the 4 wheel drive.

 

Is it true that if you don't use it, you lose it?

Is that a serious question?

No.

I would say that it wouldn't hurt to engage the 4x4 for a little bit every month. You can't be sure one way or another. Just make sure you are doing it in the appropriate setting and not just anywhere for the sake of doing so (eg pavement is a no-no). Plus every truck deserves a little off road time!

 

I think maybe it is more to keep your actuator functioning. I have noticed that when I use mine a lot I can actually get into 4H while in park. And when I go an extended period without using it I have to roll for it to engage.

I also believe that jigzor just felt he needed to write something, be it useful or not.

 

Like Crom said...make sure you put it in all gears before you buy, but most importantly DRIVE it in all gears. It may go into 4LO or 4Hi and the light come on but you want to make sure it stays in gear and doesn't pop out. I've seen quite a few trucks ridden hard in 4wd and you have to actually hold the stick so it doesn't pop out going over bumps and such. Drive it a mile or so in all gears.

 

The truck (now) has automatic locking hubs... this product has been around since the 60's. Part time 4WDs use hubs to free the front driveline for unnecessary wear... and improved gas mileage. Locking hubs were originally 'added on' to older 4WDs. Newer part time 4WDs like Jeeps and Toyota now have automatic locking hubs that engage when you turn into 4WD from 2WD.