4wd Questions

Buying a 2011 Taco tomorrow. Its a 4.0 V6 SR5 with 4WD. Is there anything I need to know about the 4wd system? Does anyone have a diagram of the 4wd setup? I have been told you don't want to use 4wd at higher speeds, is that the case?

Any modifications I should do for better reliability?

 

You can use 4 high I believe to 55mph
You don't want to 4 Low above I believe it's 35 Someone correct me If I'm Wrong

 

When you get into the truck, look at the sun visor, it has most of what you need regarding the 4x4 operation etc. Let me know if its missing, I can take a pic of mine when I get off of work.
here are a few "dont's":

-Engage 4x4 while turning
-Make sharp turns on dry pavement (U-Turn, K turn etc.)
-engage 4x4 with any of the rear wheels off of the ground and spinning.

I'll post more if I think of them.
I don't always use my 4 wheel drive but i like to engage it once a month or so and drive a few miles to keep everything lubed. I usually engage 4HI at low speed then hit the highway for a few miles then disengage when I exit and back down to a low speed (under 40). This is just how I've done it for years, others may have different opinions.

 

Gotcha. I am picking it up tomorrow, Ill take a look then.

 

Thanks for the link. Is there any difference between the 34U vs 58U links?

 

Pretty much what everybody says above , don't use your 4wd on dry pavement

 

Hmmm; if you want to lift it you will need to replace the drivers side front diff axle bearing. ECGS has the solution for us 4x4 owners: http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

Sounds good, thanks.

 

It is coming with a 3 inch lift and ARB front bumper.

 

Okay well, I'm gonna hope that the owner before you did the bearing so the price isn't passed on to you. Buying from dealer or private seller? Did they go for a shock, coilover or spacer lift?

 

This x 1000
Congats and welcome to The. Wold

 

Ill have to see. The work was done for a previous owner by the current owner. I'll ask him if he has the details on the lift.

 

Gotcha

 

ask alllllll the questions, the more you know the better. Hell, if they have a list of everything they've done with part numbers and specifications you will be totally set.

Welcome to the club by the way!

 

My input would be: Before you hand over cash, sign, and drive away... put it into 4H and make sure it works. Then put the truck in Neutral and put it into 4LO. Make sure it works. Don't try to turn in 4x4 on pavement to be safe though.

 

Haha thanks. I have been a tacoma owner for a few years. Had an 01 SR5 until the beginning of July. Was driving home and the rear end lost traction and went off the highway backwards at 75 ish mph.

 

Sounds good. I'll do that tomorrow.

 

I did that once.

 

Holy crap that's terrifying to think of.

My bad, not trying to freak him out. Just giving an idea where others have had problems on the 4x4 (albeit with a lift and then not always).

 

It was a couple seconds, then i was sitting there with the driver mirror in my lap and a fence up against the driver door. Tossed the mirror onto the passenger side floor and climbed out through the passenger door. Was lucky that I spun around. hitting the fence just pushed me into the seat leading to some bruised shoulder blades. I think I hit the driver door at some point since my left shoulder and hip were not happy for a while afterwards. Shoulder seems healed but my hip still bothers me after 2.5 ish miles of running.

It did cause some issues when I am driving and wind moves the vehicle or I hit a bump and feel the rear end move a little.