Explanation of 4x4 Features......

I hate to ask but I am completely new to any and all things 4x4 especially my 17' OR with crawl / mts. It does snow a bit where I live and would like to know when and how I should use all the features. Should I ever turn off traction control? Why when I engage 4x4 high and turn into a parking lot the turning radius doesn't seem as tight? When should I engage the rear locker? I really could use some guidance on this.

Thanks,

 

For most on-road driving all you should need is 4x4 when it is snowy. If the road is dry, leave it in H2. If it's snowy out, feel free to put it in H4, but yes since you are powering all four wheels you won't be able to turn as well. If you know you are going to be making tight turns, like in a parking lot, you'll probably want to take it out of 4x4. If you turn too tight and bind the diff you can cause damage.

Think of it like a shopping cart. If you are pushing it forward (powering all 4 wheels) while trying to turn it won't turn as well (like 4x4), but if you stop the cart you can basically spin it in a circle. Our trucks don't have the turning radius of a shopping cart though!

Rear locker, crawl control, and traction control really only come into play when you're offroading. I wouldn't worry about those for now! Focus on figuring out the difference between driving in clear conditions and the snow.

 

all you need is here : http://www.tacomahq.com/4546/toyota-tacoma-4-wheel-drive-explained/

 

There are a few threads on here that explain these features more thoroughly, I'd suggest using the search button. However, I will explain these in very broad strokes. Basically, when it's snowing out, just switch to 4x4 and let the truck do the rest. The only time I turn off traction control are in situations where I don't want my vehicle powering the engine down to help maintain stability. Turn it off when you think you'll need the extra power to muscle through an obstacle, i.e., through very snow covered dirt roads. Snow/Ice on paved roads require high amount of traction control to maintain proper course, so that's why I recommend keeping everything on in 4x4, as paved roads often have icy conditions under the snow. As far as crawl control and M.T.S, those are for 4Lo when conditions are extreme, and should never be used on major roads. Not because it will hurt the system (it won't, despite what some people say. I live on a farm and have used 4Lo on pavement all my lift when working, just have to be extremely careful) but because if conditions require 4 low on a major road system, you probably shouldn't be out there. M.T.S is just advanced traction control for 4Lo, and crawl control take it a step further by control all throttle and brakes. May be useful sometimes to get unstuck. Only use rear locker when struck, or a great chance of getting stuck.

edit:spelling

 

It snowed about 8" with some freezing rain here yesterday and never ever used 4x4... It is rare you need it and I have used it on un-plowed roads in 8"+ - these trucks do pretty darn good in the snow.