Info on 4x4 4h

Appreciate the response thank you.

 

I'm curious

 

Full-time 4x4 systems are definitely still around, and much improved with electronics and tech for "on-demand" activation.

Tacoma's are true part time 4x4. Binding, or whatever you want to call it, will absolutely happen during tight turns on dry pavement in 4x4.

Military vehicles...that isn't even a fair comparison. Add Torsen differentials to anything, and it becomes a traction monster. In the case of HMMWV's - under-powered monsters.

 

MeefZah, I admit my ignorance with trucks and 4x4s. I had no idea you actually had to use 4 wheel drive if you have it . I actually wanted a 4x4 because I plan to purchase acreage to start hunting and just enjoy the outdoors. I even considered just trading it for a 2 wheel drive when I found out that you can get around pretty well with just the 2 wheel drive. I should have done some research. Im thinking about going to the dealship this weekend and just trading it for a 2020 2wd, dont know for sure cuz its a real beauty.

 

Nubee question here. I read this whole thread and nobody mentioned anything about max speed when in 4 wheel drive. Can I drive at Interstate speeds in 4h or would my drive train turn into highway litter?

 

Yea get fired up OP

 

Yea big facts

 

That’s a terrible idea

 

You can, but if the conditions are slippery enough that you think 4wd is necessary, it's probably a terrible idea to be going that fast.

 

Yea I heard it’s really good for your drivetrain to do that

 

Yea, well, that's why I asked. Nobody mentioned speed at all in this thread.

 

All good, better to ask than just do it

 

No point in trading it off now, you'll lose more than the 2wd difference, and the mpg savings isn't enough either. If you have hopes of getting hunting property, you'll be set!

 

So this 10 miles per month I should drive in 4h, at what speed should I drive it? No convenient dirt roads nearby, certainly not any 10 miles long so it will most likely be on dry pavement. Is 55 OK? 45?

Sorry, I've never owned a 4x4 before so I'm completely in the dark.

 

Doesn't really matter. Any reasonable speed is fine. And I consider the 10 mile number to be a little excessive. 3-5 miles should be more than enough.

 

Thank you sir. This was all I wanted to know. Sorry it turned into a mini shit storm. I suspect that some people answer questions even tho they are totally clueless.

 

Congrats on the new house, It’s the only thing I love as much as the smell of a new vehicle.

As I said before, engineers are gods that build some amazing products to make our lives easier in ways that us mere mortals can’t possibly begin to comprehend, but are quick to criticize.

The only thing I understand about shovels is that it may cost $8-10k to replace one on an excavator because the operator worked it beyond the much cheaper to replace digging teeth, about $800-2k.
These type of shovels are made to last indefinitely provided proper operation and maintenance is observed before the point of no return is reached.

For home use I have a digging shovel, a trench shovel, a spade (maybe more commonly known as snow shovel), and a pick for when the digging gets tough.
That may seem like a lot of shovels for the simple task of digging, but each one is optimally designed to perform a specific task or achieve the similarly simple task of digging, but it only seems that way.

Fast forward to the OP concern, can part time 4WD be driven with 4X4 on pavement.

And since the part time 4WD Is designed for slippery conditions, can damage occur, but how is it that the AWD systems can perform on both dry and slippery terrain with no concern of damage issues.

And this is where it gets complicated as both drive systems are designed to get thru slippery terrain, but both are engineered differently with pros and cons that may not be easy to explain in a simple 3rd grade sentence.
Most experienced off-road enthusiast know the difference in the two systems by trial and error or thru hands-on experience and training. Similarly, we learn what a trench shovel’s advantage is over a digging shovel when trying to build a french drain or dig a post hole.

So my advice in regards to the OP is, if the operator’s manual which was written by people who have vast knowledge and experience with the system say not to engage part-time 4X4 on dry pavement, don’t do it unless you’re prepared to deal with any unintended consequences that may come of it.

Whoosh! Hope that helps

Cheers!

 

In my opinion, the “10 miles per month” is more of a carryover from when most Toyota 4WDs has locking hubs. In trucks with manually locking hubs (the ones where you have to turn a dial on the wheel to lock into 4WD), the 4WD components sat stationary when 4WD was not engaged. When you did not run in 4WD, for say 10 miles, there was no chance for the lubricating oil to coat all of the components and prevent corrosion and seizing of bearings

In these modern 4WDs, where everything is spinning all the time, the issue of getting oil into bearings and coating the works with fresh lube is less important from my perspective. What is very important is making sure your ADD and Transfer Case actuator motors get run back and forth every month or so. These motors can seize up or corrode if not used every so often. Myself, I switch into 4Hi about once a month on a straight stretch of highway that is maybe 2 miles long. I switch in and switch out a couple times and run for a mile in 4hi. You can switch out of 4Hi at any speed, and go as fast as you want, but you are not supposed to engage 4WD above 60mph.


I strongly recommend anyone new to 4WD watch this video. It’s a dry watch, but an absolutely excellent explanation of all of the components. The drivetrain shown is a Tundra drivetrain, but the Tacoma drivetrain is identical in function and construction.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=47m7QAPrpsI

 

This is 150% false.