Fishtailing tacoma in the snow

Hey folks,

Recently purchased a 1997 4wd tacoma. It needed new shocks, struts, and brakes and have so far put in the rear shocks but I’m noticing that the back end is sliding out a lot even when driving cautiously with little throttle.
I’m driving in 4hi mostly with the locking hubs off.

not sure if I just have really shit tyres (plenty tread) or the old struts in the front have something to do with this. Think I also need new wheel bearings too.

Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts?

 

200lbs in the bed.

 

Pickup trucks are super light in the rear. Put some weight in the back, a couple hundred pounds of playground sand is pretty easy.

 

I mean my Tacoma has always had the tendency to fishtail in the snow. Just the perks of owning a rwd pickup.

 

4 high with front manual hubs unlocked means you're still 2WD. Also. It's a truck, all the weight in the front no weight in the rear means skid city.

And yes the right tires make all the difference in the world. Also tread depth isn't the only determining factor in traction, you also need a tire that is still supple (not older than about 4 years) and correctly seiped for your conditions.

 

It’s a 4wd..

 

If you don't lock the front hubs you are still in 2wd more or less.

Usually in a truck with manual hubs, when you think you will need 4x4 you lock the front hubs before you start driving, then shift into 4hi as needed.
You can't use 4hi on dry pavement though when turning, so after you get through the bad stuff go back to 2hi before you turn.
If you are turning on snow, ice, or lots of slushy stuff then it is ok to leave it in 4hi for the turn.

usually lock the hubs before snow or going offroad etc.. most of the summer you should leave them unlocked cause you won't need 4hi depending on where you live of course.

 

Not if you don't have your front hubs locked it aint

 

Also 4WD in the snow isn't the same as AWD in the snow. 4WD can induce a skid and I DO NOT recommend 4WD in snow at highway speeds, that's a recipe for disaster.

 

Thanks for this. Does that mean I’ll only be in 4wd when locking hubs are engaged? And I can only really use the locking hubs when stuck. How does that work with 4hi if I shouldn’t be driving over 5-10mph with the locking hubs on?

 

Thanks folks. Learning a lot here

 

What!?

You must be stopped to engage the locking hubs in the front, and like, you know out of the truck turning the dials.

Do you mean REAR LOCKER!?

 

4-low low speed.

 

4wd is only 4wd with the hubs engaged. The typical plan is to lock them before you leave the house, and then if you happen to need 4wd, engage the transfer case only when you need it.

You can definitely drive faster than 10mph in 4wd, but there is a limit to how fast you should be going when you engage it. I would recommend downloading the owners manual, its full of helpful stuff.

 

Yeah I know that. Explained it incorrectly. If i want 4wd in 4hi, should the front lockers be on?

 

I've only had manual hub trucks for the last 7 years so let me clear something up for you. At some point when the weather or conditions are shity get out of your truck and lock both hubs. Now at any point while you're driving you can pull the stick from 2-wheel drive into 4 wheel drive. At any point while you were driving you can put the stick from four-wheel drive back into two-wheel drive. When you are stopped in 4-wheel drive you can move the stick into 4low. You may only move it out of 4 low when you are stopped. When you are satisfied that the weather or road conditions are such that you no longer need four-wheel drive you can then unlock your hubs and reap the benefits of 1 to 2 miles per gallon better gas mileage, also reduced front component wear.

 

Bad idea. 4lo double the torque and when the front wheels want to match the back wheels speed in a turn you understeer plow through the corner overcorrect and go into the wall.

 

Thank you!

 

Yes, otherwise you're spinning the differential under power but it's not being transmitted to the wheels by the hubs. (Because they're unlocked and free spining)

 

You shouldn't drive faster than that when in 4lo. 4hi you can go a bit faster. BUT like @Key-Rei stated, 4wd doesn't make you 100% safe at all speeds and conditions. I have still spun out a few times in snowy intersections in 4wd. It helps but still gotta use your noggin to be safe. Ditto on reading an owners manual and maybe even watch a few youtube videos of how your vehicle works (helps with visuals sometimes)