Can I shift from 2HI to 4HI while moving?

So I assume I can shift from 2HI to 4HI in my 2004 Taco when moving, but at what speed is safe? It seems like my old 94 Toyota had something on the sun visor that said up to 55? Or maybe that was how fast it was safe to drive in 4HI. I can't remember...Thanks

 

Then I'll go BACK,,,TO THE FUTURE!!!

 

Yes, assuming your not on pavement.

 

What he said, the manual doesn't specify where you can and can't shift, just the max speed you can do it at.

 

you'll need to get a hold of some plutonium as well

 

Yeah, I've done it on the highway when black ice conditions exist. Usually you are not going full speed at times when you need increased traction anyway. You don't want to use 4WD on dry pavement, since it stresses the drive train.

 

98tacoma27 said, "62" I was thinking 55, which is in the ball park.

So what is a safe speed in everybody's opinion?

I usually go back and forth if I am on pavement and there are icy patches. If it's icy then I'll shift to 4HI while I'm rolling, then if the ice ends I'll go back to 2HI while I'm still rolling.

I did this this past weekend and was just wondering if it was okay to do.

 

4-anything doesn't help in ice. It helps in snow/sand/etc, but ice is essentially friction-less. So slow down and try to avoid what you can see. 4x4 does NOT equal invincible.

You can switch under 55 (I thought the manual said this too). In fact, you're supposed to drive about 10 miles monthly in 4-hi to keep stuff lubricated. A straight, dry patch of pavement should be OK for this.

 

my 2003 has brake fluid ,, from factory ,, be sure u got the right stuff

 

you can but youl mess up your transmission and i wouldnt want to pay for that if i was you =)

 

As a safe practice, I clutch it and throw it in neutral while shifting the t-case.

 

x2

 

Yeah, let off the gas and throw her into 4HI. Gears will mesh just fine when rolling. There isn't a maximum safe speed for 4HI. I have no problem driving 4HI just as fast as in 2HI. Typically you won't be driving like a bat-outta-hell when you have to use the 4HI anyways so it doesn't really matter.

 

Youre right in the fact that it doesnt really help, but I use it because with how light the back end is on these trucks, even with the lightest foot the back end can come around really quick. So its nice in 4HI you dont have to worry bout the the rears spinning up on ice so easily.

 

Agreed- I'd rather have the fronts pulling than "just along for the ride" when I start to slide.

 

Yup although usually if I'm going 55 and realize I need 4WD, I also realize that I should slow down.

 

I looked at the card on my visor (2001 TRD) and it said to keep vehicle speed below 50mph...Not sure if things changed later in the years or not. With the snow/slush/ice today, I did use 4wd a few times on the way home. Once while driving, I switched around 35-40mph and didn't go over 50ish. Mostly didn't have to use 4wd unless starting off on a hill.