Its SNOWING...how to use 4x4 right (NEWBIE)

Hey.

Its snowing outside here in Maryland, and I bought this truck so I could feel confident in conditions where 2wd will get you stuck.

Here comes the questions...

Can you switch to 4x4 while moving?

If you no longer need 4x4, can you turn it back to 2wd while moving in 4wd?


I thought I read in the owners manual you should be stopped before switching from 2wd to 4wd and vice versa but I ran into a problem today pulling out of a gas station because I was stuck in 2wd, and so I switched it to 4hi to get out, and once I was underway I didn't need it anymore.

So instead of switching it off while moving, I pulled over and stopped...and turned off 4wd.... however, it left me in a dangerous situation because traffic was coming, and I had to gingerly enter the roadway again in 2wd (trying not to spin the wheels trying to get back up to speed).

I know not to use 4hi more than 50mph, and 4low more than 10mph. I know not to use the locker unless you're stuck, and 4low can't get you out.

I also know you shouldn't try to engage 4x4 while "UNDER LOAD".

Should you use the locker once in awhile to keep it "used"? (on appropriate ground (mud/snow))

I have a 2005 toyota tacoma 4x4 with auto transmission.

Thanks for any advice.

I'm a complete newb to 4x4...been driving 2wd and motorcycles all my life.

 

you can switch from 2wd to 4hi on the fly, but you must be under 5mph (stopped) to switch into 4low (which you won't need on snowy streets).

 

You can switch from 2hi to 4hi and back while moving (under 63mph iirc)

Should be an info flap on your driver visor.

 

^^^this

^^^and this

Good luck and have fun

 

first... open the manual or look up next time you're in the driver's seat

 

I knew some Jack would put an answer like this.

Mind you I did read the manual, and I did look up. I was looking for people with more experience to give me there advice on how they handle certain situations.

 

Don't ever use the locker on snowy highway (unless offroad snowy roads) the rear will break traction super easy; fishtail all over the place.

And you don't need to 'exercise' the locker, althought it won't hurt to make sure it still works once a year. You do need to 'exercise' the 4wd system.

A few weeks back I was cruising 60mph to work and started to just slightly fishtail/sway (4:30am), realized I was on black-ice, crapped myself, then let off the gas to a coast and quickly shifted into 4HI at about 50mph, straigned it right out. Also, around here on one highway turn there will be 4" of snow for 1/4mile then back to dry, I switch the 4x on and off 10 times on a single commute somedays.

 

Oh and just FYI, try to let off the gas when you switch between 4wd and 2wd to avoid binding. Once the light on the dash is solidly lit you can gas it again.

 

Also, on turns...

I know you can bind on dry pavement etc...

While in snow, do you guys usually turn like you would on dry pavement in 4x4 or do you take longer to go through the turn in 4x4 in snowy conditions since you're in 4x4?

Hope that makes sense.

 

If there is enough snow on the road you can turn as normal , you will just get a feel for it .

 

if the ground is slick... i.e snow... you can switch between 4hi and 2hi all you like at pretty much any speed (speeds safe for snow anyways)... thats what the little card above you head say... nothing complicated about it. No locker except off road, no 4lo except off road, and no 4x4 on dry pavement

 

I pull the e-brake and 4 wheel drift around corners...


kidding, no what ever is safe on the road... as long as the road is sufficiently slick there should be no binding... that said I'd personally avoid hairpin turns and locking the wheels full right or left.

 

Hi Jack


haha

 

Another thing to keep in mind is not to use your brakes like you would in dry conditions , you want to avoid locking the wheels . Keeping them turning will allow you better control when slowing down and steering .

 

just remember that 4wheel drive will only help get going quicker/easier. it does NOT in any way shape or form help you slow down.

 

Just to echo everyone else, 2hi to 4hi is no problem on the fly. Sometimes if you're in the middle of a turn, or something of that sort, the light will blink at you for a minute or two. If this happens, just clutch in and clutch out, and it should engage fully. Or if you're an auto just let off the gas and it should be good to go.

As for technique, you'll get the feel for it after a little practice. There really isn't much change to it, except that you can feel the front wheels pulling you where you're steering. I suggest taking it out into a parking lot somewhere and practicing it. Get it up to a bit of speed, and practice going into and out of spins, slips, etc so you know how your vehicle will react, when it comes down to crunch time.

And don't forget to use your 4 wheel drive during the summer months too. Once a month drive it off road for a few miles. Just a dirt/gravel road will suffice, to keep the front drive shaft/etc lubed up.

 

thanks. That's more like it.

All and all,
-I'm young
-I spent a lot of money on this truck
-I maintenance it/detail it frequently to keep it in excellent condition

....I'm not looking to break it by turning the knob at the wrong time, and causing more money to flush down the toilet.

Thanks for all the answers.

 

Take it slow and get used to the truck in the snow. Putting weight over the axles in the back is a good idea, even though you have a 4 x 4, if you do not have traction, your not going anywhere. 4 wheel drive is nice but does make you invincible in the snow and or ice. In two wheel drive your truck will be useless, because the rear end is very light. Best advice any body can give you is take it easy.

 

Haha...I def learned that on a rainy summer day...too much gas caused the trunk to lurch to the left in a slide...luckily, I was quick to let off the gas, and continue going straight.

 

Yep. totally get you. Did a lot of playing around with 2wd vehicles in college...180s, 360s etc...

I'd say this is the biggest downfall of most people...just because you slam on the brakes, it doesn't mean its going to end well.

My good friend who was a master in the snow (he's from upstate NY in snow country) said its best never to touch the brakes because you're in the most control when you don't use them.