Engaging 4x4 once a month

I noticed there is a lot of different opinions on how the Tacoma owners manual states on how to engage the 4x4 once a month for 10 miles to keep parts lubricated wouldn’t it be just as effective if you just jacked up all four corners of your truck and engage the 4x4 anyone else has any thoughts on the issue

 

Or you could just drive it.

 

You’re overthinking it. Just engage 4wd once a month or so for a few miles. Do it on a straight stretch of highway if conditions are dry or just wet. Avoid sharp turns while engaged. Done.

 

That would be way too easy and safe.

 

You rather sit in the truck for 10 miles while it’s on jacks? Next time, don’t get a 4 wheel drive.

 

I know that you know that the the door was opened on this one.

 

You could also remove your driveshafts then put your truck in 4x4 and set the cruise control. That way your transfer case gets cycled without stressing the drivetrain and you don’t have to buy four jackstands.

 

Lol true I was curious I just hear so many nightmare statements about engaging on dry pavement I have engaged it on dry pavement going straight

 

If that was your goal, then the title needs an overhaul.

 

That's all you gotta do.

 

This site is to much BS lol

 

Is this a serious post? Just go use your truck offroad once a month - isn't that why you bought it?

 

Not really, tons of good info on here.

 

And away we go!

OP driving the truck in a straight line on any surface in 4HI does NOT damage or prematurely wear anything out. Jacking a 4500 lb vehicle completely off the ground sounds like way more work than turning a dial once in a while.

 

or you could not engage 4wd like 99 percent of owners do until they need it and be fine

 

Not everyone goes offroad

 

Exercising the 4WD system just pretty much means shifting back and forth so the electric motors, shift forks in the transfer case and the ADD system doesn’t get sticky from sitting unused. Idling forward in a straight line and switching from 2HI to 4HI 10 times then stopping and shifting from 4HI to 4LO 10 times is all you need to do every 6 months if you never go off-road or need 4x4 on road.

 

I guess that's fair. Just don't tell me your last car was a Subaru too...haha jk

Being serious, just drive in a straight line for a few miles w/ 4WD engaged. That should be enough to keep things slippery in the transfer case. If you have grease zerks on your driveline joints, be sure to lube those up w/ a grease gun too

 

Exactly don't even need to go a few miles. All that oil and lubrication is happening in the first mile for sure. Def wont hurt though to go farther

 

There are not any dirt roads within 45 minutes of my house. I feel your pain with using the 4x4 since the owner's manual says dirt only. I take my chances on smooth straight roads once in a while. So far so good.