How does a 2nd generation 2WD with the access cab handle in the winter/snow?

I have owned my 2006 access cab for almost 15 years and this will be the first winter in Massachusetts that I won't have 4WD. My 4wd failed to engage a few weeks ago and ever since has been inoperable. Unless it's an easy fix (which I dought) or I can afford it in the future, I will most likely drive it as a 2wd.

My question is, how will it handle this winter in the snow, and should I add weight in the back, I have a Leer cap on the back which does add some weight?

 

like ass. add lots of weight and get some proper winter tires

 

Weight, reduce tire pressures, enjoy slow driving.

It's likely just a front A.D.D. module, you should fix it prior to winter, they aren't too crazy expensive.

 

Thanks, I can't remember a winter without 4wd and not looking forward to it, so I will be saving up for it then.

 

Speaking as one who's driven a 2010 single cab 2WD since October 2012...

You'll be fine.

I don't even put weight in the bed, so your cap will add a little more "advantage" there.

Particularly, I have a 26 mile round trip commute for work daily (before Covid) and never an issue. Remember this includes a brutal winter a few years ago.

I don't run snow tires either.

For 5 years prior to this I had a 2006 Chevy Colorado 4WD which was junk in snow even with 4WD, and no I didn't drive like a moron.

 

I know diddly about the 4WD system, but these might help:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-issues-front-diff-actuator-or-t-case-actuator.358059/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-trouble-shoot-4x4-actuator.263525/

 

That gives me a little more hope if I have to go with 2wd this winter. I'm so used to not fishtailing with 4wd, Bishop84's advice of slowing down till I get used to it may help too.

 

My daily commute is 30-45MPH depending upon side street or main road, but I honestly have never had issues. Definitely drive a little slower but that's good advice on snow regardless.

 

Thanks for those links I will check them out! I think the real cause is not exercising my 4wd enough, I used
a local sandpit for decades, but now it's a soccer field so I need to find more places locally to exercise the 4wd.

 

Hmmm that could be. I do remember hearing that when I had the Chevy trying to remember to do that, though that was bought new and only kept for 5 years so not really sure how mine would have held up. Being it was a GM, I suspect it wouldn't have.

 

I drove a Nissan Titan rwd without snow tires for years as well as a firebird here in Denver without snow tires.
It sucked but I got around for the most part fine (I avoided the mountains as much as possible).
Get some blizzaks, drive smart and you'll be fine.
AWD or 4WD makes life much less stressful for sure though.

 

I only use 4wd to get out of my icy driveway. After that I only ever need it if I want to go faster than I really should given the conditions.

 

Throw a couple 50# bags of sand in the bed over the axle and you should be fine. If you get stuck you can use the sand to make sand castles.
What do you got for tires? I have some 265/70/17 wildpeak at3 on 17" sport wheels talking up way too much space. But the mud guards you just did will have to come off.

 

I wouldn't sweat it too much. My last truck was exactly that. It had 4x4 but I rarely used it unless I absolutely had to since I learned to drive in the snow with rear wheel drive. Add weight, to slow, and don't "startle" the truck with the gas pedal. No need to reduce tire pressures or anything like that. The manufacturer ratings are what they are for a reason. You aren't rock crawling.

 

With decent tires, on fairly level ground you shouldn't be handicapped much at all. In hilly areas you'll wish the 4X4 was working.

I'd check into getting 4X4 working. Having 4X4 stop working isn't uncommon and is usually a fairly simple thing to fix. Often simply engaging 4X4 on a dirt or gravel road and putting a few miles on it will get it back.

The most common reason 4X4 stops working is due to lack of use. Internal parts don't get lubricated and corrosion builds up in electrical connections if not used regularly. Often just disassembly and cleaning is all that is needed. Occasionally an actuator needs to be replaced, but that isn't a major repair.

Once you get it fixed make a point to get on a dirt or gravel road at least once every month or 2 and drive a bit in 4X4. The owners manual suggests 10 miles/month. I don't always get 10miles, often only 1 or 2, and I sometimes skip a month. Other months may see 200-300 miles in 4X4. But the key is to use it, or lose it.

 

I would have a mechanic diagnose if you can. The actuator would be the first thing I would suspect.

 

Thanks for that advice and sorry for not replying sooner, as I'm just reading your comment. Tires are high on my list of things needing to be replaced, as they are over 8 years old. They were bought at BJ's and are BJ's Michelin x-radial lt2, so I would be better off spending money on a new set of tires rather than using the money to fix the 4wd.

 

Best idea would be to take my set of wheels, free fifty, and spend the money on fixing 4wd. If mine won't fit, yes tires over fixing 4wd. Are you 5 lug? I have a terrible memory.

 

Stopping isn't that much different, just do more planning, anticipation when starting from stoplights and stop signs. I drove rear-wheel-drive only for years with very few issues. Was only stuck once and that was at the end of the driveway. Four-wheel drive only gives you confidence or a secure feel at starts in slippery conditions.