Gear Ratio Between 4H and 4L

I’ve only had my 2011 Tacoma Access Cab a few days, and never really drove it till yesterday. I put 5 miles on it in the first 5 days. Yesterday we headed for the hills. I’m not an avid 4 wheeler, but have lived near and worked in the woods since 1973, and have had 4 wheel trucks the entire time. I just got rid of my 1993 SR5. Killed the engine. It had the V6, the new Tacoma has the 4 banger. Even on the highway, the 4 banger doesn’t have as much torque.

Now, to my question. I stuck it in 4H yesterday on a rough road, even tho I didn’t need it. I just wanted to see how this push button stuff worked. I noticed more of a gear turning sound than I did in 2H, but that’s it. In my old rig, I didn’t feel or hear any difference at all. (Driving straight line) Then I stuck it in 4L, and noticed no difference at all. Seemed like the same gear ratio.

In my old SR5 and all other 4 wheel vehicles I’ve driven, and I’ve driven lots over the years, mine and work vehicles, the gear ratio significantly changes when shifting into 4L, and starting from a stand still in 2nd or 3rd gear is better than 1st in most cases. I noticed no change in gear ratio when I shifted into 4L on my new 2011 Tacoma with only 300 miles on it. Shouldn’t I notice a big difference when shifting into 4L? (Manual transmission).

 

you should.... was it in nuetral when you shifted into 4l? (not sure if this is needed)

 

Don’t remember if I was in neutral or not.

 

I have the cyl manual tran (but in regular cab)

When shifting from 4HI to 4LO you need to stop, put in clutch, i put stick in neutral, then push button and turn to 4LO.

Green 4x4 light will flash then stop flashing. If flashing the 4LO did not engage.

[note: shifting from 4LO to 4HI also required you stop, clutch in then turn knob; you can safely move to and from 2HI and 4HI while moving under 60mph]

If you didn't notice a significant difference between 4HI and 4LO I would imagine it did not engage.

4LO is geared very different than 4HI and you are sure to feel the difference.

 

This isn’t my first 4x4 by a long shot, so yes, I was at a full stop when shifting to 4L. Putting the clutch is normal for me. I don’t remember if I was in neutral. The 4LO light kept flashing, and it kept chiming.

 

RTFM

 

If it was flashing and or beeping then it didn't engage. Stop, put the dial back to 4H and start over again until the light comes on solid and there's no beeping. Then you should be good to go.

These transfer cases can be a bit of a pain to engage at times but you'll get the hang of it.

 

How come the new truck doesn't have the 4x4 info card in the sun visor (or an owner's manual)? If the light blinks and the chime sounds... you are NOT in low range.

 

My question was answered with the first two replies. I can figure it out from there. I did not join this forum as a newbie to 4x4's (read first post) or to be treated like an idiot. Thank you to those that gave intelligent answers.

 

you will definitely know when you're in 4 lo

 

You had a new Tacoma and didn't drive it for 5 days?!