4hi = burnt tranny fluid?

I'm not sure, but I think I read a while back that driving in 4hi for extended periods of time would cook the tranny fluid. I am wondering if this is true or not, and looking for clarification. I tried searching, but couldn't really find anything. Thanks

 

No, your not supposed to leave it in 4 hi for extended periods of time because you will ruin your transfer case because it doesnt have a differential

 

for extended travel in snowy conditions you should be fine but, i have never really tested this theory out myself.

i doubt you would hurt anything it also depends on what extended travel means to you a couple hundred miles may not be advisable though.

 

Depends what you're driving on. If you're on mud or snow, no problem. If you're on pavement... why are you in 4WD?

 

How long are you talking about OP ?

Hours ?
Days?
Weeks?
Months?

 

Well driving in mild conditions no it won't efect anything on mud/snow gravel. But if you were busting trail with tires a lil to tall for your gearing and were really working your tranny and heating it up it could. I always use low when theres major resistance from deep snow etc.

 

Thanks for the replies. Im talking a couple hundred miles over a weekend in the desert.

 

That's the what I figured, but I just wanted it confirmed.

 

I thought I had read that someone smoked their transmission fluid doing that but I probably misread it .

 

Why don't you just use 2wd and put it in 4wd when your stuck?

 

A much better Idea^

 

It's easier to keep momentum going then to have to create it again from a stop.

I'd much rather start in 4WD and if I get stuck, lock the rear. If you have a TRD Sport. Well, sorry.

 

why would u want to go a couple hundred miles in the desert? lol

 

Im too lazy to keep moving the switch back and forth. Also if im in 4wd then I don't have to get stuck as much in the first place. Also I feel I paid for the 4wd so I should use it out pf principle.

 

when we had some snow/ice last winter i drove about 10 miles snow/ice/road in 4wd. some patches with no snow/ice just kept it in 4hi. still running strong

 

I leave mine in 4WD for a week at a time when we get snow , it's no big deal

 

because to engage 4hi you have to be moving, which you cant do if you are stuck

 

No way,
I have driven literally hundreds of miles in snow and gravel with the truck in 4hi, with no issues. When the roads are shit here in Montana, i leave my truck in 4hi for months on end and run 70 down the freeway to and from works, for the last 3 years with no problem.

 

That's good to hear. Thanks

 

thats what i like to hear about toyotas quality!