H4 in rain or not?

New to part time 4WD. Previously had a 4Runner with full time 4WD, so this question never came up.

Should I engage H4 in rain or not?

Thanks.

Dan

 

The owners manual suggests that you engage 4 Wheel Drive for 10 miles a month, so I usually wait for rain and go on a fairly straight road.

 

But do you routinely engage 4 wheel drive in the rain?

 

No.

 

If I do not have a chance to go off the beaten path then yeah I exercise it in the rain once a month.

 

Most would argue 4hi is unnecessary in the rain. If you're starting up on a steep incline and would spin out otherwise, go for it, but generally speaking, traction is present enough that not only is it not doing you much good, it'll also suck your gas and wear your cvs quicker. Save it for snowy season.

 

Thanks. I'm in NJ so there's plenty of opportunity for snow.

 

No prob. When it's raining I fairly often turn on auto LSD and find it makes my spins more controlled and consistent. You may have that option depending on your trim. It chops less power when you spin and actually gets you moving.

 

I've never been a fan of 4WD without a purpose. the feature really doesn't do anything additional for you, except put "power" to a wheel(s) that then could slip. i know the computer controls a lot of it now, but it's just not necessary to be in 4WD. If you're worried about slipping in the rain, put some weight in the back instead.

Also remember (and i hear my father saying this, in my head),"4WD doesn't help you brake."

Keep it in 2WD...

 

The 4WD system on a Tacoma is different then an "All-Wheel Drive", which allows for slippage between the front and rear wheels, and also allows for tighter turns when all wheels are driving. 4WD in a Tacoma will tend to make taking turns a bit harder, as the truck wants to go straight as there is not much slippage built into the system to allow for different wheel speeds on the front axle when making tight turns.
Generally speaking, if you don't really NEED to be in 4WD, you shouldn't, unless you are losing traction on a hill or the like.
Once a month or so, to keep the system lubed properly is good, though.

 

Using H4 or L4 isn't a great idea if you're not where you truly need it. Remember you don't have the center differential like you did with AWD. Handling and control-ability are affected. With that said, do use H4 on straight roads periodically. As others have said, the manual recommends using 4WD from time-to-time. Just know, your truck will act differently in 4WD than you might expect.

 

No

 

Here in the Pacific Northwest the rain can be torrential at times. I will occasionally engage the 4WD during really heavy downpours.

 

What button do you press to turn on Auto LSD on your truck?

 

The same button that disables traction control. Pressing once eases off on the throttle chopping during a spin and activates the LSD. Holding this button down for 10 or so seconds completely disables your vehicle stability and traction control. Good for icy parking lot donuts

 

i engage mine occasionally but nowhere near once a month. Gonna have to start remembering this.

 

Are you slipping and sliding in the rain? Never have had to here in tropical rainy Florida.

 

I'm from Seattle where it rains alot. As long as you have some weight in the rear, adjust your driving, and have good tires there's no reason to have to engage 4WD on wet pavement. The only time I might consider it (haven't done it yet in 45 years of driving) is when hydroplaning in standing water. Just slow down!

 

As long as your going by what the manual recommends don't forget the part where it says not to engage 4WD on dry pavement.

edit: added "dry"

 

people seem to overlook that and still ask if they can do it