How/when to use 4X4 mode?

2017 Taco SR5 4X4, AUTO. This is my 1st 4X4. Road driving only, occasional towing of boat. When, how and why do I use 4L and 4H mode. Which mode(L or H) should I be using when pulling boat out of the water? Which mode(L or H) should I be using when there is snow/ice on the roads? We get more ice than snow. Thanks.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/when-how-to-use-4x4.464344/

 

There are many different times, situations and conditions where you should/should not use 4WD. You should probably read the owner's manual first to familiarize yourself with the basics. Then if you need additional comments or explanations then ask here.

 

I am on my second 4WD vehicle. IMHO the most useful time is when the road conditions are variable, where you might hit a slick spot and the rear end would swing out on you, in 4WD that does not happen. The modern systems like stabilitrack are supposed to help with that....but throwing it in 4 high works great . So far I have never "needed" 4 low.

 

if youre slipping on the ramp or driving on ice use 4hi, if you are crawling use 4lo

 

The golden rule is not to use 4X4 on a dry paved surface. Any other slippery surface is fair game. Good threads and advice here on TW.

 

The only absolute is don't try to put it in 4LO when you're moving. Other than that, do it when you want. Even on dry pavement as long as you aren't trying to do a sharp turn you'll be ok. You're supposed to put it in 4H a few miles per month to keep the gears oiled.

 

Just remember that when you turn and you have it in 4wd, it's normal for it to jump around, make weird noises, and feel 'stiff' trying to turn. All 4wd vehicles do this.

 

I try to do this as often as I can!!! No worries there.

 

You have a part time 4X4 wheel drive on your taco, if you stick to the golden rule and go on any slippery surface you can have fun with it. The low setting will give you more power by sacrificing speed.
I don't use 4lo very often, but when I do it's steep descend/accent on loose surface.

Have fun, and again, stick to the golden rule, avoid issues some ppl have.
Slippery is for 4X4, but to each their own!

Cheers!

http://rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/driveline-bind.html

 

4HI is also fun if you want to take off quickly on gravel roads .

 

You shouldnt ever need 4lo from what you said. 4lo acts as another gearset giving you more torque at the wheel while sacraficing wheel speed. Think rock crawling. Or towing someone out of a ditch. I use 2wd until i notice tcs taking away power from my rears sliding too much. Then i use 4wd. But my last 5 cars were rwd so im quite comfortable/familiar how the vehicle will react in 2wd. Your experiences may differ. Key is dont use 4hi too often on dry pavement, especially at low speeds/sharp corners. This is where 4wd can bind and thats where horror stories come from. Example: i always take it out of 4wd before parking.

 

only time I'd think you could MAYBE use 4lo is on slippery dock ramps loading and unloading the boat. Even then 4hi would probably do fine.

snow covered roads use 4hi
Some will say you can use 4hi in rain, I personally do not think there is enough wheel slip and I have used 4hi in rain. Still got driveline bind while turning, and besides I don't find conditions are slippery enough to need 4hi.

You'll feel the difference as soon as you're in 4hi/lo
The truck will almost want to remain straight and thats it. You'll feel the resistance in the wheel if trying to turn if there isn't enough slip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Wy5ENm_lM

and with your truck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia463NahG5Q

another useful one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7MF3q0v1hw

 

Tires also make a difference so make sure you get some good ones

 

I've never had to use 4 towing the boat out of the water. If your ramp is slimy or slippery, 4H would help.