4WD Question

I live in Montana, and more often than not during the winter months, my truck is left in 4WD.
Is there any recommendations on how long 4WD can/should be engaged for?

 

I would think for as long as you need it.

 

Should be fine as long as you keep things inspected and do your 30K transfer case and front diff oil changes. Might need new CV axles earlier than folks that don't need 4WD all the time. Just don't drive on dry pavement in 4WD.

 

I dont know why i always take it out of 4 wheel before parking it for awhile. Cant say if its bad to leave it in though.

 

I don't think it would hurt to put it in 2wd once in a while just to exercise the actuators.

 

Specifically speaking, 4WD in the Tacoma is intended for low traction applications. It is not meant to cruise around in or to take turns on dry high traction roads.

A full time 4wd vehicle with a center drive shaft is what you want for full time 4wd.

That being said, the consequences of leaving your Taco in 4wd are increased wear etc. If something fails, the dealer may point to your stated use as abuse and deny the claim. Not saying that is fair, but sharing my experience.

 

You’ll be fine driving around as much and as fast as you want as long as the surface conditions are appropriate. My truck is in 4HI from shortly after I pull out of my driveway until I pull into the parking lot at work and the opposite when I’m headed home.

 

Doesn't hurt anything so long as the road conditions call for it. If you lived in a perpetual snow globe you could keep it in 4wd it's whole life and it wouldn't matter. Might need to be more prudent about changing the front diff and tcase oil but that's about it

 

Below is the language from the manual. If you leave the truck in 4h on dry or even wet roads (non snowy, not icy), you are not following the instructions. If you admit this to the dealer, you are providing a statement that can be used as documentation of abuse (forever).

I don't know if the vehicle keeps track of how often 4h is used, but I don't recommend you tell the dealer you use it in any circumstances other than what is stated below.

“2WD” (high speed position, two-wheel drive)
Use this for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads. This position
gives greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.

“4H” (high speed position, four-wheel drive)
Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide, like off-road,
icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than
two-wheel drive.
The four-wheel drive indicator will come on.

“4L” (low speed position, four-wheel drive)
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “4L” for climbing or
descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or
deep snow.
The four-wheel drive and “4LO” indicator will come on.

 

I do this for one simple reason. Next time I jump in could be same day, next day or a few days later. Might forget it is in 4wd and by the time I realize it who knows what I have done. Just the other day it was blowing bad and threatening freezing rain. When I left work for the day it was sunny and everything melted. Pulled out and was WTF when I realized I left it in 4hi when I parked the night before. I never even thought about it when I first started up.