Noob questions

new to having a nice newer truck - 2016 Tacoma- looks bran new. Never had 4WD before. Have a couple of questions

In the manual - yes I read manuals - it says I should drive at least 10 miles in 4 WD every month. Great excuse but I’m a long way from any trails. Will a hard packed dirt road do? 4H or 4L. Other suggestions?

LED’s - I’d like to upgrade but have read the threads - I’ve got a basic understanding of the problem- they can draw a lot of current if something goes wrong and take circuit boards with them. What lights are safe to replace? Interested in all but backups would be helpful.

The bed of the truck. I still need to use it as a truck and need to haul some rock. Should I cut some OSB to protect the bottom?

Abbreviations. A lot are used around here. is there a published dictionary?

Thanks

 

4wd- any straight road will work, just don't turn sharply on a dry, or hard surface.
LEDs - have you been in the lighting forum? https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/lighting.60/
Composite truck bed - if you want to protect go for it, but it's a truck use it as such is an option too.
Google them.

Welcome to the neighborhood and enjoy the truck.

 

First question. Just drive in 4WD. Anywhere is fine. You’re just keeping everything lubed.

Second question.LED’s will require resisters. I used them when I replaced rear break & turn signals bulbs. I would highly recommend replacing backup bulbs as well.

Final question. Purchase a bed mat. This will help items from sliding around. Remember bed is composite

Welcome to the show. Post some pics. Enjoy your ride

 

I would just use 4h on a dirt road every once and awhile, leave low range for when you need it, leave the diff lock for when you need it. I have gone more than 1 month not in 4wd and it’s fine, but when I go wheeling, I go.

I use the supernova LEDs on just the low beams. Never had a problem on my Trd off road or my pro.

 

Def a thread about using the 4wd every 1-2 weeks now.

OP- On a straight part of the road on the way home, switch to 4wd. No hard turns and you will be just fine.

 

For the 4WD question, I just run it in the rain and turn it off for sharp curves.

Straight on dry would probably be okay, don't do turns though.

 

Never done the 4wd once a month thing but, if it is in the manual, alright. Owned 4x4 for 25years and never had any issues.
LEDs, the only place I don't run them is in the projectors in the low beam, I was told by a few people that you can damage the projector so I run HIDs in those, HID in the high beam and Baja Designs in the fogs.
Bed mat for $120 or so will protect the bed, it isn't indestructible for sure.
Not sure which abbreviations there are but, as others have said, google them. I.E. "BHLM tacomaworld" and you should be able to sort it.

 

Same here, I had many 4 wheel drives and never had to use it every couple of weeks? I understand it is in the manual but lots of other crap is written there also.

 

Get the OEM bed mat. You can order it off Amazon or find one a bit cheaper elsewhere. They are really well made, fit perfectly and are super easy to remove/clean as needed.

 

Everyone, let's help him with the acronyms. I'll start:
BFH=Big Fucking Hammer
CMC=Cab Mount Chop

And... the reason you need to drive in 4WD once a month is to shift your solenoids in

ADD= Automatic Disconnecting Differential.

 

DCSB=Double Cab Short Bed
DCLB=Double Cab Long Bed
AC=Access Cab
MT=Manual Transmission
AT=Automatic Transmission
PNES=Penis

 

Here are the important ones:

FTW = For The Win
FIFY = Fixed It For You

 

I run a piece of 1/2 sheathing grade plywood.
(The plastic is too slick on its own, the bed mats are too soft for sliding pallets and similar stuff in and out and too easy to get damaged by a nail in the pallet. I think the plywood is a good tradeoff.)

 

As other have said, just switch the 4WD on once in a while on a fairly straight road, though not the end of the world if you don't.
The Toyota bed mat is a MUST to keep stuff from sliding around.