4wd lo

Assuming you successfully shift in/out of 4Lo ... and assuming you have Crawl Mode (not all do) I will answer a question you will have about Crawl Mode ... yes it DOES sound and feel like 10 lbs of random nuts and bolts were dumped into the transmission, but you still move in Crawl Mode regardless.

 

Thanks to all for the great advice. I ran the drill on the garage floor and it transitioned like it was supposed to. I’ll give it another try on the boat ramp soon. It’s possible I rushed it before. Guess I’ll have to check the visor.

 

Sport model, no crawl mode. Not a big off-roader so didn’t get that feature. Thx

 

It’s good insurance on the boat ramp, but remember two things 1. Get it in the right configuration before you need it and 2. Only drive / back it in a straight line if you have it in 4Hi or 4Lo on dry pavement.

 

exactly! Don't wait until there is a load on the drivetrain, you need it unloaded. A load can come from downshifting, speeding up, and difference in tire speeds through turning or slipping/spinning.

The only thing the old school levers did, was allow folks to force the transfer case while under load,,, still not a good idea regardless of shift method. Many people are clueless and folks wonder why they automate things.

 

Anyhoo ...

Here are two interesting articles explaining 4WD behaviors. Page 3, post 59, in the snow thread shows how 4WD tries to push all wheels at the same speed. Also some advice ... run 4 WD at least 10 miles a month just to keep the gears lubricated. That time can be in a straight line on a wet road after a rain ... as long as there isa little bit of slipping to not stress the 4WD gearing. Happy wheeling' !

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-best-practices-for-snow-covered-roads.753009/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

 

Part out ?

 

You should invest in a Harrop rear E-locker if you feel like you need extra traction. However, the ALSD for the non OR’s works very well. I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t ever have any issues. A front locker for the ramp would be more ideal, but more expensive.

 

why does anyone need 4lo? 4hi can take you anywhere

 

Jason on the boat ramp (been there) often if you engage 4Hi or 4Lo to climb out on a slippery ramp the traction control will fire off also making lots of noise.
Push that dash button to turn it off and try driving up and feel/hear the difference.