Advice on using 4WD if it potentially hasn't ever been used before

Hi,

I am a few months into owning my first Tacoma, a 2012 Double Cab 4WD that has 63K miles on it. I purchased it from the previous owner's widow, and she couldn't answer any of my questions. I don't know if the previous owner(s) ever engaged the 4WD. Should I be concerned or do anything special before I engage the 4WD on the off chance that it was never used before?

Thanks!
-Tim

 

Welcome to TW, Tim. My only thoughts are make sure the t-case & front diff have oil in them, and go for it. Not on pavement, of course. Only engage 4WD on gravel, dirt, snow.... any surface that allows the tires to slip so the driveline won't bind. Good luck, and congrats on your new-to-you Tacoma!

 

I wouldn’t worry too much, find a dirt road, switch to 4H at 15-20 mph, for 1/4 mile, move left and right a little, listen for noises, feel for any vibrations. Make sure it shifts into and out of 4H several times. If you don’t detect any issues, drive it any way you want.

 

I would add, try to do it close to home, in case you run into any issues (like getting stuck in 4hi or worse, 4lo).

Personally, I'd cycle through everything in the back yard just to make sure it works. Note that turning slightly while moving can help get the front connected.

 

Welcome to the wonderful Tacoma World Forum! Spot on suggestions . Let us know how things go.

 

If you do run into issues pretty much everything we know about the 2nd gen 4wd system can be found here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4wd-system-operation-help-thread.742420/

 

If it hasn't been used in a while, or ever, there is a fair chance it will either not engage or will do so slowly. I'd advise getting on a loose dirt or gravel road where you can drive for several miles. If you flip the switch and it doesn't engage right away don't give up too quickly. Keep driving and switching back and forth. Even if it takes several days and trips to a dirt road.

If 4X4 isn't used regularly the internal parts don't get lubricated and parts won't move freely when you try to engage 4X4. Sometimes if you keep trying it will eventually engage. Once engaged drive it for as long as possible and repeat regularly. About 10 miles/month in 4X4 is suggested.

I've had 4X4 vehicles in the past that weren't used in 4X4 regularly that would be slow to engage for a while. One vehicle, a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, needed the front hubs disassembled, cleaned, and relubed before they would engage. Other times I was able to eventually get it to engage just driving it for a while.

Don't forget to use low range and lock the rear diff occasionally as well.

Some people will tell you it's OK to use 4X4 on the pavement to keep things lubricated. As someone who has had to pay to have the transfer case rebuilt, I'm not one of them. Technically as long as you drive in a relatively straight line and limit the miles nothing should break. But you will cause excessive wear on parts that will lead to premature failure. And if you have a brainfart, forget you're in 4X4 and to turn a sharp corner with 4X4 engaged you could have a catastrophic parts failure.

 

before ANYTHING....I would change all fluids and start with a know condition of lubicants in the differentials and transfer case, as well as engine oil. and THEN do the above...oh, and grease all the u joints, I would guess they are bone dry!

 

Changing fluids is not a terrible idea, probably diff’s, Xfer case haven’t been done.
You can also take a small sample from the fill plugs on a white cloth and look at the color, fines, etc. This will also let you know if the levels are low.
Personally I’d just give it a try on the dirt road.

 

If it was me in your scenario: I would not engage 4L anywhere but in my own driveway and with a clear path out for a tow until you verify it's 100% good shifting smoothly in and out several times. If you can't get it out of 4L, and you're in the woods five miles from the main road you're in a world of hurt. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries. I probably wouldn't engage 4H too far from home anyway until you have confidence it will shift back. If the actuators haven't been engaged for a while, they may be cranky waking up because of corroded contacts. Click from 2H to 4H a bunch of times until you hear and feel a nice click and shift. Shift to N and try to engage 4L. Taking it on a warm-up drive drive for a few miles might help, then back to the driveway before experimenting. There are a lot of posts in here to check out about the actuators with pics so you will know what you are dealing with.

If you're in a state where it's currently in the teens or single-digits, wait for a warmer day. (or spring )

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Read thoroughly through the operation first so you know how everything is supposed to work. Like others have said, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check diffs and transfer case fluids.
You can simply stick your finger in the fill plug hole to check level and fluid condition.
A couple of tips: Make sure you can get the fill plugs loose before draining anything and remember on the transfer case that it's aluminum. Don't strip them when tightening back down.

 

Also, crawl under it and check that the vent tube on your transfer case actuator is still attached. They will split and fall off. This will lead to corroded contacts in the actuator.

 

What an amazing and helpful batch of replies! Thanks, everyone!

 

Just try it, either it works or it doesn’t. Simple