Help me understand 4WD

I bought my first 4WD Tacoma this week. I have never driven a 4WD before. Frankly, if the PreRunner handled the same as the 4WD TRD, I would have bought it instead. I live in Oklahoma, so the only time I will need 4WD is a few month a year.

There are several systems on the truck that aid in traction control. I have read the manual, typos and all, and I am still overwhelmed by the number of systems and when to use them.

One thing that worries me is the statement that "you should drive in 4WD at least 10 miles a month to keep things lubricated" and "driving on solid, dry surfaces in 4WD will cause damage to the 4WD system". So I have to go off roading for 10 miles a month?

Can anyone shed some light on all this 4WD stuff?

Thanks!
Ron

 

Searching is a good thing.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/312798-4x4-high.html

 

Four wheel drive, like any tool in your toolbox, is only as useful as the guy (or gal) using it. It's not a magic bullet that will solve all sorts of traction problems; neither are the myriad of electronic nannies in the truck. Each is a tool, and each can be used with great success or... not.

I can't really yet help with the understanding of all of the traction control systems as I've just picked up my Taco and am still learning. There are others here that have carefully outlined what they do and when to use them. Search.

As for four wheel drive: it's precisely what the name implies: 50% of the engine's torque is sent to the front two wheels and 50% to the rear two. That versus 100% of the torque sent to the rear two when in two wheel drive. Having two extra drive wheels, specifically ones with a lot of mass over them (the engine, for instance), can and will help when the coefficient of friction of the drive surface drops. Think: snow, ice, mud, clay, etc.

Ideally you want to wait for a rainy day and then drive the truck on solid, paved roads in 4WD. They say that because of the risk of damage to the transfer case and other parts of the 4WD drive train. Having a little tire slip is a good thing, in this case.

That all said, it may also be a CYA thing from Toyota. It's probably perfectly safe to drive your truck in 4WD (high) on dry roads. Going around tight corners, such as maneuvering through a parking lot may cause the truck to jutter a little. It's these sorts of moves you want to try and avoid doing for prolonged periods of times. To cover their asses, Toyota just says, "Don't do it!"

 

Or just go on a gravel road problem solved

 

Wow, no offense but you make it sound like its a hassle, The TRD pre runner is the same as 4wd handling wise didn't you research your purchase a little before you bought ??

 

It would be recommended to shift into 4WD even on dry surfaces once a while to move the lube around in the actuators.
That means: when you are going in a straight line for relatively slow speeds (35-45MPH, below 60MPH), for 1/4 to 1 mile shift into 4wd, then out when distance achieved or a sharp turn is coming up.

(Important: stay in drive, but stay off the gas (coast) when shifting into and out of 4WD, tap throttle lightly if light remains blinking to lock things in/out)

When they say "damage", they're referring to NOT taking turns while locked in 4wd (long gradual ramps don't apply) on dry srfaces, that causes drive-train bind and although Toyota has tough stuff, it only take a few binding turns to ruin CVs, U-joints, bearings etc...unless you're off-roading frequently... sharp turns in 4wd should be done only on muddy, very slippery surfaces.

Not shifting into 4wd while hard on the gas/tires spinning...

When stuck in mud/snow, not moving and in 2wd, you shift into 4wd buy keeping trans in D, only tap throttle if needed to get a solid 4x4 light...

If your referring to Traction control and all other electronic help, leave that alone.

Remember: throttle inputs and how hard you're on the pedal dictates how long parts last...

plenty of reading, just Google search..

 

I'm in the same situation as you, I just try to use the 4x4 when I can.
Even if it's just in the driveway.