4x4

Hi all ,

I just bought a 05 taco and am new to using 4x4 ( and feeling a bit stupid ) I switched on 4x4 hi going up the mountain the other day but conditions were just icy. I done it again today and have just recently learned that I shouldn't use the 4x4 hi when on roads especially dry. Is there any chance I have done damage?
Thx

 

You're fine

 

^^This

 

^^^ no worries

 

4 HI is ok to use on any road conditions, but below 60mph. Right?

 

There is no top speed with 4WD engaged , just a top speed at which you can engage it

 

Honestly I wouldn't use it useless you are in slick road conditions. No point. Also read owners manual. If it didn't come with one used then get one off of eBay.

 

Thx for your replies - relieved newbie love my Tacoma ) thx

 

Please note this doesn't mean you should use it on a dry road. Just that since there is no noise or transfer case explosion this time you didn't hurt it. They need to be engaged every once and a while. As long as your tread depth is similar you can engage it on a dry road if you don't turn. It's the turning on high grip surfaces with 4wd engaged that causes binding which can destroy u joints and transfer cases.

 

your fine just don't make a habit of using 4WD in dry conditions. Going straight won't hurt it, It's the sharp turns that can bind your center diff

 

Tacomas don't have a centre diff

 

Just dont turn hard on a hard top road with 4Hi engaged or it will bind. For example turning 90 degrees. I dont see why one would want to use 4x4 on a slick road rain on a hard top road is not a reason to engage 4x4.
The only time I engage 4Hi on a paved surface is if I need to get the monthly 10 miles to lube the gears and I dont have the chance to actually drive on an off road surface. That being said if you did bind a few times(you will know if you did) it shouldn't do any damage. On snow or thick ice it would be useful to run 4Hi in rain or mild ice Id just slow down and drive more carefully in 2WD.

Our trucks have part time 4WD which means that there is not a computer sensing the road surface and adjusting the power.

Engage 4Hi below 60 MPH but you can go past 60 afterwards. In 4Lo dont go much past 35 MPH but honestly you wont want to anyway because your tachometer will be near 5000 anyway if you go much past 25 in 4Lo.

 

In the OP it says the roads were icy

 

transfer case... whatever

 

I did park at the top of mountain with the 4 hi on and it didn't feel good - I know now not too just hope I didn't damage all advice makes sense

 

What does it didnt feel good mean? The steering is going to feel much tighter than it does in 2WD that is normal it will feel even tighter on a softer less firm surface. You can actually break your fingers or thumbs on the steering wheel on the right surface and conditions if the wheel snaps suddenly and they are in the way.

Better explanation required.

 

Yes just tighter and locking up ( as if the e brake was on) - I'm new to 4x4 as I said so it is prob normal for areas that aren't slippy enough for 4x4 to be engaged . Lesson learned

 

This thread was worth reading. Thanks y'all.

 

All of ten posts and already copping a 'tude...