Care and feeding of the 4WD system question.

Hey all,
Have a dumb question as a 4x4 newb. Got the dreaded "KLUNK!" this morning coming out of 4HI into 2HI. Totally my fault. Dry pavement, accelerating so I wouldn't get smashed by the dude doing the same illegal shit behind me, etc. I am an idiot and I accept that. It was the first time and I will try to be better but I doubt it will be the last. Anyways, the whole thing got me wondering. Back in the days of yore it was considered to not be a bad idea to back up 50 odd feet after disengaging 4WD to "unstick" everything. I am guessing this goes back a few years, fine decades, to when manual locking hubs were a thing. Thinking such practices are no longer needed but I wanted to ask. Roast away, boys!

 

Starts with M, comes with the truck, explains operation....

 

Don't beat yourself up. It's a common mistake and catches a lot of folks that are new to the vehicle. Try not to do it too much. When it gives (clunks) it releases a lot of tension in the driveline and makes a big noise. I forget once in a while when I'm driving in light rain for a couple of miles on pavement to exercise the 4x4 drive line parts. It slips and clunks when I turn into the driveway. Otherwise it's reaching the end of a Forest Service road after 6-7 miles in 4WD and forgetting to switch back before taking the turn to the pavement again. The second gen 4x4 indicator lights in the cluster are ridiculously dim during the day and even at night. (IMO)

The best maintenance you can perform on the Toyota 4x4 system is to find a way to use or engage it once a month or so for a mile or two. Just engaging it while it is running and standing still in the driveway a few times makes a big difference. You can hear it working easier the second or third time.

 

I ran out to a local public rifle range to try out a new suppressor I just got an approval on. It's at the end of a dirt road so I had a chance to drive about 2 miles in 4HI. I was more attentive this time :lol: and it engaged and disengaged like butter. Thank you for the info and input!

 

No more 2HI, get 2WD. Automatic, or manual transmission? Owner’s manual telling can switch from 2WD into 4HI up to 62 mph, and visa versa. 4LO is another procedure, I not getting into.

 

Man-purse?