How to maintain 4WD in good shape periodically?

What do you guys do to maintain your 4WD system often?

thank you

 

I was told by the Toyota Dealer you don’t need to do anything but change the gear oil in the Transfer case & rear end when needed

 

Just use it every once in a while. Change the gear oil when it needs to be changed, and inspect the components visually every now and again for slop, cracks, breaks, etc.

Modern drivetrains are generally pretty stout as long as they aren't abused.

 

$$ option: get a membership to an off road park and go wheeling at least once a month annual membership $300
$ option: go out of your way to find dirt roads and grind back and forth in 4HI for 10 miles

I see that you're in SE TX, so I would say hit the beaches every month and don't forget to rinse off the salt afterwards

 

Use it, shift while moving in straight line and ease off throttle when doing so.

Biggest problems happen in 4lo, people get it jammed in and can't get it out. If you use 4lo, it has to be dead stop, neutral or park, and low idle.

 

never changed gear oil. sometimes dont use the 4x4 for years at a time.
no problems.

 

Same, I talked to my Toyota Specialist friends, and they never encounter any failure due to not using 4WD enough, so Toyota must be very conservative

 

So just popping between 2WD and 4HI isn't enough, gotta use 4LO at least once a month too?

 

You can switch into and out of 4WD on a straight stretch of paved road with no issues. I do that every so often so the actuators get exercised and don’t seize in place. Not sure if that is a problem, but it’s good for the little electric motors to move back and forth every so often I would wager.

 

Honestly, don't use 4lo unless its needed. Just use 4HI.

I'm a Toyota tech and again, most issues are involving 4lo engagements.

 

Isn’t driving on a rainy day in 4WD an okay method too? Secondly, you want to try as much as possible not to turn the wheels while in 4WD correct?

 

I don’t understand this logic? Are you wearing out 4lo by using it? How will you know it works when you need it?

 

Modern tires give a ton of traction on wet pavement. Probably not a super good idea to run around in 4x4 on wet roads, but unlikely to blow anything up.

 

4WD just needs a loose surface, turn as much as you'd like on gravel, snow or mud.

Rain isn't ideal, but if the truck is loose, use 4WD, safety is far more important than durability. These t-cases are tough, they don't fail often.

 

The transfer case actuator jams in 4lo, especially when misused. It's rare but one of the only faults I've seen on the electric t-cases.

 

Honest question, as I live in steep country and use 4Lo all the time:

How do you misuse the T-case? Like, Toyota forces you to stop the vehicle and put it in neutral to switch into 4lo. What is the opportunity to abuse it?

 

It's guys who shift into 4lo while moving, then drive it while flashing. It eventually tries to engage or does, but can't release. It's 100% misuse.

 

Ok. I didn’t think the software would let 4Lo engage with the vehicle in motion. Never tried to prove that theory. Thanks

 

It doesn't but I think its guys who are frustrated and try moving. Who knows.

I miss my jeep XJ, I could slap that into 4lo and boogy in 2nd gear while moving.

 

Actually, I was wondering the same thing. My guess would be if you have the driveline in any kind of bind while trying to shift in or out. Given the situation in which you would need to use it, some binding would seem unavoidable. @Bishop84, would like to hear your take on it.
Thanks!