Issue with 4x4 engaged

When pulling out of a parking lot with 4x4 engaged and the steering wheel all the way to the left or right depending on which way I want to go. It seems or feels like the hand brake is on. It does not feel like this with my awd highlander. TIA.

 

Binding. Are you doing this on dry pavement, snow, rain?

 

Binding indeed. Tacoma 4wd is very different than Highlander AWD.

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html

 

Well AWD and 4x4 are different systems so It would feel different. My Subaru vs the Taco, the Taco has more drag for sure, as it should though. The transfer case creates more resistance and especially when new. Make sure you are doing your monthly kms / miles to keep it functioning

 

Are you in 4HI? That's only for the mountains, if your at sea level you want to keep it in 4LO.

 

AWD systems use 3 differentials: Front, Rear and Middle
4x4 has no center differential

What this means is that 4x4 will send same power to front and rear wheels and cannot account for the different wheel speed between the front and rear tires when you are turning

AWD systems can split power between front and rear differently via the center differential.

This is why you don't drive 4h on drive pavement.

 

Your tires will soon tell you it is not a good idea. Do it often enough and your transmission will let you know then your ......

 

Haha! That's great advice. On that note, is 5th gear only for elevations above 5K feet? I've always wondered...

 

Keep in mind that most Americans now have much more experience with AWD (especially the on-demand FWD-based systems in most crossovers) than 4WD, so don't pile on this guy for not understanding 4WD.

4WD really is sub-optimal for any on-road condition save deep snow. That's why most 4WD vehicles nowadays have automatic transfer cases; I'm really surprised Toyota doesn't offer one on the Taco.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I appreciate them.

 

Excellent thread!

 

It's not a good idea to use 4HI on dry sticky surface such as concrete, tarmac, asphault, etc. This will call binding and put stress on your powertrain. If the surface is slippery like gravel, snow, water, dirt, sand, etc. Then 4HI is perfect for that and won't cause any stress.

 

It's been awhile since I had a 4x4 (part time) but I now I want to hear more about 4x4 on pavement. 4HI more specifically.

http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/driveline-bind.html

 

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html

Ok nm, this covered it for me basically.

 

the vast majority of the time a Tacoma is a rear wheel drive vehicle.

 

After coming from a wrx with AWD this is great information. I had no idea of the stress you can cause with Part time 4wd on dry surfaces.

 

It's bitchin off road though.

 

And you own a 4x4? and I still don't think the OP understands he cant use it on dry pavement. ONLY wet surfaces

 

thanks for this. I learned a lot!

 

I thought I read the entire owners manual with no mention of this. This will be my first part-time 4WD and the owners manual did state to put it in 4WD Hi for at least 10 miles every month. So in the summer months is wet concrete or asphalt low enough traction for the city slickers?