Need a 4 wheel drive lesson and when to use what

I took my stock '15 DC OR to Uwharrie earlier this summer. No problems on the easy trail (why is there only one?). I proceeded to the next trail and kept scraping my exhaust pipe up front at the crest of almost every hill. I didn't like that so I turned around. I've got a decent lift now so I'll try again some other time.

 

80, but the manual says 60 I know I know..

 

I know, I attempted humor/

 

Fucking Canadians

Thanks for the conversion to Freedom Units though

 

good read...
http://log.logcluster.org/response/...MENT-Guide to Four Wheel Driving - Toyota.pdf

 

couldn't open that link, but the pic from this link http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/axle-wind-up.html is exactly what I've seen.... binding and pieces go flying out of the transfer case... the most recent one I inspected caused damage to the floor, fuel lines and exhaust. I can't post pics of work stuff on here though.

 

4wd in redneck terms---- "if yur tyres start a spinnin put er in 4 wheel dig."

I don't know why everyone is trying to put science into this..

 

Speaking of Uwharrie. Has anyone done the class http://www.uortc.com/ I certainly could use some tips and lessons and I certainly want to go first with just the stock vehicle. I don't know how much off roading I will do in the future so just want to start simple and get the basics down. Would hate to mod the car too much to find out I don't do it as much as I think.

Also, any trails for riding in the triangle area; nothing too crazy, that I could just take the taco and get it "warmed" up? I was out at Table Rock off the Blue Ridge Parkway and although it was ~20 miles of dirt road there was no reason to engage 4wd. Don't know if anyone knows any long dirt roads that may get muddy in rain to have some fun at. I've looked up areas in Pittsboro but nothing came up

 

There's really not much if any in the way of legal trails around. Your best bet is to find someone that owns land and will let you tear it up. Or just go to URE, it's $5 for a day pass or like $30 for a season pass. The best way to learn is just get out and do it.

 

Find a local club or some local TW Members who are willing to go to a local spot and show you a few things. Always nice to have others to help you out in the beginning. As to 4wd on pavement, as long as you don't get stupid with the skinny pedal it should be fine, just causes tire scrub and such. Most of our local wheeling is on dry granite so if it was going to hurt things, all of our rigs would be toast. Worst case scenario is full steering wheel lock, trying to turn..it will do it, but if you get stupid you can break things. One other thing, if you are pulling someone out of a "stuck situation" try to be driving forward when you do it. Backing up to extract someone is a good way to stress and break front end parts.

 

I pretty much agree. A lot of people here have way more off roading miles than I do, so I can only speak from my own experience. Rather than trying to map out possible situations to 4x4 settings, you're better off understanding what the 4x4 settings do. There's a post here by a member (Dave, IIRC) that does an awesome job of describing what the different modes are and what they do. Once you understand that, you'll know when to use A-TRAC and when to lock the rear. Dave also goes over which traction control systems limit engine output and which ones don't. That's good to know when you're in a "need momentum" or "need to spin the tires to clear them" situation.

I've used DAC on a rocky decline...scary as SH*T. You gotta trust the truck a whole lot to push the button and then take your foot off the brake.

 

@David K #atrac

 

#therewillneverbeadclbtrdoffroad

 

In the winter the roads constantly go from snow covered to bare pavement, I put it in 4 High and go, never had any issues, as mentioned above the diffs are not made of glass.

 

Yes? How can I be of assistance? Did someone say "A-TRAC" or "David K", THREE TIMES out loud?
The link I think one is seeking about traction controls is in my signature >>>

 

That was two, close enough... thank you! Link in my sig.

 

You know, that link in my sig covers up to 2011 drive modes. 9 wasn't enough for Toyota, so they added a 10th... Here are the 10 drive modes for 2012+ Tacoma Off Road 4X4s:

The link in my thread on the traction choices covers to 2011. In 2012, Toyota added another drive mode to the 4WD Tacomas... in H4: 'TRAC OFF' choice instead on standard... and the standard mode in H4 is the new TRAC which has engine output regulation (as it always has in H2). Here is my thread on the newer modes: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/traction-controls-2009-2014.310726/

HERE is the 2012+ data:

2012 + (chages in bold)


Press Nothing...

H2= TRAC (Limited Slip with Engine Output Regulation)
H4= TRAC (Limited Slip with Engine Output Regulation, front and rear)
L4= No Traction Control
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Press (VSC OFF SWITCH) moving or stopped...

H2= AUTO LSD (Limited Slip without Engine Output Regulation, VSC OFF to 30 mph)
H4= TRAC OFF (Limited Slip without Engine Output Regulation)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press and Hold In 3-5 seconds (VSC OFF SWITCH) while stopped...
H2= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
H4= VSC OFF (No Traction Control)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Road TRD:

Quick Press of RR Lock Switch= Rear differential Locker (L4 only on 4WD models)
L4 Only: Quick Press of A-TRAC Switch= Front and Rear near-no slip traction control. A-TRAC works the front below 3 mph when the Rear Locker is also on.
==========================================================================

What should you use?
Standard Mode until you lose traction, then quickly press the VSC OFF button to increase the power of your traction control (more engine RPM, stronger braking on the spinning tires).

In L4 (Low Range) and your tires spin, press the A-TRAC button (Off Road TRD only) to nearly lock-up any spin. I always have A-TRAC on in L4... unless you need to spin the mud out of the tires.

Emergency stuck if A-TRAC doesn't work in any situation, press the RR Lock button (works with or without A-TRAC working on the front tires). The rear locker connects both rear tires from inside the differential (0 spin). Turn off RR Locker, once you are unstuck.

1) H2 TRAC
2) H2 AUTO LSD (VSC OFF to 30 mph)
3) H2 VSC OFF
4) H4 TRAC
5) H4 TRAC OFF
6) H4 VSC OFF
7) L4 VSC OFF
8) L4 & A-TRAC
9) L4 & Rear Locker
10) L4 & Rear Locker & A-TRAC

 

That's it, thanks!

 

Hey OP, I bought my first 4x4 (and truck in general) back in July, a 2014 DCSB Limited. I had all the same questions you did I just didn't get around to asking them since it is still MTB season so I am busy preparing for races. I live in the triangle as well, if you end up doing a class or going to a get together, hit me up. I would love to go to a Uwharrie class with someone who has as little experience as me! Sounds like your off-road would be miles ahead of my limited's suspension, so at least you won't have the worst truck out there.

 

@acmccart8 and @jk70 I'll keep both of you in mind for ure trips. thanksgiving weekend I have a group going.