Proper Way To Engaging 4 Wheel Drive

Yet so many ppl want manual hubs..


I’ve never had a 4x4 failure on shift on the fly.

 

The video I posted shows the guy switching back and forth on the dial (2H & 4H Only) to engage the actuator that has been idling for however long since last used (right at 11:40) several times...so the system doesn't lock up from non-usage.

No need to take your foot off the gas pedal to engage because the operation does it automatically. That's the beauty of this system!

 

What you seek is in the owner's manual page 303. There are some additional restrictions, and things associated with Cruise Control which might not be obvious.
The really important thing to remember, is that to engage 4Lo, you'd better come to a stop, engage Neutral, then make the switch.

I'm not going to be one of those that preach RTFM, but it's something I practice, and I have begged my kids to do. In this case, the manual is rather massive, and IMHO, it's not written as well as it could be. I found it so dizzying that it would be the first car manual I've not been able to slog through to be perfectly honest. Maybe it's because I'm getting older. Maybe it's because the usability issues of the document just started frustrating the heck out of me.

I'd also say, at least read the Quick Reference Guide, but Toyota fails to inform you about engaging 4Lo when in Neutral in that document. Arghhhh. Toyota!

 

I don't think the OP was asking HOW do you it, but rather how do YOU do it. Meaning how do most people do it and what are the sounds, feelings, effects, etc.

 

I just turn the knob. My roads are terrible in the winter, so I’m basically in 4h full time until April.

However, in the shoulder months I’ve done it from a stop and on the fly at 50mph with no issue.

 

This is the method I've always used as well. Idea being there is less load on the gears as they line up & engage. $0.02 of personal preference for ya

 

Well, I got error noise when I tried to engage 4H while going 60mph...forgot I need to be going under 50mph to engage.

Once engaged, I could increase my speed passed 60mph.

Side note: I had some BushWacker Fender Flares installed...yeehaw!!!

 

In my taco I just turn the dial, without a load on either the drivetrain or the turning. I usually hit it when I am on the flat and going straight that is.

With my 4runner and FJC, they both have a manual transfer case. Because I also come from the old school 4wds, I actually come to a stop in both of those vehicles before I pull on the stick. Not 100% this is necessary to do in 4hi, just it’s a habit.