What happens when I turn switch to 4WD?

That was actually kinda clever...

 

Since the OPs question has been answered I'm going to thread jack a little...though it's on the same lines. Why does Toyota's turn knob 4wd system not lock in immediately? At work I have a 2002 F150 with the 4wd shifter in the floor. I can be at a complete stand still stuck in mud and shift to 4wd and it locks immediately. It seems with the Tacoma the truck has to be moving for my 4wd to lock in. I've tried to shift when at a complete stand still (not stuck in mud just in case it didn't lock) and all that would happen is the 4x4 light would blink. But as soon as I started moving it locked in. I know you are supposed to prepare and shift to 4x4 BEFORE trouble sets in. But it seems Toyotas system needs to be perfected to lock in immediately. Is this a Tacoma thing, an issue with my truck, or something that will work better in the future with more use of the 4wd system? Thanks.

 

+1 for being the only person to give him an actual answer

 

I could use four inches

 

With the floor shifter you do not have a little electric motor locking it into 4X4.That little motor is not as fast as your direct link of the floor shifer.The F150s with the electric 4X4 lock up is just like the Tacomas or at least the 2011 F150 I had was that way.

 

Why did manufacturers go away from that design then if it seems to work better (i.e. lock in immediately)? Usually designers update vehicles with new electronics and motors to increase functionality and update an outdated system. In this case, it seems to have the opposite effect. Takes longer to lock in, thus a less effective system than previous ones. JMO.

 

I believe the transfercase shifts first, then the ADD.

If you visualize what's happening in 2WD: one wheel is connected to the diff, the other side is disconnected. The side that is connected spins the spider gears in the diff. If you visualize how that works, you'll realize that the disconnected axle shaft stub coming out of the diff is actually spinning in reverse direction from the second half of the axle shaft on that side. So, it can't shift first. The driveshaft is stationary until the transfercase shifts. The syncro inside the transfercase brings the front driveshaft up to road speed and the differential carrier spins up to road speed. As this is happening, the spider gears cease spinning, and all the axle shafts inside the front diff assembly spin the correct direction. Only then can the ADD shift successfully.

 

Couldn't have said it any better!

 

Sir, u have just gained REP +1

 

Most people that buy a 4wd these days either never use 4wd or wouldn't know how to use the manual shift. Also not everyone uses their truck to go mud bogging either and couldn't care less about how long it takes for 4wd to engage. Toyota was one of the last few company's to still use the manual lever. You can still get the manual 4wd shifter in the TE 4Runner and FJ Cruiser.

 

To make it more car like I guess and for those who want everything simple without having to think for theirself.I prefer the floor shifter but just try to find a modern truck with it.A super duty Ford is the only ones I know of that still uses locking hubs.Future trucks may not even have a knob to turn.That would require too much effort and thought.A simple voice cammand will take care of it.

 

I don't even care about the content, but points for turning that phrase correctly!

"I could care less." Well, it doesn't bother you much does it? There is hope for society.

 

Thanks, I just choked on my coffee laughing. I could of drowned...

 

I can't tell you how many times I've had to sit and wrestle with a floor shifter to get a truck in 4wd. The new switch, for my use, is much easier. I wouldn't mind having the manual hubs again because it would mean I can have 2Lo (and avoid the ADD actuator problems a lot of people seem to have) but other than that, I'm fine with the newer systems. If Toyota had kept the old floor shifter, they would be left behind their competition since everyone else these days has either a push button, a switch or an AWD option.

 

I bought this truck and I've never used 4wd and STILL haven't. I plan to learn soon when I go out with my friends at the end of the month. It had a great price on it and was less expensive than one that was without and one year newer. Yes, I may be an idiot for not knowing how to operate 4wd but I figured I got a better deal than the guy that bought the other one, considering they were both brand new.

I also bought a motorcycle having only ridden a mini bike before. I had no problem adjusting to the size difference as long as I switched to a Corbin seat. From a lawn mower engine to an 1100 was only a matter of learning never to drop it and to leaaaaan and counter steer as much as my arms and legs would allow.

Call me an idiot but one thing is for sure. I'm constantly learning rather than sitting back and saying "Oh gee, I better not, I don't know what to do..."

 

Solution to this is different transfer case. My wifes truck has option for AWD 4L which means it can be driven on pavement in 4L mode. So plenty of torque to wheels and no binding. I had been trying to get my 4runner case for long time and so far had no luck

 

A very expensive solution! I want 2Lo for maneuvering trailers around, it seems like the reverse gear isn't very low and has some trouble backing heavy trailer up hills. I'm not going to drop in a new transfer case just for that purpose. Someone did a write up on how to put a switch on the ADD actuator so you can put your truck in 4Lo but the front end won't 'lock' if you will. That's a much more cost effective solution in my opinion.