What is the status of "anytime 2wd Low range"?

I've scanned the 3rd gen forum.
Caught wind to "discontinued" on the 2nd gens.

I've got a 2021 6mt Sport and could use low range in reverse!

 

Not sure last time I checked the website was down. I have the harness ready to install and went to look at something about the switch and it was gone.

 

Some do it, but I don't recommend it. Back in the day when 4X4's had 3 sticks in the floor and manual locking hubs it was easy to shift to low range and stay in 2wd. They also had statements in the owners manual as well as stickers on the dash warning drivers not to do so. They no longer include the warnings because it's impossible to do that from the factory. I've seen guys snap U-Joints who did it.

 

The danger of damage is directly proportional to the quality of the brain operating the controls.

 

2Lo is the only way I can back up a 3000 pound boat or my 1800 pound teardrop without burning up the clutch. Pretty sure a broken joint would be less expensive than a clutch.

 

Fixed it...

Because the force needed to move a trailer does not change depending on whether you are on 2low or 2high...

One can easily make the argument that 2 low lets you do the (same) work with a gentler application of power.

The alternative implied; Using 4low under high power, with tight turns on dry surfaces comes with the same risk above PLUS potential damage to the front drive train... (as being bound adds additiinal loads /internal stress.)

I don't use it for trailers much, but do use it often off road when tight turns are needed while climbing, or when conditions make speed undesirable.

 

if you need a switch, ch4x4 or air on board sells the switch

 

Is the thread showing the parts required not here anymore? I did the 2lo mod DIY back in 2018/19, on my almost new truck. A big relay, a big resistor, a switch and splicing into the hsrness, accessing behind the glove box and ta da. It wasnt super hard, and has worked great, i used it yesterday in fact.

 

Here is the thread, the OP unfortunately is not marketing the kits anymore, lots of info in post #1, be sure to click on the spoiler buttons for more.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-2wd-low-range-for-the-3rd-gen-tacoma.614743/

 

I honestly forget exactly what I was looking for. I think the wiring diagram for the harness to the switch. I would like to use my aux beam to activate it.

 

What would be the danger of using 2 low? It's mostly for things like backing up a steep hill or moving a trailer. Low speed movement.

 

He has said this over and over and over again as if simply switching into 2Lo mode immediately grenades everything on principle. Backing up a trailer or whatever else people use 2Lo for is such a slow and controlled process that I would be completely amazed if someone managed to ruin anything by doing so in 2Lo. It’s not like anyone is gassing it hard…they are using it for the slow control.

 

I saw a comment on here a long time ago that putting all the torque strain on just half the system could cause issues. I’m hesitant to pull my 3,000 lb boat up the ramp using 2LO but it would definitely help. The truck is incapable of pulling it up a steep ramp out of water in 2 high. It requires so much clutch slip and clutch smoke at high RPM to get it moving and when I did it last year I actually couldn’t even release the clutch. I went to 4LO and it was gravel so not terrible as I pulled it up the ramp and turned but I still wasn’t happy about it. It’s a family trip that we only do once a year with that boat so I’d like to figure this out.

 

2Lo would be perfectly fine for what you are needing.

 

This sounds like a situation where using 4LO would be no issue.

 

Appreciate the input. I’ll use it.

 

4lo had worked fine for me every time I pulled the boat up a ramp or parked it im the yard. I’ve never felt a need for 2lo, but I understand why one might find it useful.

It’s ok to use 4lo for short distances on pavement if you don’t need to turn sharply.

I also have never had trouble backing my 2300 lb boat on leveling surfaces in 2hi. It just takes some gentle clutch work. However, I can imagine some situations where I would be challenged.

The torque to the ground is the same regardless of 2hi or 4hi as long as the driver controls the throttle and clutch correctly. Only The maximum possible torque possible is higher in 2lo. Regardless, I’m skeptical one could grenade the rear axle using 2lo to move a trailer. The forces are likely far below those used in an off-road situation.