4hi and 4lo are both AWD in a 4th gen. As long as you do NOT activate the CDL button technically you should be ok on pavement. 10miles might be excessive only because it might take longer than your patience will permit and the truck sounds loud in 4lo, but you can hit neighbourhood driving speeds. You don't need to be doing 65 to exercise it.

I think the issue is more having the system go in and out of the settings. When I remember to do this, I might just click the CDL on and off several times as I'm driving down a straight street. If you encouter a turn, you can easily unclick it off, and then turn it back on again. When I get to a red light, I put it into N and turn the dial to 4lo. The next red light...which is the next street corner...I turn it back to 4hi, next stop sign or light I turn it back to 4lo. So what ever shift fork....actuator....thingy gets a little work out. In the last mile to home.

I could be wrong. I'll look for the papers. Either way. Thank God for the warranty.

Ok I was way off. I got the real numbers from my service.

1 actuator was $1100 the other was $378. Warranty company paid $2200 in labor, service guy said it would be $2900 labor without warranty. (dealership cuts a break to warranty company) I did get my differential fluids changed as well.

Hope this helps. Exercise those actuators!

Makes sense. I found a little dirt this month to engage... Working on finding a more regular dirt workout, but for now I'll keep this in mind.

(1) 10 miles per month 4wd recommendation.
(2) Low range and center diff lock actuators.

= two different things.

(1) = Owners Manual.
(2) = 4Runner Forum

(1) Applies to V6 (4wd). Is for the ADD in the front (automatic disconnecting differential) to lubricate "the front drive components".
(2) Is based on reports from members here over many years.

Think I'll go hit up some dirt roads this weekend in 4wd. Just have to loop around them a few times. Thanks for the info.

I myself understand the importance of the use it or lose it concept. And the importance of putting on enough miles with it also. Agree 10miles might be a little much like some are concerned with.
Personally, I would be trying to do as much engaging and disengaging with the system ( including the4lo )
While running it.
I do believe the Idea for all this is to make sure it WILL engage.

When I am out on the trail running constantly from lo to high, I use it so much at times, it just clicks in and out of lo and hi so fast.

Your July summer reminder.

August reminder.

went in low range for a few minutes at the mall the other day and 4 high locked today in the rain at a light.

Thanks.

Whether you believe it or not, we do worry about you.

Thanks for the reminder thread, I ran my V6 through all modes on my street today, and did the same in my 3rd gen as well. Both pop in all modes nearly instantly, nice to know it'll (hopefully, knock on wood) be ready for me should I need it this winter going up the mountains.

End of summer September reminder.

Your fall (October) reminder.

thanks!

Really wish there was a "DIY" on how to fix the damn thing (transfer case). As it stands, you have to replace the whole thing..............