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Old 01-01-2009, 05:48 PM #1
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What an amazing car
Guys, this is first winter on 4runner for me. What an amazing car. I did changed tires to revos, but what a car! I shipped car to Armenia and we have quite a snow here. No problems on a snow at all, I do not when need to use 4LO, even in 4HI car climbs snowy and icy hills without any problems. I tried lock the differential today, definitely feel more power and predictable handling in a deep snow, but with 4HI it handles as well. I am new in 4WD and cant really understand when to use what. In which cases I really need to lock the differential or use 4LO?
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Old 01-01-2009, 06:10 PM #2
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What year? An '08?

If it's earlier than '08 IMHO the following are good rules of thumb that will allow the VSC to protect you and provide the best 'go in the snow' balance.

Diff unlocked when speeds are above 20mph-30mph. Diff unlocked when snow coverage is 'patchy' to prevent driveline binding.

Diff locked when below 20mph and the snow is deep with complete coverage. Diff locked when max acceleration is required (pulling out into traffic). Diff lock when traversing snow banks, steep driveways etc. Why? In part because with the diff unlocked the VSC will cut the engine power to maintain traction which can be dangerous (pulling into traffic) and it's not as fun

Low range has a minimal place in the snow, in fact can hurt the cause except for offroading. Overall a smooth, gentle gas pedal foot and less torque multiplication (4HI) is the way to go. When driving a stick shift in the snow it's always good practice to keep the revs low, use a high gear and in some cases even take off in 2nd gear. The reason? Keep the torque/horsepower as low as practical. Why? The tires are less likely to lose traction and spin. To this end the 'winter mode' of some cars is nothing more than a switch that tricks the transmission into taking off in 2nd or 3rd gear. Many automatics will takeoff in 2nd when 2nd is selected and if you read the manual it's suggested use always centers around low-traction situations.

How does downshifting play into this? It seems downshift in the snow is a popular practice. Pre-ABS downshifting to slow would make it harder for the wheels to lock. It essentially added a 'flywheel' effect to the wheels. Brake inputs were less likely to stop the wheels completely and allow for continued steering control. With current technology ABS it still helps a bit to downshift when going downhill or slowing but not much. In some cases it can hurt, ABS is awesome. It's really a case by case thing. Whichever feels better is probably right for the conditions.

Does that help?

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Old 01-01-2009, 06:14 PM #3
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I am new to the 4runner but, have had other 4wd vehicles in the past and If the engine is doing a lot work from deep snow it is hard on the transmission to leave it in 4HI and it can cause it to get too hot. When You put it in 4LO both the engine and the tranny have a lot less work to do. But, You would only use 4LO at very low speeds 10 to 20 mph. Someone more familiar with the 4runner could give better speed ranges to use it in though...
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Old 01-01-2009, 06:31 PM #4
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Quote:
Originally posted by 08t4rUR
I am new to the 4runner but, have had other 4wd vehicles in the past and If the engine is doing a lot work from deep snow it is hard on the transmission to leave it in 4HI and it can cause it to get too hot. When You put it in 4LO both the engine and the tranny have a lot less work to do. But, You would only use 4LO at very low speeds 10 to 20 mph. Someone more familiar with the 4runner could give better speed ranges to use it in though...
The only issue I see with your 4LO suggestion is that rpm's are going to raise and raise quickly with speed. Even at 30mph, you would still be turning the engine (torque converter and front end of the tranny) pretty fast. Might not really be an issue, just seems a concern for me.

I will stick with 4HI
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Old 01-02-2009, 03:03 PM #5
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Thanks for explanation
Thans a lot for explanation. I have 03 V6 4Runner, but with low miles. So far 4 days driving in the snow I agree on snow and some ice 4HI and 4HI with locked diff if I need more power, are the best options. The revos also great, the only complain I have is ice, not as goon on ice as dedicated winther tires, but overall incredible tire and great compromise in noise, traction, comfort and offroad.
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