1996 4x4 Auto - shifting from 2 to L while moving?

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Hi all,

Wondered if I could shift from 2 to L while moving? It makes a bit of extra noise when I shift from 2 to L, so wasn't sure.

The reason I ask is because it makes descending steep hills easier, without killing the brakes sometimes.

I know I can safely turn off the O/D, then drop from D to 2 while moving... as I've done it countless times.

But on really steep hills, I'd like to be able to then drop from 2 to L.

This is while in 2WD of course, but I was surprised when I was in Sequoia National Park this weekend and shifting from 2 to L while cruising down a hill made so much extra noise. It almost reminded me of when I put my manual-transmission Miata into 1st lol.

 

[mtbtim]

Yes, you absolutely can but you would want to make that shift at a very slow speed. Supposedly the auto trans won't shift into the low gear if the rpms are too high but why count on that. Slow down to a really slow speed, shift into Low and crawl down the steep grade saving your brakes from overheating.

 

[185Runner]

Hi all,

Wondered if I could shift from 2 to L while moving? It makes a bit of extra noise when I shift from 2 to L, so wasn't sure.

The reason I ask is because it makes descending steep hills easier, without killing the brakes sometimes.

I know I can safely turn off the O/D, then drop from D to 2 while moving... as I've done it countless times.

But on really steep hills, I'd like to be able to then drop from 2 to L.

This is while in 2WD of course, but I was surprised when I was in Sequoia National Park this weekend and shifting from 2 to L while cruising down a hill made so much extra noise. It almost reminded me of when I put my manual-transmission Miata into 1st lol.

L is 1st. Just 1st in an auto.

 

[alumarine]

You can do it in 4WD as well.

 

[phattyduck]

L is 1st. Just 1st in an auto.

As long as you are using the auto shifter and not the 4WD shifter!

-Charlie

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Thanks very much. I guess it was just normal noise. I have all the best fluids in the truck since I took ownership.