2010 SR5 4x4 system question

[luv2eat]

I just bought my first 4Runner and I'm new to this forum; btw, I really like this 2010 model!
The manual says that I need to drive it in the 4WD mode for 10 miles each month to keep the system lubricated. I read somewhere that the 4WD should not be engaged on "dry pavement", however the manual does not mention this limitation-something to do with not having locking differentials. Living in SoCal and not planning on doing a whole lot of four wheeling, what are my options. I mainly got the 4x4 for going skiing during the winter months. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[angrydog]

I asked my Toyota Service adviser about this and he gave me; "Don't worry about it". I don't think that was a legitimate answer but I put it in 4WD when there are heavy rains.


EDIT: Like others said, only do this on straight roads and avoid sharp turns.

 

[JB.]

The manual says that I need to drive it in the 4WD mode for 10 miles each month to keep the system lubricated. I read somewhere that the 4WD should not be engaged on "dry pavement", however the manual does not mention this limitation-something to do with not having locking differentials.

"Don't use 4WD on dry pavement" is good as a simple rule, but it's an oversimplified rule. Do like the manual says and avoid sharp, low speed turns. That's all.

 

[atv223]

The devils are definitely in the details on this one and some people get very dogmatic about it.

Once a week or so, when I am on a straight run, I throw it in four wheel drive for a couple miles and just make sure I take it out before I make any hard turns.

I figure the traction control, stability control and ABS will handle the rain and light snow. Use the 4x4 off road and when the going really gets bad.

 

[angrydog]

Since we're on the topic; Will it hurt the transfer case if keep switching from 2WD to 4WD like you would constantly switch gears on a manual transmission?

 

[Quentin]

Since we're on the topic; Will it hurt the transfer case if keep switching from 2WD to 4WD like you would constantly switch gears on a manual transmission?

Like, are you talking about shifting into it multiple times every time you go out? I think that would be bad for it, but I cannot fathom why you'd want to do that.

Now, if you were on a drive that had a good bit of snow and dry patches, it wouldn't be a problem to switch back and forth. That likely isn't the normal driving conditions for you though.

 

[luv2eat]

Thanks for all your replies! One thing though.... I didn't see anywhere in the manual that says to avoid sharp turns at low speeds. I'll look again just to make sure.

 

[angrydog]

Now, if you were on a drive that had a good bit of snow and dry patches, it wouldn't be a problem to switch back and forth. That likely isn't the normal driving conditions for you though.

That's exactly what I meant, like driving four hours on the highway where there might be slick spots every now and then. Thanks for the info; Coming from a full time AWD from a Pathfinder, I never had a part-time 4WD till I bought the Tundra which is switch controlled whilst the 4Runner is lever controlled.

 

[Quentin]

That's exactly what I meant, like driving four hours on the highway where there might be slick spots every now and then. Thanks for the info; Coming from a full time AWD from a Pathfinder, I never had a part-time 4WD till I bought the Tundra which is switch controlled whilst the 4Runner is lever controlled.

Do you have the 5.7L or 4.6L Tundra DC TRD offroad? I test drove a 4.6 in exactly that configuration on Friday for my father. I thought the 4.6 had plenty of power for his needs, which is towing a small, 3 horse trailer. How would you compare the overall build quality to the 4Runner? I feel like my SR5 is very well screwed together after it having not a single rattle or buzz after several offroad trips. If the Tundra feels the same, I'll have to recommend him add a 3rd Toyota to the family (my mom bought a Rav4 back in March).

 

[JB.]

Thanks for all your replies! One thing though.... I didn't see anywhere in the manual that says to avoid sharp turns at low speeds. I'll look again just to make sure.

I should have typed, "do like the manual says and also avoid sharp, low speed turns".

 

[M1911]

Thanks for all your replies! One thing though.... I didn't see anywhere in the manual that says to avoid sharp turns at low speeds. I'll look again just to make sure.

With 4WD engaged, the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed. When you around a corner, the rear of the truck steps in; that is, the rear differential takes a shorter path around the corner than the front differential. The result is that the front driveshaft needs to turn at a faster speed than the rear differential, but it can't. Off road, the tires just slip, eliminating any extra torque on the drivetrain. But on dry pavement, the tires can't slip, thus adding torque to the drivetrain.

So don't take sharp turns in 4WD on dry pavement.

 

[luv2eat]

With 4WD engaged, the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed. When you around a corner, the rear of the truck steps in; that is, the rear differential takes a shorter path around the corner than the front differential. The result is that the front driveshaft needs to turn at a slower speed than the rear differential, but it can't. Off road, the tires just slip, eliminating any extra torque on the drivetrain. But on dry pavement, the tires can't slip, thus adding torque to the drivetrain.

So don't take sharp turns in 4WD on dry pavement.

Thanks for the explanation. This gives me an excuse to go do some off roadin'!

 

[jwang415]

I had a question about the SR5 part time 4x4. Are we supposed to put it into reverse and back up for XX ft every time we go from 4Hi to 2Hi?

 

[Froggy]

I had a question about the SR5 part time 4x4. Are we supposed to put it into reverse and back up for XX ft every time we go from 4Hi to 2Hi?

The attached pages from the 2010 manual should help.

 

[scanny]

I had a question about the SR5 part time 4x4. Are we supposed to put it into reverse and back up for XX ft every time we go from 4Hi to 2Hi?

No, as far as I remember manual suggested that you might need to backup if 4hi doesn't engage. But I've never had to backup so far, for me it engages on the go. But I normally drive over 10 miles a month in 4x4 mode and I assume that my transfer case is well lubricated.