2H to 4H on the fly

[mrpanic7]

So I've been reading ALOT on my new toy, and came across something interesting. The manual clearly states that you can go from 2H to 4H as long as you are going less than 62 MPH. Now mind you I am no novice to vehicle care/maintenance, and do not plan on doing this unless needed, but wanted to ask if anyone else does this and has had any horror stories to share about it.

 

[DC runner]

Yes. You will be fine. Stay below the recommended speed, and the electronic actuator will engage 4H in a safe manner.

 

[mrpanic7]

Thanks! That's what I figured too. You think doing this puts any more wear on the components then being at a stop in (N)?

 

[d2huffman]

No more wear - front and rear are running at same speed. The system is specifically designed to do this. I would recommend that you do this on a regular basis to free up the shifting if slow and to keep it functioning if it is fine.

 

[mrpanic7]

Thanks yeah I plan on regularly engaging it so it gets the juices flowing aside from when I actually go off-road.

Another side question...
Since this isn't a "AWD" labeled vehicle. Would it be harmful to the vehicle to leave in 4H all the time? I don't plan to, mileage etc, but just curious.

 

[ClockWork]

Thanks yeah I plan on regularly engaging it so it gets the juices flowing aside from when I actually go off-road.

Another side question...
Since this isn't a "AWD" labeled vehicle. Would it be harmful to the vehicle to leave in 4H all the time? I don't plan to, mileage etc, but just curious.

No it's fine. Relax.

 

[mrpanic7]

No it's fine. Relax.

Thanks. Not trying to sound panic'd, but I've had friends with older 4WD's that had problems because they just kept in 4WD, but I'm assuming that's because there's was well....older

 

[sonerick]

FWIW the V8's are full-time 4wd. Same drivetrain essentially, just no switch for 2H.

 

[mrpanic7]

FWIW the V8's are full-time 4wd. Same drivetrain essentially, just no switch for 2H.

That's a good fact to know thanks for sharing that!

 

[ClockWork]

Thanks. Not trying to sound panic'd, but I've had friends with older 4WD's that had problems because they just kept in 4WD, but I'm assuming that's because there's was well....older

This isn't an older 4wd.

 

[mrpanic7]

This isn't an older 4wd.

Touche`:tongue:

 

[Druss]

So I've been reading ALOT on my new toy, and came across something interesting. The manual clearly states that you can go from 2H to 4H as long as you are going less than 62 MPH. Now mind you I am no novice to vehicle care/maintenance, and do not plan on doing this unless needed, but wanted to ask if anyone else does this and has had any horror stories to share about it.

I engage 4hi below 60 mph often and is a feature of the 4th gen I like very much.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/97478-4wd-system-v6-vs-v8.html

 

[jimithing]

You should also switch into 4Lo once a month or so and at least drive around the block. It'll keep the actuator working properly like someone else said. Just don't lock the diff on concrete and you'll be fine.

 

[chayos00]

Part of why the 4runner is able to do the 4H all the time is the fact that we basically have open differentials so all wheels are able to freely move without binding.

The only thing that will happen if you try to engage 4H above the recommended speed is that the truck will start chiming at you letting you know it's not going to switch.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

The front and rear are open diff'd, but technically the center differential is a sophisticated Torsen Unit. It can split power front/rear so the 4wd can be run on all surfaces without harm.

I think for the 5th gen it's only on the Limiteds. 4th gen owners it's on all models. Correct me if this is mistaken.

 

[chayos00]

The front and rear are open diff'd, but technically the center differential is a sophisticated Torsen Unit. It can split power front/rear so the 4wd can be run on all surfaces without harm.

I think for the 5th gen it's only on the Limiteds. 4th gen owners it's on all models. Correct me if this is mistaken.

I stand corrected.

Toyota 4Runner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The optional 4WD systems were full-time on V8 models while "Multi-Mode" or part-time on V6 models, both systems used a lockable Torsen center differential."

 

[Daron-t4r]

Yea, I switch from 2H to 4H and back ALL the time, depending on whether I'm on the highway near where I live, or on the snowier road, and I've had 0 problems. Actually, there is a big of a "clunk" upon changing modes when going below 15 MPH, and I noticed when going relatively fast, that the transition between modes is very smooth. I wouldn't have any worries about changing modes if I were you.

 

[settytb]

I just tried this at about 40 mph on a completely snow covered freeway and no go. It wouldn't engage and all the 4wd lights started flashing...pulled off at the next exit and turned the truck off...then back on and shifted going slow and all was well. So, for me i'm going to stick to really low speeds. However mine is an 03 with like 135k on the clock so i'm a bit older than most...

 

[ToolmanJohn]

The 4WD system has trouble engaging while the wheels are turning different speeds (slippery surfaces, snow, mud, dirt). It will engage if the wheels are all turning the same speed. So if the traction lamp is blinking or the VSC, anti-lock brakes are clicking away, it won't switch modes. And it won't while making a heavy turn either. You need to be going relatively straight when switching modes.

 

[MikeInNH]

So I've been reading ALOT on my new toy, and came across something interesting. The manual clearly states that you can go from 2H to 4H as long as you are going less than 62 MPH. Now mind you I am no novice to vehicle care/maintenance, and do not plan on doing this unless needed, but wanted to ask if anyone else does this and has had any horror stories to share about it.

4wd vehicles have had this ability for 30+ years. This is nothing new. With my 84 GMC S-15 I could shift to 4wd any time up to 50mph. Only thing that's changed since then is the mph you can safely shift into 4wd.