4 low

[WindomEarles]

I noticed when I go into 4 wheel low and start accelerating it feels like its shifting multiple times before getting up to 10mph. Kinda jerky. Then when I go back under 10mph it seems to downshift the same amount of times. This normal? This doesn't do this in 4 high. Also it makes a low end gear whine, which I assume is normal? It's been months since I used 4 low and can't remember how it was before.

 

[Jeremy556]

That's a common issue with the Kuhneutson valve. Better bring it to the dealer to get it checked.

 

[WindomEarles]

That's a common issue with the Kuhneutson valve. Better bring it to the dealer to get it checked.

Can you expound on this?

 

[JohnJerk]

No issue. 4low is geared lower thus more quick shifts and a top speed of 30 mph or so IIRC. Obvious, no?

 

[Eagle]

it's located behind the blinker fluid reservoir.


But really... 4 wheel low. low = low gearing. it's been covered multiple places in forum, but it is perfectly normal.


Edit: maybe someone can find a particularly helpful thread about "how your four wheel drive works" and bump it to the top since the changing season and first snows are raising some of these questions?

 

[mform]

Could just be a loose Johnson Belt. Nothing dangerous...

 

[WindomEarles]

Geez sorry for asking! :shrug:

 

[1engineer]

Geez sorry for asking! :shrug:

Don't let them bother you man.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The low gearing in 4Lo will not really want to go past about 35~40mph without putting unnecessary strain on the drivetrain. You will hear a gear whine in 4Lo as these gears are going to reduce the speed of the engine & transmission output more significantly than 4Hi.

You will notice a jerky, torquey feeling in throttle response and gear selection as the transfer case only reduces the output shaft speed of the transmission and the ECM is going to adjust shift mapping slightly in this mode. This will be more noticeable if you have the center differential lock engaged also. While 4Hi will let you get to pretty much whatever speed your 4Runner can manage, 4Lo will top out around that 35~40mph mark due to the gearing.

 

[Jeremy556]

Can you expound on this?

Sorry, thought this was a parody of the earlier 4L thread...

 

[cbreze]

Just shift manually when in 4LO, I find this a much better solution to the frequent auto shifting.

 

[JB.]

Take care with the downshifts, though, especially into 1st.