4 SPD AUTO vs. 5 SPD AUTO?

[ZOSO Runner]

Forgive my ignorance...

This may sound like a stupid question, so forgive me. I have always driven cars with manual trans. I know when to use "D" and know that downshifting into "3" will use the engine to brake on a curvy road and on downhills, but I don't know when to use the other gears "2" and "L" Is it used primarily for off-roading? I have only the 2WD and I did a little off-roading the other weekend and drove in "L" Is there a rule-of-thumb for using the gears on an auto trans.? I have an '04 SR5 2WD so my trranny is the 4-speed. Thanks for any insight!!!!

 

[JB.]

Reverse:

03-04 V6 2.393
V8 3.224


It was an PDF on Toyota's press site about the 4Runner, which I downloaded at the time.

Thanks.

Before I asked, I was completely incapable of finding it on my own. It was only after I asked that the light bulbs went on and I found it. I trust y'all know how that works. I HOPE y'all know how that works.

Anyway, I'm gonnna be havin' a whole lot more fun racin' around in reverse, now that I know the ratio.