shaftymcgee7
New member
So just a quick question i know u have to use 4hi 10 mi a month to keep it lubricated does this also lubricate 4lo or should u use it every once in a while for the separate set of gears?
4lo usage question
- Thread starter shaftymcgee7
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Yea, I think running it in a straight line for about 20 feet will do it.....but really, I think all the gears are in the same transfer case. I may be wrong, but once you run it in 4 hi, you are also spreading the transfer case fluid through out all the gears. But it never hurts to work all the gears at least a little bit. Just make sure if in 4lo, GO SLOW, GO STRAIGHT and do not go a very long distance.
Gerdo
New member
FYI, the transfer case oil is being used even in 2Hi.
Seeing that your talking 5th gen, the transfer case is shifted with servos. It is important to exercise those servos. There probably is a servo that shifts the transfer case in/out of 4wd and another to shift in/out of Hi/Lo. Both servos need exercise. More than distance, in/out is more important.
This included the e-locker rear diff if equipt.
Seeing that your talking 5th gen, the transfer case is shifted with servos. It is important to exercise those servos. There probably is a servo that shifts the transfer case in/out of 4wd and another to shift in/out of Hi/Lo. Both servos need exercise. More than distance, in/out is more important.
This included the e-locker rear diff if equipt.
Gerdo, is it the same for both "lever shift" as well as "dial" shift? Both use servo's? If so, my lever shift "feels" as though it is directly linked to the gear shift in that if I do not do it "just right", I will feel grinding of the gears as they try to mesh. I assume this does not occur with the dial shift....thanks for your input. Be safe and have a very Happy New Years.
Gerdo
New member
On a side note, when wheeling in terrain that has hills, use 4Lo. Even if you feel like there is plenty of power in Hi, you can over heat the transmission. The torque converter needs to be at higher RPMs to lock up. If not locked up, the converter is slipping which causes heat. I have seen many (3rd, 4th and 5th gens) with over heating transmissions while wheeling. The bad news is that the trans indicator light comes on when the fluid is way to hot. Unless you are driving on a dirt road, you should be in Lo.
roadracer30
Member
I'm pretty sure the lubrication desired is mostly occurring in the front differential, not the transfer case. The t-case should be properly lubricated as it is.
shaftymcgee7
New member
Aight thanks for replys , just curious would engaging lo range once a month during the safe conditions for it snow/ice slow straight be enough excersise you think, have only used it maybe 4-5 times and want to insure my 4r lasts like a champ
Intruder
New member
By driving in 4Lo you're also doing less damage to the trails since you're not as likely to spin your tires.
roadracer30
Member
I don't think there is any point in driving in 4lo for reliability. Maybe engaging it once in a while if you have a servo operated t-case, but otherwise, 4hi should be be fine.
I want to point out one thing though: 4x4 systems gear the front differential *slightly* taller than the rear differential to keep things tracking correctly. (the front wheels turn slightly faster than the rear wheels)
It is not good for your truck to drive straight on dry asphalt in 4hi or 4lo. You get what's called drive-train wind up as the slight difference in front/rear gearing expresses itself.
If you really can't get off road and you insist on driving 10mi a month in 4hi, I think you should do it in very tiny increments. Engage and disengage the 4wd in 1/4 mile increments while driving straight. Something like that.
I want to point out one thing though: 4x4 systems gear the front differential *slightly* taller than the rear differential to keep things tracking correctly. (the front wheels turn slightly faster than the rear wheels)
It is not good for your truck to drive straight on dry asphalt in 4hi or 4lo. You get what's called drive-train wind up as the slight difference in front/rear gearing expresses itself.
If you really can't get off road and you insist on driving 10mi a month in 4hi, I think you should do it in very tiny increments. Engage and disengage the 4wd in 1/4 mile increments while driving straight. Something like that.
shaftymcgee7
New member
what about straight lines on semi covered roads with patches of snow and ice, i drive maybe 3-4 miles one way to work in stop and go and theres usually lots of ice on the way , from what ive heard/read driving straight lines during winter conditions is fine as long as i dont take any sharp turns, would this be fine on 4hi?
rebelbowtie
New member
This is absolutely not true, like at all, not even a little bit. Drive train wind up is from turning on non slippery surface since the transfer case locks the front and rear axles together and the tires inherently need to travel at different speeds since the front and rear track at different angles. Please dont give out this advice ever again.
rebelbowtie
New member
You're fine, he has no idea what he is talking about.
If what you saying is true for the 4 runner, you would think the Manual would point this out. It doesn't. In fact it only says to reduce speed to 50mph or less when shifting in or out of 4 Hi. (Keeping in mind the SR5 and Trail does NOT have a center locking differential.) It may be different for the Limited and what you are saying might apply with that model. Be Safe and have a Happy New Years.
The stated reasons to shift into 4 WD per the 2010 Manual are copy and pasted below.
Per the Manual:
H4 (high speed position, four-wheel drive)
Greater traction than two wheel drive.
For when you experience a loss of power, such as wheel slipping.
L4 (low speed position, four-wheel drive)
For driving requiring maximum power and traction such as climbing or
descending steep hills, off-road driving and hard pulling in sand or mud,
etc.
Four-wheel drive usage frequency
You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each
month.
This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.
1engineer
Moderator
Its side to side difference of wheel rpm around corners. Front to rear? Really?
Dude just put it in 4HI every now and then in summer months and 4Low once in a while going up driveway. In 4HI long gradual radius turns are OK just avoid tight turns such as parking lot on dry pavement. This is not rocket science and the info posted above is absurd.
Dude just put it in 4HI every now and then in summer months and 4Low once in a while going up driveway. In 4HI long gradual radius turns are OK just avoid tight turns such as parking lot on dry pavement. This is not rocket science and the info posted above is absurd.
diverscale
Member
X2. Even forgot my tacoma on 4HI for a complete day, on dry pavement and highway. No harm done... (not that I encourage you to use 4HI on dry pavement, you can really feel the driveline bind)
Antman
Elite Member
That's pretty darn funny!:lmao: