4wd 4H + center diff? when to use it?

akcc

New member
I was told that when driving in snow in thr city and going on highway (with snow) I should engage in 4H and lock the center diff to prevent the system from overheating.

Would this be true? And should I do it this way?

Because I also read on many forums that if I turn at a corner my rear wheels winds up thr gear since its turning at 50/50 and I should lock center diff and leave it open.

What is thr correct way for the 4wd in the city when snowing.
 
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The "correct way" depends on the conditions. I usually just use 4 high with the center unlocked in most on road snow driving when you will be turning a lot or going from a fresh plowed road to an unplowed side street back to a plowed section you get the idea. The center diff lock is for when you need more traction and less traction control interference. You should never use the diff lock unless there is sufficient snow to let the tires slide when cornering because you will create the driveline binding just like a normal 4wd vehice.

So 4 hi center unlocked is like all wheel drive, you could in theory put it in 4 hi and drive it like that for the life of the truck in any conditions dry or wet whatever.

push that diff lock button and its the same as the 4 wd in an old pickup truck, for use only in the dirt or deeper snow. If you find that the snow you are driving in is causing the throttle to cut back to prevent tire spin its OK to lock that center diff, in the highway or city it doesn't atter as long as the surface will allow tire slippage. The VSC turns off when you push the diff lock button. My truck has been in 4 hi center unlocked since 3 weeks ago because of ice and snow in some places but not in others.

As far as overheating the system they are referring to the atrac system which sounds like your ABS system going while you are accelerating (because it is)ATRAC applies the brake to a spinning wheel to direct tourqe to the wheel that has traction , so its like a limited slip system that uses the brakes instead of clutches in the differential. It works so well that the new Jeep Wrangler JK copied it . Some people have claimed to have overheated the system (probably wheeling hard or doing mud donuts for hours) but I abuse it and never had it overheat on me. The ATRAC actually works very well and the only time I can see it overheating is from excessive use such as driving through very deep snow for hours or trying to free yourself from being stuck for an extended time. In both these cases, If the noise from the ABS is constant its a good indicator that you need the extra tourqe / traction the center diff lock offers. just push it, no need to stop the truck. I think it should engage as long as you are going under 35 mph
 
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From what I understand, locking the diff only makes sense if you are stuck and need the traction. Turning is a no no when the diff is locked because of the extra strain you put on it could damage it. 4H does the job great in the snow. Keep it in 4H and when you are back on dry roads you can put it back in 2wd, or keep it in 4H if you'd like.
 
I was told that when driving in snow in thr city and going on highway (with snow) I should engage in 4H and lock the center diff to prevent the system from overheating.

Nonsense. Locking the center diff turns off spin protection, which is something that you want in the snow.

If you are going offroad or in deep snow, then yes, lock the center diff. But for a couple inches of snow on the road? No.

Btw, I live in Boston. I've been driving my '03 4Runner in the snow every year since I bought it new and I've put 140k miles on it. I don't lock the center diff in the snow.
 
I was told that when driving in snow in thr city and going on highway (with snow) I should engage in 4H and lock the center diff to prevent the system from overheating.

Absolutely untrue. Take no more automotive advice from this person.

Because I also read on many forums that if I turn at a corner my rear wheels winds up thr gear since its turning at 50/50 and I should lock center diff and leave it open.

If you're going to read forums, you might want to understand this for your own sanity.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...pavement-center-diff-lock-vsc-off-switch.html
 

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