4WD Question

[gRunner3]

I just passed 2000 miles in my car and have not had an opportunity to go off-roading yet. And with football starting up this Saturday I'm not sure when I'll be able to find the time in the near future. That got me to thinking....

Does the 4 wheel drive system need to be occaisionally enganged just to keep it in tip-top shape? I've heard in the past that it is good to use your parking brake every now and then to keep it working properly. So I was wondering if there would be any problem keeping the 4WD unused for a long period of time or if it would be better to at least use it occaisionally. Like maybe using it keeps something lubed or prevents some sort of buildup that results from it being inactive constantly.

(by the way, I do have AWD but I was curious more about the 4 Lo.)

Any thoughts?

 

[boston_kevin]

You are in 4WD all of the time (V8). No need to do anything except change your oil for a long time... V6 is recommended to engage 4WD about once per month to maintain the lubrication in the axle seals. 4Lo is purely another gearing in the transfer case and should not need to be engaged regularly. Some 4Runners will never see 4Lo in their lifetime.

 

[Expat]

Some 4Runners will never see 4Lo in their lifetime.

LOL... most I expect

 

[Offroader]

If I recall correctly, my 4Runner manual recommends to engage the 4WD for 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) every month.

I take advantage of any time it rains to use my 4WD.
This way in case I have to accelerate quickly (floor the gas pedal), my 4Runner doesn't tailspin sideways.

 

[gRunner3]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Bluto]

I put mine in 4Lo the other day. Last time was probably February. I had some gear whine the first 20-30 feet I drove.


It is probably a good idea to spin 4Lo every couple months, get the gears moving.

 

[Thai]

I put mine in 4Lo the other day. Last time was probably February. I had some gear whine the first 20-30 feet I drove.

It is probably a good idea to spin 4Lo every couple months, get the gears moving.

I agree. I would also lock the center diff a few times too...just to get it grease up.

 

[Casper]

i believe that the manual states something like 50 miles a year.