4WD Usage Question

aeroneer1

aeroneer1

New member
I searched around, didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

I just got a 3rd Gen and I threw on the 4W just to test it out for the upcoming snow storm. :hungry:

Q1: You can keep 4W high on all the time and be just fine, correct?>

Q2: To engage the 4WD, put it in neutral and click the 4WD button the 4WD shifter knob. To engage locker, press the locker button the dash near the guages, right? Once the 4WD is working, (sometimes the diagram in gauge blinks for a minute) all 4 wheels will be lit up green. If locker is engaged, teh center circle will be lit up orange, right?

Q3: My truck won't move unless the the 4WD shifter knob is in High, even if the diagram is not lit up green (button depressed on 4WD shifter knob), that's normal, right? Just means I'm driving 2WD?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I wouldn't drive around town in 4w. no need to run the gears up front if you dont have too. hurts mileage for one. but to just check them should be fine. or take it on gravel

the locker would be for while your in 4low and it wont engage unless your stopped and foot on the brake.
 
Read that thread. But to answer your questions.

When just the green lights are on, thats multi-mode (aka AWD) safe for use on dry pavement.

That locker you speak of is the center diff, '01-02 dont have rear lockers. Locking that center diff puts you in true 4x4, and the center orange light comes on in the gauges. Only use offroad.

Yes, have the shifter in 4hi, but with the button dis-engaged. That is 2wd.
 
4-Ripcord said:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html
Click to expand...

This link should answer your questions.
I have the fully manual transfer case. I can shift in and out of 4HI up to 50 mph. I would think that yours could do the same, check first. Your owners manual should explain the 4wd system too.

As far as locking the center diff ( there is a differential inside the transfer case allowing for some slip to occur, AWD). If there is a couple of inches of snow or more on the roads, you will get more traction with the center diff locked. If there is patchy snow or just wet roads, with the center diff locked you will get drivetrain bind since the tires nor the transfer case will allow for the slip.

With it in 4Hi and the center diff un-locked, the power can/will go to the wheel with the least traction. It is actually possible to get stuck with only one tire sitting on ice and the other 3 on dry pavement.

With my type of transfer case I can have either 2Hi (rear wheel drive) or 4Hi (locked center) and after years of driving in the snow in 4Hi I have had zero issues.
 
4-Ripcord said:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html
Click to expand...

Sweet, thanks man. We are getting about a foot in Boulder right now. I tried to head up to Eldora for some pow. I had it in 4HI, no center diff. Seemed great up the mountain when lots of people were sliding off road and stuck. My tires aren't that great for snow either.

So a bus got sideways on the road, and the road was closed. :( Maybe I'll make it up tomorrow. But at one point I was slipping out a little bit coming downhill. I should have put the center diff on for 'true' 4wheel. So ultimate off-roading is 4low with center diff button on (orange lit up).

Thanks.
 
aeroneer1 said:
Sweet, thanks man. We are getting about a foot in Boulder right now. I tried to head up to Eldora for some pow. I had it in 4HI, no center diff. Seemed great up the mountain when lots of people were sliding off road and stuck. My tires aren't that great for snow either.

So a bus got sideways on the road, and the road was closed. :( Maybe I'll make it up tomorrow. But at one point I was slipping out a little bit coming downhill. I should have put the center diff on for 'true' 4wheel. So ultimate off-roading is 4low with center diff button on (orange lit up).

Thanks.
Click to expand...

In this snow, Lock the center diff. It will make a huge difference.
 
If the road is COMPLETELY snow-packed, then lock the center diff. If its patchy snow/wet pavement, then leave it in AWD.
 
aeroneer1 said:
Ya I'll definitely pop it on tomorrow morning if I go up. Pretty sweet having a 4WD riding past people! :D

T4R FTW!
Click to expand...

Remember that the weak link is that you still have rubber tires on the ground. 4wd will help you move and help pull in corners but if you hit the brakes hard and lock the tires you will slide just like the 2wd cars.
 
Gerdo said:
Remember that the weak link is that you still have rubber tires on the ground. 4wd will help you move and help pull in corners but if you hit the brakes hard and lock the tires you will slide just like the 2wd cars.
Click to expand...

X2, you already said you don't have the best tires, don't get overconfident and end up wrecking your new truck in the 1st snowstorm. Take it easy out there until you get a feel for the truck, when the tires let go the center of gravity is high, they can be tough to recover.
 
aeroneer1 said:
Sweet, thanks man. We are getting about a foot in Boulder right now. I tried to head up to Eldora for some pow. I had it in 4HI, no center diff. Seemed great up the mountain when lots of people were sliding off road and stuck. My tires aren't that great for snow either.

So a bus got sideways on the road, and the road was closed. :( Maybe I'll make it up tomorrow. But at one point I was slipping out a little bit coming downhill. I should have put the center diff on for 'true' 4wheel. So ultimate off-roading is 4low with center diff button on (orange lit up).

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Another solution would be to go to a better resort than eldora...
 
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