4wd use questions

[axed existence]

1. what happens if i lock my hubs while staying in 2hi?

2. what happens if i dont lock my hubs and switch to 4hi or 4lo?

3. when would you ever need to use N on the transfer case?

4. if its pouring rain, so much so that i loose traction to rear wheels in 2wd mode and feel unsafe, whats the best way to go about it? should i lock hubs and switch to 4hi? does this damage the vehicles 4wd (differentials) as its still pavement driving? or should i lock hubs and stay in 2hi (not sure of this as i don't know the answer to #1)

thanks in advance.

 

[Alabama4Runner]

1. what happens if i lock my hubs while staying in 2hi?

Nothing much but your front axles will be turning (maybe a tad loss in gas mileage and a bit more wear on your front end). If I think I might need 4WD, I lock the axles so I don't have to get out and do it after I need 4WD (which normally means I'm stuck already).

2. what happens if i dont lock my hubs and switch to 4hi or 4lo?

Again, nothing much. Your front differential and axle will again be rotating but you won't transfer any force to either of your front tires. Of course if you switch to 4L then your overall gear ratio is reduced. It's fairly common to use 4L without locking your hubs if you are on the pavement but want to use a much lower gear ratio (e.g. pulling a boat up a boat ramp).

3. when would you ever need to use N on the transfer case?

When using a PTO winch. It's not that you need a neutral on the transfer case but you need something between high and low.

4. if its pouring rain, so much so that i loose traction to rear wheels in 2wd mode and feel unsafe, whats the best way to go about it? should i lock hubs and switch to 4hi? does this damage the vehicles 4wd (differentials) as its still pavement driving? or should i lock hubs and stay in 2hi (not sure of this as i don't know the answer to #1)

If you don't have a locker in the front (entirely different subject) then you can lock the hubs and switch to 4H. It won't hurt anything. Locking the hubs and staying in 2H is worthless as it won't do anything at the tires.

thanks in advance.

 

[prodigy2k7]

Actually, for fun I used 4WD on pavement.
I *need* slip in my front wheels or the gear inside will start winding up. Eventually it was actually making me slow down as if i was braking, and I was hardly able to preform a turn.

(I was unable to take it OUT of 4wd)
Once I got home safely, I had to get advice from a friend, he said to jack up a wheel in the front and it would unwind itself. (IT DID)

The tire rotated about 2 inches and I was abel to take the 4WD off.

1st Gen 1986 Toyota 4runner EFI (non turbo)

Front hubs manually lock

 

[prodigy2k7]

Also, When I had my tranny rebuilt, I never reattached the 4WD drive shaft (one that goes to front) So I could never use 4WD but then when I wanted to go off roading I had to re-attach it.

I attached it and then i heard some weird noise and couldnt really go over 40MPH it felt like ti was going to break or something.

I found out my hubs were locked while I was in 2WD, I unlocked them and it seemed to be fine.

This is just from my personal experience.