4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder

Honestly I just drive my V8 4WD a hundred to a few hundred feet or so in a straight line (important to keep it straight on pavement) at least once a month with the center differential locked to exercise it. While its an oft not used function, there is a mechanical linkage to lock-up the planetary gearset that makes up the central differential.

As for V6 4WD vehicles, it wouldn't hurt to do the same in 4Lo to exercise the ADD and Transfercase. We used to see quite a few 4WDs that were "fixed" by just tapping on the transfer case and then exercising the actuator a few times (easy diagnostic work :) )
 
Switched over to 4hi yesterday thinking of this thread. She is still in 4Hi today. Haven't switched over to 4lo ever. Kinda scared to. I figure there is a chance I'll run into problems that my wallet can't rescue me from.

Of note: I did notice that before I switch over to 4Hi, while stopped, I'll put the tranny in "N", switch to 4Hi, then put her in "D". I hear the tranny "clang" into drive and hear another "thud". The 4x4 indicator then staying steadily on. BUT, when I switch over to 4Hi while on the drive or not putting it into "N", it takes awhile, as in 30seconds +, all the while the 4x4 indicator flashing. I know flashing means it's still not done fully engaging.

Is it normal for the 4Hi to engage this slow? Is it an indication of trouble?

thanks
 
Sometimes it takes a bit longer than a few seconds to engage 4HI on my 4Runner. The ADD incorporates a yoke that slides a splined hub over a mating splined shaft. It can take a while for these splines to sinc properly before the hub slide over.
 
SolRayz said:
I read somewhere on a recent thread that Toyota recommends running in 4Lo once a month for 10 miles or something. 10 miles!!! That unfortionately is not going to happen for some of us city dwellers.

I will usually engage 4Lo and slowly drive in my work parking lot for a minute or so. Is that adequate?
Click to expand...

10 miles?!!! Yeaaaaahhhh good luck with that here. You'd have to get recovered 50 times on illegal mudhole trails to put that kind of mileage in around these parts.
 
I had mine replaced 1 year ago? (both 4hi and low wasn't working, so they said both actuators needed replacement? Dunno much about actuators but thats what I can remember) If I didn't have my extended warranty I think it was about $700-$800 each actuator for parts and labor from dealership.

Just a heads up for anyone needing replacement.
 
zeronine said:
I had mine replaced 1 year ago? (both 4hi and low wasn't working, so they said both actuators needed replacement? Dunno much about actuators but thats what I can remember) If I didn't have my extended warranty I think it was about $700-$800 each actuator for parts and labor from dealership.

Just a heads up for anyone needing replacement.
Click to expand...

So $1600 for both?? Wow, sounds low. Others were being quoted 2-4K grand. It's a big job.
 
JB40 said:
10 miles?!!! Yeaaaaahhhh good luck with that here. You'd have to get recovered 50 times on illegal mudhole trails to put that kind of mileage in around these parts.
Click to expand...

4hi and 4lo are both AWD in a 4th gen. As long as you do NOT activate the CDL button technically you should be ok on pavement. 10miles might be excessive only because it might take longer than your patience will permit and the truck sounds loud in 4lo, but you can hit neighbourhood driving speeds. You don't need to be doing 65 to exercise it.

I think the issue is more having the system go in and out of the settings. When I remember to do this, I might just click the CDL on and off several times as I'm driving down a straight street. If you encouter a turn, you can easily unclick it off, and then turn it back on again. When I get to a red light, I put it into N and turn the dial to 4lo. The next red light...which is the next street corner...I turn it back to 4hi, next stop sign or light I turn it back to 4lo. So what ever shift fork....actuator....thingy gets a little work out. In the last mile to home.
 
Ok I was way off. I got the real numbers from my service.

1 actuator was $1100 the other was $378. Warranty company paid $2200 in labor, service guy said it would be $2900 labor without warranty. (dealership cuts a break to warranty company) I did get my differential fluids changed as well.

Hope this helps. Exercise those actuators!
 
CAN-03runner said:
4hi and 4lo are both AWD in a 4th gen. As long as you do NOT activate the CDL button technically you should be ok on pavement. 10miles might be excessive only because it might take longer than your patience will permit and the truck sounds loud in 4lo, but you can hit neighbourhood driving speeds. You don't need to be doing 65 to exercise it.

I think the issue is more having the system go in and out of the settings. When I remember to do this, I might just click the CDL on and off several times as I'm driving down a straight street. If you encouter a turn, you can easily unclick it off, and then turn it back on again. When I get to a red light, I put it into N and turn the dial to 4lo. The next red light...which is the next street corner...I turn it back to 4hi, next stop sign or light I turn it back to 4lo. So what ever shift fork....actuator....thingy gets a little work out. In the last mile to home.
Click to expand...

Makes sense. I found a little dirt this month to engage... Working on finding a more regular dirt workout, but for now I'll keep this in mind.
 
(1) 10 miles per month 4wd recommendation.
(2) Low range and center diff lock actuators.

= two different things.

(1) = Owners Manual.
(2) = 4Runner Forum

(1) Applies to V6 (4wd). Is for the ADD in the front (automatic disconnecting differential) to lubricate "the front drive components".
(2) Is based on reports from members here over many years.
 
Last edited:
I myself understand the importance of the use it or lose it concept. And the importance of putting on enough miles with it also. Agree 10miles might be a little much like some are concerned with.
Personally, I would be trying to do as much engaging and disengaging with the system ( including the4lo )
While running it.
I do believe the Idea for all this is to make sure it WILL engage.

When I am out on the trail running constantly from lo to high, I use it so much at times, it just clicks in and out of lo and hi so fast.
 
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