Absolute "best" way to switch into and out of 4WD? ...

[speedmaster]

I've got a 2021 TRD ORP. It of course has the manual transfer case shifter.

I know that to go into 4L you need to be in Neutral. And I believe that you can shift back and forth between 2H and 4H as long as you're going under 50MPH and are on some kind of loose surface?

Thinking about how the manual transfer cases on these works, would it be /ideal/ (that is w the absolute minimal wear/stress on the components) to shift between 2H and 4H in Neutral as well? A couple times I tried switching from 2H into 4H in Drive, doing maybe 5MPH, and you could hear it want to grind and it clearly didn't want to engage, so I backed off.

Also, on the SR5 models for example, with the dial for the transfer case, are those use some kind of electrical mechanism to make the changes?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RichinRidgewood]

It’s not “Manual” its only half Manual.

I don't shift imy SR5P into 4WD above 40 mph but thats just me

 

[speedmaster]

It’s not “Manual” its only half Manual.

I don't shift into my SR5P into 4WD above 40 mph but thats just me

Tell me more about the half-manual comment?

And I'm with you re the over 40 comment, I've only used 4WD a few times but I'm also hesitant to do that.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Tell me more about the half-manual comment?

And I'm with you re the over 40 comment, I've only used 4WD a few times but I'm also hesitant to do that.

See this thread I started awhile ago....

How Does the 2020 SR5 4WD System Operate ?

 

[Whippersnapper02]

While driving straight, let off the throttle and shift into 4wd high. Once in high stop, shift the trans into neutral and select low range. Don't shift slowly, just pop it in.

Max speeds and more info are in the manual and card on the driver side visor.

 

[LandCruiser]

Don't worry about "wearing out" anything.

HAL won't approve your decision until it's safe to shift.

I have abused the shit out of my 4WD, the only victims were the CV axles.

 

[fkheath]

Also, on the SR5 models for example, with the dial for the transfer case, are those use some kind of electrical mechanism to make the changes?

Yes. There is a motor on the back of the transfer case that actuates the shift rods. For the lever shift system you have, the lever actuates the shift rods from the top of the transfer case. The factory repair manual shows how both work:

TOYOTA 2016-2019 4Runner Repair Manual RM27F0U

When shifting from 2H to 4H, there is no need to stop, but it works best if you slow some and steer straight as others have suggested. I never stop, but then I am not going real fast on the gravel or icy roads anyway.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

It can grind if you shift to slow. Just let out off the throttle and shift quick and you'll be fine!

 

[delloro]

Tell me more about the half-manual comment?

And I'm with you re the over 40 comment, I've only used 4WD a few times but I'm also hesitant to do that.

The transfer case shifting is manual, but the driveline disconnect is not. In Ye Olden Dayes the front wheels were connected/disconnected from the driveline by manually locking and unlocking hubs. New 4Runners use an ADD system to disconnect a front axle, instead of the hubs. Auto locking hubs is another solution used by others.

Our ADD system is vacuum-actuated automatically, you never see it whether with a knob or a shifter.

So it's only "half manual" to the extent some people think that the shift lever entirely eliminates electronics from the process (which would be better for utmost reliability). The ADD system is still there even if you have the manual lever. Knob system = servo shift + servo disconnect. 4Runner lever system = manual shift + servo disconnect, only 'half-manual.'

That being said, it is still one less gizmo to go wrong, and it's more fun anyways.

 

[speedmaster]

Great thread, thanks, everyone!!

 

[LandCruiser]

The transfer case shifting is manual, but the driveline disconnect is not. In Ye Olden Dayes the front wheels were connected/disconnected from the driveline by manually locking and unlocking hubs. New 4Runners use an ADD system to disconnect a front axle, instead of the hubs. Auto locking hubs is another solution used by others.

Our ADD system is vacuum-actuated automatically, you never see it whether with a knob or a shifter.

So it's only "half manual" to the extent some people think that the shift lever entirely eliminates electronics from the process (better for utmost reliability). The ADD system is still there even if you have the manual lever.

That being said, it is still one less gizmo to go wrong, and it's more fun anyways.

Pretty much this. Unless you're getting out and manually locking the hubs, there is no "manual" 2H to 4H shifting.

 

[Saker]

IIRC, you can shift from 4H back to 2H above the 53 mph mark. You just can’t go the other way above stated mph.