Daily Drivers (4WD) do the recommended monthly mileage in 4WD?

[BamaDrewski]

Just wondering how many of those using their 4WD T4R’s as daily drivers adhere to the “drive the vehicle for at least 10 miles a month in 4WD/ADD”?

I read this in the owner’s manual (See photo) and I have tried to do this every month. Apparently, it keeps everything lubed up. I have a 2000 T4R LTD 4WD with the push button engagement system. I use mine as a daily driver. For those always playing in the mud, its surely not an issue.

For those of us using them as the DD, it could be easy to forget. In light of that, I understand the 4WD system may differ from year to year and perhaps it is only the 2000 model that recommends this.

 

[Chuckles89]

I would say that 90+% of owners don't do that. I'm sure mine never saw that much 4WD use until I got it at 248k.

I usually do more than 10 miles a month in 4WD. I would say that as long as you use it a couple times a year, it'll be fine. Maybe if you have multi-mode 4WD you might need to use it more often to keep the motors running well.

 

[nobb]

Can someone clarify what parts the lubrication helps with? Does it keep the seals soft?

On a related note, I personally make sure to run the A/C once a month to keep the seals lubricated.

 

[JMat]

My '98 Owners Manual says that too... Mine is a daily driver and I used to be pretty vigilent about that when I lived in the mountains... Now that I live in the city, not so much.

 

[JohnMc]

About the only thing that stops moving in 2WD is the front driveshaft and the front diff ring/pinion gears (the spider gears keep turning, as do the CV shafts, with the ADD diff).

Is it possible that the ring gear could eventually drain completely dry and possibly get a little surface rust on it if it never turns and gets redunked in oil? Is it bad for the u-joints on the front driveshaft to sit still for long periods of time?

 

[BamaDrewski]

Can someone clarify what parts the lubrication helps with? Does it keep the seals soft?

On a related note, I personally make sure to run the A/C once a month to keep the seals lubricated.

I have to assume they recommend the "10 miles a month" to keep the components lubricated - much like you are doing with your AC. As easy as it is to run these rigs in 4WD for a few miles, it is quick and easy preventative maintenance on the 4WD system. I believe there may be a lot of folks out there that don't even know this is recommended - thus the post.

 

[thegipper]

I also use my AC/4WD every month or so just to keep things on the up and up. It can't hurt...

 

[TheDurk]

The A/C compressors on modern cars, including our rigs, run in defroster mode so seals are not a concern unless you never use the system at all. Still, it is good to exercise the servos and cables that switch the blend over to A/C. Things can stick if unused for six months.

 

[96RedRunner]

It does make a difference.
Bought 01 with 198k on it, when checking out for purchase took couple minutes to engage ADD. After having it for 12k mi doing this it engages immediately now. Also put it 4 Lo diff loc engaged regularly.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have to assume they recommend the "10 miles a month" to keep the components lubricated - much like you are doing with your AC. As easy as it is to run these rigs in 4WD for a few miles, it is quick and easy preventative maintenance on the 4WD system. I believe there may be a lot of folks out there that don't even know this is recommended - thus the post.

For those that have the push button multi-mode, it's very easy to do. For those of us with the older J-shift and live in the city, not so easy. I don't like making turns on pavement in 4WD 'cause it makes the tires chirp and bind up but I do shift into 4WD in rainy weather when I can. I don't use 4WD much in the winter here since it doesn't snow so try and do it for a little while. My front diff/driveline makes humming noises now so it might be too late though.

 

[BamaDrewski]

It does make a difference.
Bought 01 with 198k on it, when checking out for purchase took couple minutes to engage ADD. After having it for 12k mi doing this it engages immediately now. Also put it 4 Lo diff loc engaged regularly.

Same here. My 4WD engages and disengages almost instantly. I have made it a point to run it in 4WD every month as the manual recommends.

 

[JZiggy]

Easy to run around in 4WD with manual hubs

 

[T4R2014]

Gotta be honest, I never bother. Everything works fine after months of being untouched.

 

[96RedRunner]

Gotta be honest, I never bother. Everything works fine after months of being untouched.

I used to feel the same with Redrunner's RR Loc'r till it didn't work.
Exercised it regularly after that never failed me again, just too damn easy
to push a button.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I used to feel the same with Redrunner's RR Loc'r till it didn't work.
Exercised it regularly after that never failed me again, just too damn easy
to push a button.

Amen Red! I see it as "necessary" as there is a reason Toyota recommends it. Since I started doing it religiously, I have no delays or issues in engaging 4WD. To your point, it's too damn easy to push a button and avoid potential issues!

 

[Just_Tin]

I would say that 90+% of owners don't do that. I'm sure mine never saw that much 4WD use until I got it at 248k.

I usually do more than 10 miles a month in 4WD. I would say that as long as you use it a couple times a year, it'll be fine. Maybe if you have multi-mode 4WD you might need to use it more often to keep the motors running well.

Seconding this.

Bought mine from the original owner with 292k on the clock but was regularly taken up to the pass and down FS roads. So while it’s likely that this regiment wasn’t to my OCD standards, everything drivetrain wise is in top shape.

PSA - this regiment does not include the use of the CDL as this will cause more harm than good (if operated on normal roads).

 

[BamaDrewski]

Seconding this.

Bought mine from the original owner with 292k on the clock but was regularly taken up to the pass and down FS roads. So while it’s likely that this regiment wasn’t to my OCD standards, everything drivetrain wise is in top shape.

PSA - this regiment does not include the use of the CDL as this will cause more harm than good (if operated on normal roads).

Just Tin, I am drawing a blank here. What is "CDL?"

 

[eddielasvegas]

Center Differential Locker. Or Commercial Driver's License.


Look at the first post in this thread for all things related to this topic.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-...-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode-9.html


Eddie

...What is "CDL?"

 

[96RedRunner]

PSA - this regiment does not include the use of the CDL as this will cause more harm than good (if operated on normal roads).

This is where you have to choose where you do it!
No harm will be done if on a straight road.
I do 4 hi with Center Diff Lock engaged where ever I
See a straight stretch. That 10 miles or so doesn't have to be done at one time.
It's the engaging and disengaging that keeps everything working as it should.

 

[96RedRunner]

Just Tin, I am drawing a blank here. What is "CDL?"

Commercial Drivers License

Couldn't resist Bama lol