How often should I engage 4wd?

[MickeyMouse]

I was told I should occasionally take a drive with 4wd engaged, just to keep the lubricants moving. Is this a good idea, and should I only be doing this off road?

Sorry, but the last 4wd we owned was over 15 years ago and we did a lot of off-road 4 wheeling, so I never had to worry about this.

 

[sharp4runr]

You can engage 4WD on any surface. Read the instructions on the sunvisor or RTFM.

Don't lock the center differential on pavement though, you want to do that only on slippery surfaces. I throw it on 4WD at least once a month, but that's usually when I got off the beaten path so it happens more often....

 

[rhlitt]

Put it into 4wheel drive when any rain or snow for sure!

 

[MickeyMouse]

sharp4runr: Sorry, but the sunvisor has nothing on it and we didn't get a FM.

I'm sorry, you lost me a little here. You say it's ok to engage 4wd on any surface, but don't lock the center differential on pavement. Huhh? (I'm a little stupe here), what's the difference? Are you saying it's ok to use 4wd high on any surface, but don't use 4wd low on pavement?

(my 4wd dumbness is showing through)

 

[sharp4runr]

MM - sorry about the misinformation bro! I didn't look at your signature and didn't realize that you had a 93. I was referring to a 4th gen. I'm clueless to second gens

 

[Thai]

Your 4runner has the basic part-time 4wd system (no center diff).

If you can find a straight highway/side road, then you can switch to 4-HI. Do not make turns while in 4wd on dry surface.

Or....

If you can find a dirt road or grassy area, then switch to 4-HI or 4-Lo and run it...because the surface is loose, you can make gradual turns...i would still avoid sharp turns.

In general, you should do this once a month if you don't take your truck off-road or if you live in an area without snow.

Hope this helps.

 

[TranceKrayz]

thai......i may be misunderstanding you but....don't take turns while in 4wd on dry pavement? what about cars/trucks with full-time 4wd?

 

[Thai]

thai......i may be misunderstanding you but....don't take turns while in 4wd on dry pavement? what about cars/trucks with full-time 4wd?

Full-time 4wd (in your 4runner for example) allows for slippage when you turn a corner on dry land. Your Torsen center diff allows for slippage...thus, no damage to your 4wd system.

 

[mikes4runner]

This is what should be on your visor.

 

[TranceKrayz]

ohh.....thanks for clearing that up thai

 

[MickeyMouse]

Crap... here's the bad news. About 2 weeks after purchase, my Uncle said it was a good idea to drive it in 4wd once a month, so when leaving the store, I put it in 4wd Hi and drove home. I made 7 turns and drove about 1.5 miles, not exceeding 35mph, all on asphalt.

Think I should have Toyota look at it?

 

[Vortec4800]

Crap... here's the bad news. About 2 weeks after purchase, my Uncle said it was a good idea to drive it in 4wd once a month, so when leaving the store, I put it in 4wd Hi and drove home. I made 7 turns and drove about 1.5 miles, not exceeding 35mph, all on asphalt.

Think I should have Toyota look at it?

Nah you'll be fine. Unless something breaks (and you'll know it) don't worry about it. Just caused some extra tire ware and the like.