How often should I engage 4WD?

[Satter]

First, the fax. 1998 4Runner Ltd 4WD, push button 4WD, no e-locker.

So, I never ever take my truck four wheelin. Strictly an urban runner. I'm wondering how often I should engage the 4WD just to keep everything running smoothly down there in case I do need it? And for how long? Thanks.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

The manual states 10 miles per month.

Make sure that you are going straight when you do this. It is best to do it on a dirt road or something similar, but a wet road or even dry will be fine. The most important part thought is to just go straight. Turning with it engaged will will cause binding.

 

[Mr. Leary]

First, the fax. 1998 4Runner Ltd 4WD, push button 4WD, no e-locker.

So, I never ever take my truck four wheelin. Strictly an urban runner. I'm wondering how often I should engage the 4WD just to keep everything running smoothly down there in case I do need it? And for how long? Thanks.

Take it onto gravel or something about once a month and shift it into 4HI, run a couple hundred feet, then put it in 4LO, and do the same. More then that would probably be better, but that is the minimum to ensure that your actuators don't get clogged up.

 

[Pikeman]

According to the manual forthe J-shift 4wd system they say for 10 miles a month. Since you have the multi-mode pushing the button just makes it AWD so you could run it all the time that way but to make sure you get the front moving for a few miles a month. Push the button and then also push the center diff lock button. For people that don't off-road this could be done a few miles at a time when on a long straight road.

 

[Opi]

interesting. i thought 4wd on dry pavement was bad for the truck

 

[Dagobah]

According to the manual forthe J-shift 4wd system they say for 10 miles a month. Since you have the multi-mode pushing the button just makes it AWD so you could run it all the time that way but to make sure you get the front moving for a few miles a month. Push the button and then also push the center diff lock button. For people that don't off-road this could be done a few miles at a time when on a long straight road.

Multi-mode wasn't added until 99. All he has is 4WDemand (what I have), which is strictly a push button electronic activation of 4-hi.
No center diff.
No AWD
(I really wish I had the multi-mode)