Multi-mode 4WD system on 03 4runner

[sliaa]

I used to put on 4WD (lo, unlock) mode most of the time until I visited my local dealer recently for 20K service.

He told me that it'd burn off the transfer case sooner. But I read from Toyota's brochure that the multi-mode 4RD system can be left at 4WD all the time. So which is right ??

For the all time 4WD system on a V8 model, is it a different system, or is it just a hard-wired multi-mode 4WD ??

 

[rabeet]

Lo, as in the switch turned all the way clockwise?

 

[jharris2]

You can run it in 4 Hi all the time, but not 4 Lo. In fact, you need to drive it in 4 Hi at least 10 miles per month to keep it lubricated.

 

[dcampen]

I used to put on 4WD (lo, unlock) mode most

Top speed with the tranfer case in low gear is about 35 mph. I find it hard to believe that you have been driving around never exceeding 35 mph. If you tried to drive at freeway speeds with the transfer case in low gear you would destroy your engine.

 

[Sac State]

Yes, 4 lo should be used only for slow crawling or freeing yourself from mud, snow, etc. You should never use 4 lo on a clear, paved road.

You will burnup your engine and all the 4WD gear.

Isn't there a speed limiter when you are engaged in 4 lo?

The V8 is full time 4WD which has unlocked 4 HI as the automatically selected configuration. This is used for all motion.

4 HI locked-to be used when you are facing serious on-road traction problems.

4 lo (locked and unlocked)-to be used in off road conditions, typically at speeds under 10 mph. Never on a clear paved road.

 

[dcampen]

I used to put on 4WD (lo, unlock) mode most of the time until I visited my local dealer recently for 20K service.

As I said, I doubt that sliaa has been driving around town with his transfer case in low gear. Thw whine of the transfer case, the roar of the engine and the fact that his tachometer was routinely going past redline should have clued him in long before his 20K service. I suspect that he must have mispoke about the transfer case being in low.

He told me that it'd burn off the transfer case sooner. But I read from Toyota's brochure that the multi-mode 4RD system can be left at 4WD all the time. So which is right ??

You can leave the system in 4WD all the time. The only cost to leaving the system always in 4WD will be in fuel consumption; 4WD mode may reduce your mileage a little bit. The person you spoke to at the dealer is clueless.

For the all time 4WD system on a V8 model, is it a different system, or is it just a hard-wired multi-mode 4WD ??

The 4WD system in the V8 is just the same as in the V6. When both are in 4WD mode they are exactly the same. You can run the V6 always in 4WD mode if you want just as the V8 is always in 4WD mode.

 

[sliaa]

4 Hi, not 4 Lo

Sorry about the confusion. It's 4 hi, not 4 lo

Guess I was not me when I typed.....

 

[Sac State]

You should still be able to use 4HI (unlocked) on any road surface and speed.

Locking your 4 HI on dry pavement will cause your tires to grip and bind, but it should be fine. More tire wear is your biggest concern.

Were you having issues with your transfer case? Is that what prompted the question to the svc manager?

 

[sliaa]

.....

>>>Were you having issues with your transfer case? Is that what prompted the question to the svc manager?


Nop. I was on my 20k service and I was just asking if it's normal to feel (slightly) vibrating on the steering wheel while making a tight turn. When he realized that I used to engage 4 Hi most of the time, he said that it'd burn out the transfer case sooner than I expected.....

I don't remember if the steering wheel is vibrating (when turning) on 2 WD mode.