New to 4x4ing

[Orion427]

I'm buying a 97 T4R 4x4 and was wondering if you guys could tell me the Do's and Dont's of engaging and operating a 4x4. I read in a previous article that it's not good for the transmission to engage the 4x4 on dry hard ground.Why is that?

And how do you actually engage the 4x4? Do you keep the auto in neutral and then switch to 4H? Or does it have to be in gear first?

And what are the approximate max speed for each of the 4x4 gears?

With the 97 you can switch to 4x4 while the truck is moving or is it better to stop first?

Any other tips?


Mucho Thanks!

 

[024RunnerSE]

4WD Hi range on any typical 4x4 can be engaged on the fly, meaning you can be driving in 2wd and just shift it on the go into 4 high. Shifting your automatic transmission transfer case into 4wd low, you will need to put the transmission in the Nuetral position. On a 5speed, you just push the clutch.

You can use 4wd high or low on dry pavement but only going straight and not turning. Reason why, is because your front axle and rear axle are now locked in 50/50 torque split. When you turn your wheels, both differentials are getting the same amount of power which causes a bind in the drive line. This could either damage your driveline or your tires.. or both.

So, dry pavement = no need for 4wd because you don't need all the traction for that. Hope that was informative.

 

[LINY4Runner]

On the 01-02 (I believe, not sure about 96-00) you can leave 4WD on full time if you so desire.

 

[Pikeman]

the later 3rd gens have the multi-mode which has basically an AWD setting before you get into the locked center making it like the earlier ones of true 4wd. The owners manual actually instructs you to engage 4wd on a monthly basis for at least 10miles to help keep things lubricated. However I agree do this only if you are on the freeway and dont need to turn to avoid any uneccesary drag or bind.

 

[MunkeyTX]

4WD Hi range on any typical 4x4 can be engaged on the fly, meaning you can be driving in 2wd and just shift it on the go into 4 high. Shifting your automatic transmission transfer case into 4wd low, you will need to put the transmission in the Nuetral position. On a 5speed, you just push the clutch.

You can use 4wd high or low on dry pavement but only going straight and not turning. Reason why, is because your front axle and rear axle are now locked in 50/50 torque split. When you turn your wheels, both differentials are getting the same amount of power which causes a bind in the drive line. This could either damage your driveline or your tires.. or both.

So, dry pavement = no need for 4wd because you don't need all the traction for that. Hope that was informative.

Let me just add that you should be STOPPED or going EXTREMELY SLOW (less than 3 mph) when shifting INTO or OUT OF 4LO. Also, no shifting INTO or OUT OF 4HI with power to the wheels; in other words, do not be spinning your tires in the mud with the gas pedal mashed to the floor and shift into 4HI at the same time. Take your foot off the gas, then shift into 4HI.

Heres a link to the owners manual in PDF form...good info on transmission and 4wd systems in there within the first 20 pages.

 

[Martinjmpr]

And how do you actually engage the 4x4? Do you keep the auto in neutral and then switch to 4H? Or does it have to be in gear first?

2-hi to 4-hi you do not need to be in neutral, just let your foot off the gas and move the lever into the appropriate position. Need to be under 60mph when doing this.

Going into or out of 4-lo, I believe you do need to be in neutral, at least that's been my experience. If the transmission is in D or some other gear, I can't move the lever into the 4-lo position.

There are a few good books out there on 4wd driving techniques, might be worth it to check them out, or better yet, have a knowledgeable friend show you the ropes.

 

[LINY4Runner]

2-hi to 4-hi you do not need to be in neutral, just let your foot off the gas and move the lever into the appropriate position. Need to be under 60mph when doing this.

Going into or out of 4-lo, I believe you do need to be in neutral and at a complete stop at least that's been my experience. If the transmission is in D or some other gear, I can't move the lever into the 4-lo position.

There are a few good books out there on 4wd driving techniques, might be worth it to check them out, or better yet, have a knowledgeable friend show you the ropes.

the only thing i think should be added is bold and red^^