question about using my low gears???

[4x4Runner09]

Ok...my 4wd system is a-ok( for those of you who read my other posts)

Anyways I was wondering if when I'm in 4L, could I use my auto tranny gears at the same time.
4L + 2orL.
That would be one hell of a low gear!
If this is ok to do, has anyone done it, what kind of terrain...position was your car in?

Thanks

 

[Thai]

4x4,

Yes, you can do it! However, under most circumstances during off-roading, just leave your auto tranny in DRIVE with O/D OFF. During slow speed, the auto tranny is usually in 1st or 2nd gear anyway...thus, no need to do shifting. The only time that you may want to do this is when climbing or descending a hill...just in case your auto tranny decides to upshift (at the wrong time).

The reason i don't do my own shifting is because sometimes i forget that i am in 1st or 2nd gear and i rev my engine like crazy (to speed up)! I don't like to do that, especially in LO range. Just do my own shifting if i am tackling a hill (up and down).

Good to hear that your 4Runner is OK! So, what did the dealer say??

 

[4x4Runner09]

Ok...one of the lead mechanics at the dealer gave me a short demonstration on how to use the 4wd system.

He put it into P then shifted into 4H. It shifted right in, without the flashing lights (I heard the clunk and saw the lights on the dash go solid).

He also put it into 4L while it was in P. But I think he took it out when it was in N. He then locked the differential( I could hear that make a clunk in the back of the car) Everything seemed so smooth.

I do have a couple questions though:

So you can put it in 4H and 4L when it is P or N.
What about using the locker, can it be in D?

I'm freakin excited to hit the trails, now knowing how to use everything and knowing I have one of the best 4wd suvs out there!!!


Squealing sound.....

I drove it with one of the mechanics. He couldnt hear the noise. He says everthing sounded normal but I dont think the noise is normal. Im thinking about taking it to a different dealer now.


One last thing.
I am working on putting together some pictures of my truck...from just crawling out of the mud to being just waxed!

 

[Thai]

4x4,

Well, i assume you can shift into 4HI and 4LO while in NEUTRAL or PARK. I can do 4-LO while in either position.

Actually, i hardly ever put my 4runner in PARK when off-roading...if i want to stop, i usually just put it in NEUTRAL and use the hand-brake...why? Because it is quicker and may be less stressful on your auto tranny.

I believe to lock your REAR DIFFERENTIAL, you need to be in 4-LO. I think you can lock your rear diff when in drive...it will blink and then become solid. Please note that i am not sure about this. Take it with a grain of salt!

Remember, do NOT off-road by yourself!! Take someone else who has a 4x4, preferrably someone who has some experience in off-roading. Trust me, if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere, there won't be any tow truck that will want to tow you out. Also, make sure you have a cellphone that is DUAL band, if possible...or better yet, rent a Satellite Radio.

Please post any pics you have in the "Gallery" section!

Looking forward to seeing your 4runner on display! Oh yeah, if you see any other brandname SUV getting stuck, be sure to take a pic of that too!

 

[steyely]

First off, I have a locking CENTER (NOT REAR) differential. I guess that's one of the differences between the ltd's and sr5's?

Do you have the manual? If you do, definitely read through the 4WD System section; it's incredibly informative. If you don't then try and get your hands on one. I've used mine numerous times to reference replacement parts and procedures. The manual also explains all the what, why, when, where, and hows, of the 4WD(H/L) and diff(locked/unlocked) functions. It also suggests driving at least 10mi every month to ensure the drive components are lubed.

Regarding your question- I am able to lock my diff in any H/L position (pending speed) while in Drive. Before I tested this I verified it with procedures in the manual though. Mine locks the quickest if I coast for a few seconds as soon as the lights start flashing (signaling the system is engaging). Then I hear a click and the lights become solid. So I believe Thai is correct in regards to locking your REAR diff while in Drive. Since he wasn't sure, I decided to check for myself in the manual =)

Make sure that you never push the diff button, 4WD button, or front drive control lever (the H/L stick) when your wheels are slipping.

Happy Running!

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

it's always best to be coasting with no engine load on the drive train while shifting in or out of 4x4. It will be nearly silent because of this. you can shift into 4x4 up to 60 mph. but i wouldn't recomend it.
rear diff lock only in 4lo unless you modified the relay. the light does blink while the motor spins and puts tension on a spring that pushes the locking mechanism into place as soon as the gears line up.

 

[lee]

oh man, there is some bad info in this thread.

to help clarify, ill say this.

you need to figure out if you have a rear locker or not (look for the RR DIFF LOCK button left of the steering).

if you do, dont do what im saying because i dont know how much of it applies to you.

however, if you just have the ctr diff (another button with a X in the middle of a chassis will be left of the steering wheel), this is how it works:

HOW TO USE A 3RD GEN AWD/4WD SYSTEM

when youre in 2wd, the button is out, and the 4wd shifter is placed in H. When you want 4wd to be on, you push the button in. the lights will begin to blink. you must be in motion for it to actually engage. once you get to a decent roll, youll hear a "pop"/"clunk!" and the lights will stay on. this means 4wd H is on (aka awd). to go into low, come to a stop, shift your auto tranny into N, then shift the 4wd shifter all the way forward. dont do this too quick or youll hear the crunch! to lock the ctr diff, hit the button to the left of the steering wheel. you lock the ctr diff to take away the rear-wheel bias that you have when you just have awd on... this makes it a traditional 50/50 split.

the general rules are:
-dont shift into 4wd above 55mph or so, it will not engage
-if you want to turn it on while driving (say at 25 or 30 mph), it wont engage if you are accelerating (so let off the pedal while in motion and it should engage right away -- mine does)
- to disengage you must also be in motion.