Turning w/ Part-Time 4wd (4hi)

[FamousAv8er]

Dont have to use it too often but curious;
About how sharp of a turn is too sharp in 4 high? Can I make normal 90 degree turns while driving in the city? Should I not turn at all?
Enlighten me

 

[pDubs]

Is this a limited we are talking about? If not, you don't drive on dry pavement in 4hi.

 

[Thrasher_S]

You will get feedback through the steering wheel, a resistance like the rig doesn't want to turn any farther. It can also feel like the rig is trying to go sideways... sort of. You'll know it when you feel it. If you feel it regularly, shift back to 2wd.

Note: Common sense says not to use a part time 4x4 system (all models but the Limited for 5th gens, I think) on dry, high traction surfaces. It increases wear on drivetrain/steering components and your tires. The manual says, "Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide, like off-road, icy or snow-covered roads." That said, people 4-wheel on high traction trails, like sandstone in Moab, all the time. I'm not sure how that's different. Lower speeds and far less mileage I suspect.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

You should not be using part time on dry pavement, period. If it's snowing and slippery, use it. If it's nice and sunny, do not.

 

[Jetboy]

You can turn as sharp as you want. In general - if the pavement is dry, drive in 2x4. The tires will scrub in 4x4 around corners. The front and rear tires take a different length path around corners, so something has to give. What gives is the tires skidding slightly on the road. You'll notice this most on very tight turns - like going into a parking spot.

You won't break or damage anything in 4x4 on dry pavement. It'll wear out stuff faster over time, it's certainly not good for it, but you won't damage anything. The drive train is built to handle a lot more abuse than just scrubbing a bit on dry pavement around corners. If it's mixed slippery and dry - you can just leave it in 4x4 if you feel more comfortable that way. No problem. I wouldn't think twice about it.

 

[nimby]

So would it be ok to go into 4H on a rainy day driving around town or the freeway?

 

[Cndnmax]

So would it be ok to go into 4H on a rainy day driving around town or the freeway?

THeres really no need for 4H with rain, it won’t keep you from hydroplaning. Just get tires that are good with rain and drive slower.

 

[nimby]

THeres really no need for 4H with rain, it won’t keep you from hydroplaning. Just get tires that are good with rain and drive slower.

Understood.

I'm talking more about using 4WD just to lubricate the system since I don't get to use it frequently enough here in Southern California. Not that it rains here anymore either, but it might give me some opportunity every once in a while.

 

[renau001]

I have no idea how to give you a solid answer, but for just running in 4wd to maintain lubrication on dry pavement, any curve you can take at 45mph or straighter is definitely safe. In reality, you can turn much sharper than that and not notice, but if you just want some guideline that’ll do.

 

[00Sebby]

Understood.

I'm talking more about using 4WD just to lubricate the system since I don't get to use it frequently enough here in Southern California. Not that it rains here anymore either, but it might give me some opportunity every once in a while.

Last time I was in SoCal, I remember seeing lots of sand. That works too.

 

[mteolus]

I wouldn't do it unless the turn is very minimal as in turns that you can make at 45 mph or greater. Very hard on the axles if you make sharp low speed turns. If the roads are wet then better but not recommended.

 

[Jeremy556]

Understood.

I'm talking more about using 4WD just to lubricate the system since I don't get to use it frequently enough here in Southern California. Not that it rains here anymore either, but it might give me some opportunity every once in a while.

It's fine, even on dry roads, just try to avoid making sharp low speed turns.

 

[jhebert9]

4wd on pavement

I drive mine on straight roads to lubricate. A slight curve at highway speeds is OK, but I definitely don't drive in 4wd on a dry, hard surface.

 

[litezzz]

Understood.

I'm talking more about using 4WD just to lubricate the system since I don't get to use it frequently enough here in Southern California. Not that it rains here anymore either, but it might give me some opportunity every once in a while.

There's plenty of options to "lube" your 4wd in socal! Definitely get out and explore:rockon:

 

[sandcrawler]

There's plenty of options to "lube" your 4wd in socal! Definitely get out and explore:rockon:

my thoughts also

 

[SwayzeExpress]

Everything will be fine if it's not engaged all day everyday.

I think you are thinking about trucks with front lockers which is a different story and why some even add a 2lo option for tight trails.

I agree with most and just jump on a utility road and have some fun, maybe find a new camp/fish/hunt spot

 

[jhguth]

in addition to everything already said - it would be a PITA to drive in 4hi making slow, tight 90 degree turns in city on dry roads because the drivetrain binding would probably bring you to a stop a lot of times (unless you were really on the gas to spin a tire and unwind it)

here is a video of what you'd experience trying to drive on dry pavement with sharp turns:
https://youtu.be/_oHWbyEfUKs

 

[Jimbo]

here is a video of what you'd experience trying to drive on dry pavement with sharp turns:
https://youtu.be/_oHWbyEfUKs

Holy morons. They have zero understanding of 4WD systems and instead blame the vehicle designers.

 

[LandCruiser]

I used to worry about drivetrain bind, now it just bugs me that I can't make as tight of a turn.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

in addition to everything already said - it would be a PITA to drive in 4hi making slow, tight 90 degree turns in city on dry roads because the drivetrain binding would probably bring you to a stop a lot of times (unless you were really on the gas to spin a tire and unwind it)

here is a video of what you'd experience trying to drive on dry pavement with sharp turns:
https://youtu.be/_oHWbyEfUKs

No way a mechanic with 40 years' experience would ask Toyota for a free lifetime warranty... just sayin