Using part-time 4WD on dry pavement (TE - SR5)

[homeyclaus]

Can someone explain why you would ever need to do this?

I've only run 4x4 on dry pavement in older trucks when I was constantly going back and forth between wet and dry, and didn't want to get out to lock/unlock the hubs every time. But if you can lock/unlock the diff from inside your cab, why would you leave it locked on dry?

If you don't have a limited full-time 4WD 4Runner, the owner's manual recommends you drive 10-20 miles in 4HI every month to keep the front driveshaft seals and differential lubricated.

Just to be clear:

:frusty:

5th Generation Trail Edition and SR5 have no center differential! For the umpteenth time.

4WD high or low engage a clutch that locks the drive shafts together, and actuate the ADD (automatic disconnecting differential) in the front differential so power from the front drive shaft can get to the wheels.

You have a front differential, and a rear differential. That's it.

So when you talk about when and what to do something related to 4WD, for the sake of other readers, be specific about the version of 4Runner you're talking about.

 

[Reino]

If you don't have a limited full-time 4WD 4Runner, the owner's manual recommends you drive 10-20 miles in 4HI every month to keep the front driveshaft seals and differential lubricated.

Just to be clear:

:frusty:

5th Generation Trail Edition and SR5 have no center differential! For the umpteenth time.

4WD high or low engage a clutch that locks the drive shafts together, and actuate the ADD (automatic disconnecting differential) in the front differential so power from the front drive shaft can get to the wheels.

You have a front differential, and a rear differential. That's it.

So when you talk about when and what to do something related to 4WD, for the sake of other readers, be specific about the version of 4Runner you're talking about.

Jesus, guy. Calm down. :hug: Thread title says TE-SR5 specific. I thought the TE had a center diff (I don't have a TE). Sorry for the mistake...

You've answered my question: it is required periodically to keep all the parts lubed. Thank you.

 

[homeyclaus]

Jesus, guy. Calm down. :hug: Thread title says TE-SR5 specific. I thought the TE had a center diff (I don't have a TE). Sorry for the mistake...

You've answered my question: it is required periodically to keep all the parts lubed. Thank you.

I should have amended it to say it's not specifically aimed at you.

There is a lot of misinformation on here about center differentials among other things, and this is going to cost someone who believes the first thing he reads on the Internet a transfer case and a cab ride home some day. Being extra clear helps prevent that - I know it's work, but just sayin'

 

[M1911]

Jesus, guy. Calm down. :hug: Thread title says TE-SR5 specific. I thought the TE had a center diff (I don't have a TE).

The 5th gen SR5 and TE have a part-time system => no center diff.

The 5th gen Limited has a center diff.

All of the 4th gens have a center diff.

 

[1engineer]

The 5th gen SR5 and TE have a part-time system => no center diff.

The 5th gen Limited has a center diff.

All of the 4th gens have a center diff.

First of all, some of you guys need to read the manual.

Second, many of you are way over-thinking this or have no clue as to what you are driving.

If you have a 2010-2013 Trail Edition or SR5 4X4 then put it in 4HI every now and then during the spring and summer for some miles of fairly straight roads. This will assure proper lubrication of the transfer case and movement of the actuator. NO HARD TURNS! NO PARKING LOT TURNS!

If you have a 2010-2013 Limited Edition don't worry about it. This does not apply to you.

 

[JB.]

Did some minor editing to hopefully makes things more clear.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

New guy here but I don't own a Runner but I'm thinking about it. I have a 2010 Taco 4wd...

I think that if you use common sense you will be fine. Yes I know common sense is a rare trait in people now.

I pop it into 4wd every now and then to exercise the actuators(Tacos have 2; T case and the ADD system). Of course I only do this on a straight road and I disengage it before I get to my turn. Also I run down the 1/8th mile strip in 4wd and just shift out at the turn. Try launching a truck in 2wd without slicks. A lot of noise and a lot of smoke but nothing happens.

 

[terra4r]

other threads about this, but good cross-gen info. Picture of the jeep tc, irrelevant.

However, I think everyone needs to chill about this topic. use the 4wd as intended, maintain iaw your manual and you'll be fine.

My 3rd gen never had a problem with this. I rarely drove on dry roads with 4wd engaged, but have had it engaged in mixed dry/wet conditions. The occasional oops turning in parking lots, etc. All was still in working order throughout it's entire life.

It's my opinion that on any given surface, your wheels will slip before the drivetrain fails. (Small contact patch, lots of power trying to be transmitted through that, which will give first?) Toyota engineers know what they're doing, and they definitely test and design with a good factor of safety. All this talk but I rarely ever hear about a 4r experiencing a catastrophic failure due to binding on dry roads.

 

[chip4]

other threads about this, but good cross-gen info. Picture of the jeep tc, irrelevant.

However, I think everyone needs to chill about this topic. use the 4wd as intended, maintain iaw your manual and you'll be fine.

All this talk but I rarely ever hear about a 4r experiencing a catastrophic failure due to binding on dry roads.

This is a forum where we discuss the different aspects and features of our vehicles, if you think the article or topic is irrelevant keep it to yourself and move along. There is nothing wrong with people here sharing information that other people deem useful. The point people are trying to make is that there is a potential damage and safety issues if used incorrectly and this helps us all.

 

[terra4r]

This is a forum where we discuss the different aspects and features of our vehicles, if you think the article or topic is irrelevant keep it to yourself and move along. There is nothing wrong with people here sharing information that other people deem useful. The point people are trying to make is that there is a potential damage and safety issues if used incorrectly and this helps us all.

Did I say this thread was irrelevant? READ again. The OP brought some useful information on experimentation with the 4th gen and steering input, and how it could apply to us. Next time you should try to do the same.

 

[chip4]

Did I say this thread was irrelevant? READ again. The OP brought some useful information on experimentation with the 4th gen and steering input, and how it could apply to us. Next time you should try to do the same.

You call my post irrelevant, now you are telling me what to do. Seriously youre something else.

 

[M1911]

Play nice, children.

 

[BearFromOBX]

45 MPH limitation?

My 3rd Gen manual shows an intended 45 MPH speed limit in 4WD Hi (although I have exceeded that for periods). Is that also true for 4th and 5th Gen?

Bear

 

[simple]

My 3rd Gen manual shows an intended 45 MPH speed limit in 4WD Hi (although I have exceeded that for periods). Is that also true for 4th and 5th Gen?

Bear

There is a speed limit on engagement, 60mph, , but no limitation for speed once on.

 

[Gyprat]

I'm an owner of a new 2016 T4R SR5 with a part time 4wd. I also own a 98 Grand Cherokee with a full time system. The Jeep has a very robust and capable 4wd system, very similar to 4R. I never engaged 4wd for the sake of lubrication although 4lo was used a lot when I lived in Arizona. Everything gets lubed in there anyway because both axles rotate no matter if 4wd is engaged or not. I never had any issues caused by a lack of lubrication.
One important thing to remember is to maintain the same air pressure in all four tires. A 5 PSI difference may cause difficulties when you try to engage or disengage 4wd system.

 

[RedRacer]

If you have a 2010-2013 Trail Edition or SR5 4X4 then put it in 4HI every now and then during the spring and summer for some miles of fairly straight roads. This will assure proper lubrication of the transfer case and movement of the actuator. NO HARD TURNS! NO PARKING LOT TURNS!

If you have a 2010-2013 Limited Edition don't worry about it. This does not apply to you.

Are you saying that with a 2010 - 2013 Trail it would damage the 4WD system to drive on a snowy/slippery freeway at 60mph for extend periods or time?

I am looking to buy a 5th Gen (previous 4th Gen LTD V8 owner) and was focused on the Trail model but I absolutely need to be able to drive in 4WD mode at freeway speeds for Rocky mountain winter use.

 

[JB.]

One important thing to remember is to maintain the same air pressure in all four tires. A 5 PSI difference may cause difficulties when you try to engage or disengage 4wd system.

Equal air pressure is a good idea for a variety of reasons, but that's not one of them.

5psi would create such a subtle difference in front/rear drive shaft rotational speeds it would be difficult to measure and certainly wouldn't be noticeable in its effect on shifting in and out of 4wd.

 

[Jeremy556]

Everything gets lubed in there anyway because both axles rotate no matter if 4wd is engaged or not. I never had any issues caused by a lack of lubrication.

Pinion gear doesn't turn without 4wd engaged. It's really more about exercising the AAD

Are you saying that with a 2010 - 2013 Trail it would damage the 4WD system to drive on a snowy/slippery freeway at 60mph for extend periods or time?

I am looking to buy a 5th Gen (previous 4th Gen LTD V8 owner) and was focused on the Trail model but I absolutely need to be able to drive in 4WD mode at freeway speeds for Rocky mountain winter use.

No, he said avoid parking lot turns in summer.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

Are you saying that with a 2010 - 2013 Trail it would damage the 4WD system to drive on a snowy/slippery freeway at 60mph for extend periods or time?

I am looking to buy a 5th Gen (previous 4th Gen LTD V8 owner) and was focused on the Trail model but I absolutely need to be able to drive in 4WD mode at freeway speeds for Rocky mountain winter use.

If it is snowy and slippery, then you can run 4wd for the entire year, at all speeds and it will not damage it. I have repeatedly driven 100 miles into the mountains, in snowy conditions without issues. Keep in mind that you will have to be more aware of the 4wd system vs. your 4th gen. Simply don't drive in 4wd on drive pavement while doing sharp turns and you will be fine.

Side note....Get the Trail! With proper snow tires, mine has been an absolute beast in the Rocky Mountain winters.

 

[Jhalko]

I am looking to buy a 5th Gen (previous 4th Gen LTD V8 owner) and was focused on the Trail model but I absolutely need to be able to drive in 4WD mode at freeway speeds for Rocky mountain winter use.

As much as I love not having to think about this with my Limited given its full time 4WD, I drove a part time system for years to and from Summit county and did just fine. Just gotta understand you'll be moving in and out of 4wd a bit more given CO weather.