What gear should I use??

[gcantu]

When driving, should I use "D" or switch the gear to "4" which I assume is OD? And what are the advantages or disadvantages?
Thanks,
George

 

[dingo]

Leave it in "D" for normal everyday driving. D is actually overdrive. I sometimes slip in back down to 4 when I want to pass or play a little.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

I leave it in "D" all the time, so that the vehicle can use all five speeds. The transmission will decide itself what speed to use. During my 2 1/2 years of driving my 4Runner, the only time I need to use "4" is on a long stretch of uphill highway (such as I-70 in MD heading towards Breezwood, PA) where it seems to 'hunt gears' and switches in and out of overdrive.

You can use the "4" position as an engine brake, although I would not recommend doing that very often. Some people who tow a lot of stuff probably manually shift gears, too.

The V6 in my 4Runner is rather torquey, so it is not often that I feel the need to drop down a gear. I can only imagine what the V8 must feel like.
:awais:

 

[4Runner1371]

V8 feels hot and sexy

 

[lawwailok]

yeah! lock it in "4" and keep your foot deep on the gas in the V8, I felt GREAT yesterday by doing it on freeway until it hit 100