What’s the max speed to engage 4WD?

[Satter]

I have a 98 4Runner with an automatic transmission. It has 4x4 capability. It has the “4WD” button on the shifter. My question is what’s the top speed I can go to push the button? I thought it was 60mph. I’ve searched the owners manual and google. But can’t find it. If anyone could tell me that would be great. Thanks.

 

[Jidaran]

If you have a 98 it shouldn't have a button on the shifter, that came in 99 (on limited only) and all trims for 01 and 02.

 

[Ser1clymb]

If you have a 98 it shouldn't have a button on the shifter, that came in 99 (on limited only) and all trims for 01 and 02.

I have a 98 with a button on the shifter.

OP, I believe you are correct, don't engage the 4WD over 60MPH, and don't go over 60MPH while in 4WD.

 

[Jidaran]

For those with the 4WD button, you need to be < 62 mph.

Shifting back to 2WD can happen at any speed.

Both numbers are in the owners manual.

 

[Jidaran]

I have a 98 with a button on the shifter.

You're totally right, apologies for the misinformation.

The limited had push button 4WD for 96 - 02

For 01 and 02, all trims have push button 4WD.

I was conflating the push button with multimode.

 

[phattyduck]

There should be a visor card that states the correct speeds.

This is the one for the multimode transfer case:

This is the one for the mechanical "J-shift" case:

The early Limited push-button non-multi-mode case probably uses the lower 50mph limit.

As stated above, you can drive in 4WD at any speed and shift back to 2WD at any speed. The slower you are going when shifting into 4WD, the better.

-Charlie

 

[rickmum]

OP - if you have the push button, it engage if you're going too fast. The 4wd light will blink AND beep if you're going over 62mph and try to engage it.

As far as I know there's no max speed once you're engaged.

 

[Satter]

There should be a visor card that states the correct speeds.

This is the one for the multimode transfer case:

This is the one for the mechanical "J-shift" case:

The early Limited push-button non-multi-mode case probably uses the lower 50mph limit.

As stated above, you can drive in 4WD at any speed and shift back to 2WD at any speed. The slower you are going when shifting into 4WD, the better.

-Charlie

Charlie, thanks so much. I have that card inside the plastic cover on the visor. It says not to engage 4WD above 60 mph. I appreciate you pointing it out. Cheers.

 

[T4R2014]

60mph. Just my opinion, but considering these things are old I think it's safer to stop before shifting into 4wd. My push button works great but my j-shifter system sounds like a shotgun when engaging at speed.

 

[Ser1clymb]

You're totally right, apologies for the misinformation.

The limited had push button 4WD for 96 - 01

For 01 and 02, all trims have push button 4WD.

I was conflating the push button with multimode.

No worries at all. Mine is a limited, that's the only way I know that a 98 can have push button 4WD.

 

[mesooohoppy]

This is the one for the mechanical "J-shift" case:

The early Limited push-button non-multi-mode case probably uses the lower 50mph limit.

As stated above, you can drive in 4WD at any speed and shift back to 2WD at any speed. The slower you are going when shifting into 4WD, the better.

-Charlie

i have the j shift case but i do not have manual hubs...? i dont recall any 99s that have the j shift case coming from the factory with manual hubs?

 

[phattyduck]

i have the j shift case but i do not have manual hubs...? i dont recall any 99s that have the j shift case coming from the factory with manual hubs?

The same placard is used in vehicles with manual hubs, so you ignore that step since we have the ADD system.

Make sure you stop and shift to neutral for shifting between 4H and 4L - that's the one that can cause damage...

-Charlie

 

[mesooohoppy]

The same placard is used in vehicles with manual hubs, so you ignore that step since we have the ADD system.

Make sure you stop and shift to neutral for shifting between 4H and 4L - that's the one that can cause damage...

-Charlie

is there a specific card for 99 limiteds or a jcase shifter with out manual hubs? i dont have the card in my rig and id like to print out the correct one here at work on some nice thick card stock.

i also have a habit of stopping completely to shift into any sort of 4wd (rather it be high or low). id rather err on the side of caution than try to remember what i can and cant do at under 62mph.

i think the only think i shift on the fly is the AWD mode, and im never going faster than 25. i think ive done this twice now; although im still a little uneasy about it (this is my first 4wd vehicle).

 

[Ser1clymb]

There should be a visor card that states the correct speeds.

This is the one for the multimode transfer case:


This is the one for the mechanical "J-shift" case:


The early Limited push-button non-multi-mode case probably uses the lower 50mph limit.

As stated above, you can drive in 4WD at any speed and shift back to 2WD at any speed. The slower you are going when shifting into 4WD, the better.

-Charlie

So, I thought I heard/was told not to exceed 60MPH when driving in 4WD. Did I just twist that around in my head? Should you try and stay under a certain speed when in 4WD, or does it matter?

 

[Satter]

So, I thought I heard/was told not to exceed 60MPH when driving in 4WD. Did I just twist that around in my head? Should you try and stay under a certain speed when in 4WD, or does it matter?

Yes it does matter. According to Toyota DO NOT activate 4WD over 60 mph. Also, be sure to drive at least 10 miles each month in 4WD to keep your your 4x4 properly maintained. This is according to the owners manual for a 98 4Runner.

 

[Brian.]

Just for giggles, the manual for a 99.... Pay attention to the part about shifting from H4 to H4l ~ it says to slow DOWN to below 100kph/62mph...

 

[3bears]

to me activate means turn on. so don't turn on above 60mph....however..if already on can you exceed 60mph? I have not …..just wondering
I have hit 50+.
and before trying to burn me on driving so fast in 4wd...come live and drive in my world...gee the high today was minus 19

 

[Satter]

That is just so weird. In any case I’ll probably be shifting from H2 to H4 at a low speed anyway. The stealership put in a completely new front axel assembly.

The thing is that when engaged it make a whining sound. The 4x4 indicator dash light doesn’t come on. And when disengaged it takes a while and when it does it jolts the whole truck. I took it back and told them about it. They said everything was functioning normally.

I don’t know. I feel that something is very wrong.

 

[3bears]

There is more noise in 4wd..so hard to say what you hear is normal or not since I cant hear it. For me I have not switched form 2wd to 4wd above 20mph so cant say if there is a jolt in the shift process above that. I have switched form 4wd to 2wd way above that and it is a smooth shift to turn off....don't even feel it.
After in 4wd I do drive over that speed

 

[Satter]

I’m thinking that it could just be because it’s entirely new axel that needs to be broken in??

I think what I’ll do is video the process in hopes that it will record the sound and the jolt when 4WD is disengaged. Then play it for my service advisor at the stealership.

If I could post the video I would. But I don’t know how to do it using my phone. I don’t have a pc.