when to use 4wd

[pfhat]

So I've got a 98 sr5, and have heard conflicting rules on when you should use 4wd. What are your thoughts?

 

[XJeepguy]

When 2WD wont get you any further :driving: :whipping2

 

[gapboi210]

slick surfaces only. You don't have a center diff.

 

[pfhat]

So is rain on pavement slick enough? I hope I haven't messed it up yet....

 

[XJeepguy]

IMO I would not use 4x4 on just wet pavement . Gravel , snow ,mud , anything where your tires may spin easily is a safe bet .

So is rain on pavement slick enough? I hope I haven't messed it up yet....

 

[obex26]

When 1WD wont get you any further :driving: :whipping2

Sorry had to fix it unless of course you have a locking rear diff... Then its 2wd prior to 3wd.. now if you are locked front and rear you will end up with a true 4wd.

I myself have 2wd with the option for 3wd... 2wd does not work well taking sharp corners unless I am in neutral. otherwise it binds and makes funny noises..

 

[runnahmike]

I heard someone say once that you shouldnt use 4wd until you get stuck, cuz if your in 2wd and get stuck, you'll have something to fall back on.

And if your stuck in 4wd??

I was like

 

[gapboi210]

well if you think your going to get stuck i'd enage 4x4 (thanks shift on the fly) so that you still have momentum on your side. Plus if your in mud, you might sink some making it harder to get out. So I'd disagree on that statement.

 

[Mr. Dabadina]

Well since your asking this question then I assume you don't go offroad. With that being said if this 4runner is in the city or hwy only then I would only use your 4wd hi when it snows in seattle. However, due to gas prices I don't use my 4wd everytime it snows here in Indiana. I only use it if (there is snow) I know the road I am traveling has a few turns in it b/c its a rear wheel drive vehicle I don't wanna fish tail (unwillingly) and run off the road or slide into someone. Essentially if I'm gonna be turning the wheel at speed (lane changes and road curves). If the road has some hills (and snow) then I might engage it in 4wd before I get to the hill so that I don't get stuck mid hill and then lose all momentum. I see you're in seattle and I wouldn't engage it in 4wd in the rain. I know it doesn't rain here as much as in seattle but I've driven hwy speeds in very very hard downpours and have never needed 4wd. I would think hydroplaneing would make you feel like you need 4wd but you need to just slow down. I enage it gravel roads about once every 3 months to just engage the 4wd and keep everything lubed. With all that being said, I only engage 4wd if its necessary. With gas prices the way they are I don't see it necessary to drive in 4wd if I can be cautious and keep it in 2wd and still make my destination.

 

[pfhat]

awesome thanks, I'll keep it in 2wd until i get enough balls to go play in the dirt. Or until it snows like it did yesterday.