is it a good idea to pop the car into 4 hi and 4 lo every now and then just to get some use out of it?

meaning are there any negative issues of me never using those gears?

ive had my 4runner for 52k miles and have only used the 4x4 option ONCE just to screw around.



shame that i dont use the car for off roading but right now my interests are more motorcycle related.

 

The owners manual says to drive in 4x4 at least 10 miles a month to keep everything lubricated.

 

oh crap...i never knew that.

am i screwed?

 

Everytime it rains here in Dallas I run my Runner in 4 hi. This keeps everything lubricated and the rain on the ground helps save my tire while driving on pavment.

 

I have heard that. On my 90 with part time ADD I just find a dirt road, put it in 4 hi or lo and go for about 5 min. That way I dont bind the system by being on pavement. For those with the multimode type system, you can just go with the full time 4wd for a few miles on pavement. I would not worry about it all that much. It IS a Toyota after all. Just do that every month or so. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

If you're lucky enough to have manual hubs, just shift into 4-hi at a streetlight (don't lock hubs) and drive a couple blocks then shift back. I do this weekly on the 4Runner and every time I drive the pickup.

 

Wouldn't that just turn the driveshaft up to the differential? Or would it turn the ring and pinion gears and the axles?

 

This should turn everything up front. The only thing that doesn't happen is your hubs aren't connected to your front axleshafts.

 

I'd suggest not running 4wd with the center diff locked on wet pavement. I've ruined a set of auto hubs on a vehicle doing that (more traction at the push of a button when on a steep wet slope was just too convenient). You should be able to find a dirt road somewhere to use the 4wd.

 

I live on a dirt road and I have around 100 acres of fields so I usually just drive around there for a few minutes with 4 engaged about every 2 or 3 weeks and thats all I do unless I go mudding or wheeling or I have to pull someone out, or lately, if its snowing.

Hopefully its all working fine!

Fink

 

Yes, you are. I'll send you my address and you can ship your 4Runner there.

 

heck... once a week as you turn into your street for your home, just go into 4wd.

now drive straight without turning to prevent the binding problems.

i've always thought that 10 miles per month was crazy... a good minute should get all the juices flowing.

 

for those with ADD and the standard 4x4 system (not the AWD button or whatever on LTD):

do not run 4WD (HI OR LO) on dry pavement, especially if youre turning and weaving and such. this puts lots of stress on your drivetrain.

4WD HI and LO should always be used off the road.

 

I personally have never had a car that I could put in 4wd, my runner on the other hand can be.

4-low will really not be a good idea on anything that has traction. Top speed will be extremely reduced and your engine will be screaming.

Go straight if you have to, or find a parking lot that is gravel.