4x4 ?

[demarpaint]

Is there any harm in not using 4WD? There has been no need for it yet, and the wife doesn't want the "baby" out in the snow just yet, so the 4x4 system is always in 2 WD. I switch it into 4L backing into the garage once in a while (wheels straight not to bind anything), just wondering if that's necessary?

Frank D

 

[onion]

IMO, it's a good idea to engage the 4wd on occasion to keep the gear oil slung around and covering all parts (I've seen 4wd differentials that were covered with rust on the top half after not being used for years at a time). So I'd say that your garage-backing practice is good for it. Beyond that, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Chris142]

You should ocasionally engage it. Get the unused gears in the oil and any other sliding parts need to move once in a while.

 

[AlpineParadise]

what I have always heard is you want to engage the front diff just to splash the lube around. Possibly if the gears never moved the top parts sticking out of the lube might start to rust, but I sure wouldn't bet real money (if there is such a thing any more) on it. I live at 8000ft down 3 miles of a unmaintained mud road so the issue has never come up with me.
See Ya in the Hills!

 

[demarpaint]

You think once a month is good to engage it?

Frank D

 

[zrxkawboy]

Once per month should be fine.

 

[tom slick]

It depends on the vehicle. many have the front driveline engaged all the time, shifting into 4wd only engages the hubs or similar mechanism. still a good idea to occasionally make sure everything works before you need it though.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
It depends on the vehicle. many have the front driveline engaged all the time, shifting into 4wd only engages the hubs or similar mechanism. still a good idea to occasionally make sure everything works before you need it though.


Its an 08 Liberty with Select Trac II. In 4 H it only engages when needed, so technically it can be driven in that mode all the time. I bought it with that system so if my wife needed 4 WD and forgot to switch it back to 2H it wouldn't ruin anything on dry pavement. In 4L its engaged full time, that's why I put it in 4L when backing into the garage. I figure it will get all parts lubed up.

I will be using 4L to drive up ramps to change oil next OC, it has a lot of torque in 4L.

Thanks for the replies!
Frank D

 

[tom slick]

I did a little reading on the select trac II and engaging 4wd just engages a clutch in the transfer case. I'd bet that in 2wd the front driveline is still spinning and being driven by the front wheels.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Use it or lose it. A 4wd system needs to be function checked regularly to assure that it is there when you need it. Not only for lubrication but electronic actuaters can fail and regular fundtion checks will identify that.

 

[3Toyotas]

Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
Use it or lose it. A 4wd system needs to be function checked regularly to assure that it is there when you need it. Not only for lubrication but electronic actuaters can fail and regular fundtion checks will identify that.


Agreed 100%

Most manufacturers recomend you drive in 4x4 mode once a month for 10 miles.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
I did a little reading on the select trac II and engaging 4wd just engages a clutch in the transfer case. I'd bet that in 2wd the front driveline is still spinning and being driven by the front wheels.


When its in 4L you can feel everything hook up. In 4H it doesn't feel any different than 2 WD.

Frank D

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks for all the info, I'll run it in 4L backing into the garage as I've been doing, and toss it into 4 H for a short drive once in a while.


Frank D

 

[tom slick]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: tom slick
I did a little reading on the select trac II and engaging 4wd just engages a clutch in the transfer case. I'd bet that in 2wd the front driveline is still spinning and being driven by the front wheels.


When its in 4L you can feel everything hook up. In 4H it doesn't feel any different than 2 WD.

Frank D


In 4L it is locking the center differential making it function like old fashioned 4wd.

what I am getting at with previous posts is that system doesn't need to be cycled on to maintain its function. all of the parts and lubricants are moving/lubricating all the time. the front differential always spins and there are no disconnects in the front axle system. when you engage any of the 4wd functions it is just a shift and clutch engagement in the transmission/transfer case.

 

[INDYMAC]

A quote from my 2000 Toyota Tundra owner's manual:

"You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 16km (10 miles) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated."

Maybe your Liberty manual states something similarly?

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks Tom. INDYMAC the Owners Manual says nothing about using the 4WD system other than how to use it, shifting on the fly, and the proper ways to enter 4L, along with the max safe speed in 4L. Then the usual cautions associated with 4 WD.

Frank D

 

[INDYMAC]

I would go with using it at least once a month then. This will prevent rust from forming, internal seals from drying and cracking, and let you know whether the system is still working in case you ever need it.

 

[demarpaint]

Will do that anyway, no point in asking at the dealership no one will know. I have a feeling the system works like tom slick said but its nice to make sure all the switches, etc. are working so if and when its needed it works.

Frank D