Questions about shifting between 2WD and 4WD

I like my 2020 4Runner a lot, but I have a few questions about it:

- Why is there so much vibration when I try to shift the transfer case lever from the H4 position to Neutral and then to L4? Is this normal? I feel like the amount of vibration that's occurring isn't good for the tranny.

- Is it easier on the transmission and transfer case if I shift from H2 to H4 while stopped and in neutral, as opposed to doing this while moving and in gear? Or does it make no difference?

- Can you/should you shift from H2 to H4 while in Park?

Thanks in advance for any comments/recommendations....

 

You MUST be stopped and in neutral to shift from 4Hi to 4Lo! It's in the manual and on the visor I believe.

Low range is only for low speed operation. It should never be used above 10 MPH or so.

 

Welcome from Nebraska!
I would start here https://www.4runners.com/threads/rookie-needs-help.17421/. Other member is having troubles also.
Congratulations,
Ryan

 

Welcome aboard.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! On slippery snow covered roads I just let off the throttle while putting it in 4Hi, then go down the road at a comfortable speed, I've never hurt a 4wd system traveling on slippery surfaces even at say 45-50mph. 4LO, that's a different story, trans in neutral, stopped of course and don't travel above 10-15 mph, with small incremental turning.

 

Yes, I read the manual and understand that you can shift between H2 and H4 while moving, but you can't/shouldn't be moving when you shift between the H4 and L4.

BTW, my next door neighbor is a bass fisherman, too. It's practically all he thinks about, and he used to do it competitively. I live in Vancouver, WA.

 

That thread was helpful. Thanks! I'm relieved to know for sure that the grinding when shifting between Neutral and L2 is normal. And I plan to shift more vigorously -- as in "racking a shotgun", like one of the contributors to that thread suggested.

 

Thanks for the welcomes! This is a very helpful site.

I'm still curious about what the answers are to my second and third questions. But you've answered the most important one (about whether the heavy vibration between Neutral and L2 is normal).

 

So, you were getting a vibration while shifting from 4hi to 4lo while stopped and in neutral?

I haven't fished as much the last few years, but I was pretty nutso for a long time!

This is true. I compare it to shifting an outboard motor. Don't be shy with it.

 

Welcome from Beaverton!

 

Responses to your original questions.

- Why is there so much vibration when I try to shift the transfer case lever from the H4 position to Neutral and then to L4? Is this normal? I feel like the amount of vibration that's occurring isn't good for the tranny. - You're being too gentle/easy during shifting. Stop, put Transmission in Neutral, shift from H4 to L4 with authority. You don't have to try and break off the lever, but don't treat it gently either.

- Is it easier on the transmission and transfer case if I shift from H2 to H4 while stopped and in neutral, as opposed to doing this while moving and in gear? Or does it make no difference? - I can't really see an issue shifting transfer case from H2 to H4 while stopped and in neutral, but this was designed to go from H2 to H4 while on the move, under 50 MPH. Just follow the manual, you can't go wrong.

- Can you/should you shift from H2 to H4 while in Park? - I would not advise doing this. I've seen individuals get their transfer case or transmission 'hung up' trying to do this. Again, follow the manual.