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If it were binding, she would have felt it. If there was snow, the wheels would probably have slipped to relieve any built-up forces. I wouldn't worry until you've driven it again and tested 4H on a straight road.

 

Just test out the functions in 2H and 4H. If all works and isn't exhibiting and new noises I would be concerned.

 

Lets address the biggest issue first: You let your wife drive YOUR 4Runner. That is grounds to have your man-card revoked.

 

Ha, it was a choice, shovel the foot of snow blocking the garage door behind her car, or just let her use the 4R. I think lazy-man approach is approved.

 

I'm not sure on this, but maybe consider replacing differential/transfer case lubes since they may have gotten overheated. Lube propeller shafts too.

 

I bet it’s all good, jmho.

 

Agree^,

change the oil in the gear boxes and pay particular attention to the drain plug magnets. Fine metal dust on plugs is normal, but if you see metal splinters, that would be cause for concern.

Good luck.

 

The 4runner is probably fine. But I think lubing driveshafts is appropriate penance for parking it in 4hi.

If you still feel guilty, you dont have to change the transfer oil….just do the research if you should buy liquid gold or another transfer oil.

 

Bro, my wife owns the 4runner... and my man card.

 

Probably ok. No different than being offroad for over several hours/miles. Pavement no pavement ok....for as long most of the drive was straight and not a lot of hard turns then you should be ok. There is a little test...smell the diffs..and if you smell something like burnt popcorn...then you might want to drain and check and see what comes out. My guess...is that everything should be OK.

 

Newb question here. Can the 4Rs not handle longer distances in 4Hi?

 

Limited is the only model that can be full time in 4wd no matter the surface.

 

Engaging 4WD on a 4WD on demand vehicle should only be done on conditions that allow some slip. If you are on an icy road or even dirt, the distance doesn't matter as slippage can occur under those circumstances.

 

im confused where can we find information when to engage 4hi 4lo..

i also came off a dirt road the other day and left it in 4 hi... it made a big challenge i probably hit 35mph... maybe for about a half a mile.

when i came to the gas station it was very hard to turn like it was rubbing ?? something down below...

 

Wow.

 

It’s fine. Just don’t make a habit of it.

 

Part time 4wd is not meant for full time use because there is no center diff to allow the tires to turn at different speeds and you make turns.

 

Thinking about it, If your encountering road conditions where your having trouble getting traction in 2wd, then that would be the time to engage 4wd. Just make sure your not spinning out the rear wheels when you engage 4wd.

If I was a Toyota salesman, I would use these types of threads as a selling point for the Limited.

 

That and the fact that the LE doesn’t have a dreaded needle bearing.

 

I thought you are supposed to drive it once a month for 10 miles in 4H to keep everything lubricated. Unless she kept doing really full turns to the store why worry

 

I do exactly this. I even have it on my Outlook calendar "Engage the 4Wheel drive system!" Sadly, I have to set a monthly reminder because I don't go wheelin' on a regular basis.

My truck is mainly a pavement princess. Anywho...I put in 4Hi and drive on the highway for 10 - 20 miles (while doing 65MPH). Every other month I engage 4Lo, then drive slowly through my neighborhood driving about 10MPH.

 

It’s a 4Runner, these things are tanks. It’ll be fine imo.

My 3rd gen was the first part time 4WD truck I’ve owned. Trying to figure out how to go to 4Lo without reading up on it = not putting the car in neutral = horrific gear grind! I think it even forced itself in at one point and I still proceeded to disengage it while in drive.

You’d think on a beat up old truck, doing that multiple times would obliterate the gears. Several years later, truck currently at 200K miles, almost daily driven, everything still works like a charm

 

Chances are it's perfectly fine, especially if she made it home

 

I dont know about changing fluids.... but I think its time to change out the wife! Kidding, Im sure she has some redeeming qualities that justifies you now questioning the longevity of your $50k investment every time you drive it for the rest of the time you own it.....Happy travels!

 

Has nothing to do with it being a 4Runner. Any vehicle with a similar drive system is subject to this.

 

This.

Don't overthink it. If she driving around for 35 miles odds are good majority of it was in straight lines down the road. No biggie. She may have felt a little binding in turns as to be expected but it's not like she was doing tight figure 8's in the parking lot. Use this as an opportunity to show her how to get in and out of 4wd and that if she feels the binding again to check the dash for the indicator light.

 

I once forgot to shift my '96 Silverado out of 4WD. Went 40-ish miles on the interstate doing well over 70 mph before I realized it was still engaged. Didn't seem to bother anything. Truck still runs at 273,000 miles. Pretty sure the 4Runner has better build quality.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Just don't do it on regular basis.