Keeping lockers and low gear oiled.

It is recommended to turn on the locker and low gear once in a while so that the actuator is oiled and working. Is it also necessary to drive? Or can you just engage it and disengage it once a month without driving.

 

Great question
Which lockers?
Helpful info in this thread on engaging OE locker and 4x4

https://www.4runners.com/threads/5th-gen-4wd-best-practices-knowledge-base.33692/

 

There’s an oil pump in the transfer case that’s always pumping oil. The chain and associated sprockets don’t move but in 2wd but it’s good to exercise the actuator. I do lock in low range and drive the industrial area near my storage facility. It’s maybe 1/2 mile.

I also lock in the locker but if I’m not there I cycle it about 5 times in my driveway. Of course I’m in low first and get to the point where it will lock and unlock straight in.

 

Yes, Engage and go have fun.

 

I don't off road. So far in 2 years of owning I've just engaged and disengaged it once a month in parking lot.

 

That's OK, 'off-road' doesn't mean you have to go rock crawling or in knee deep mud. Find an old logging road, put 'er in 4WD and go for a drive. See how relaxing that feels? At the same time your doing your truck a favor(lubrication and exercise) and you're out in mother nature.. aaah, feels good.

 

Question for you guys on 4l and locker. Engaging 4h I will do it low speeds straight line on pavement if needed. For the locker I only do it on dirt or gravel when there is slippage. I always have to turn my wheels a bit to get the locker to engage.

Doing this on pavement never feels like a good idea but maybe I am over thinking it.

For any new owners first time with e-locker. Engaging it regularly is very important. Most problems are from people that never use them. I have the e-locker on my first gen taco also and still works perfect for a 20 year old truck.