4x4

Hey guys I’m new here I have a 2021 premium I have never had a 4x4 before I was reading that I need to drive it on 4 hi once in a while how often do I need to drive it on 4hi and how long? I’m at 58,000 miles I tried using it 2 days ago I was backing up from my driveway hard pavement just like 20 feet but I stopped and put it back in 2 hi because I felt like I was forcing it and didn’t wanted to break or damage something I felt like the brakes were engaged but they weren’t I had to press the gas kind of hard to make it move is that normal should I be concerned.

 

Welcome. I try and put mine in 4H at least once or twice a month for about 5-10 miles. I’ll usually do it on a straight road that’s about 40-45 mph, on my way to work.

 

DO NOT drive in four wheel drive on dry pavement. Go to a trail. Or drive in a perfectly straight line, which I wouldn't do if I was you.

 

Thank you for the information @Yotaholic @steelevo

 

It's OK to exercise 4wd on straight stretches of pavement for whatever length they allow.

 

If you can't find a convenient unpaved road or trail, a gravel driveway will suffice. Speed and distance are less important than just getting it into 4WD regularly. It's all about keeping everything limber and the seals from getting dry. Plus you want to make sure the 4WD shift selector is working properly for when you actually need it. If it needs lubed, you'll know it as the selector will be really hard to move and engage.

 

Straight roads are fine in 4wd for exercise of the system. We bought Toyotas because they’re tough so some 4wd on the pavement isn’t going to blow them up. I have many boosted launches with 4wd engaged in my Tacoma. It never missed a beat.

 

Most of the country is currently covered in snow which lends itself to play with the 4wd. Enjoy.

 

I accidently drove my Jeep Wrangler with 35's and a Detroit locker in the rear in 4hi on a winding mountain road for 20 miles and didn't feel a thing. I would find it hard to believe that a 4Runner couldn't handle a straight stretch of dry pavement for a couple of miles.

 

Weird. All of the Limited models are full time 4WD.

 

Owners manual;

 

That's all fine and good, but I think a lot of people forget or overlook lubrication of the actual drivelines. I inspect/lube mine every oil change.