New to Part-Time 4 Wheel Drive -- maintain by driving in 4WD for 10 miles each month?

[flyfishthesierras]

This is my first post and I've found the 4Runner6G site an awesome source of information. I'm looking at purchasing a 6th Gen 4Runner later this year, and it will be my first 4 part-time wheel drive vehicle. I was looking at the 6G's owner manual and saw the following recommendation " You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated. "

Living in an environment where it hardly rains, never snows, and will take me a couple hours to get to some dirt roads, I was wondering how I can satisfy the recommendation to drive at least 10 miles in four-wheel drive each month. I'm looking at the 4R since I plan to use the vehicle on fishing trips which do take me to areas where 4-wheel drive will help and the occasional winter fishing trips where snow is encountered. Would I damage the 4-wheel drive system if I drive in 4H on straight dry paved roads, just to keep the system lubricated. Thanks.

 

[DustyLens]

I wouldn't be overly concerned. I don't recall seeing such a recommendation on my 4Runners (3rd and 5th gen). Maybe 300k miles total between the two. But I do a bit of desert off-roading and I use 4hi whenever I'm on dirt, so I don't think it's been an issue. I definitely go months without using 4hi.

As it is, that's a rather vague recommendation anyway, probably just their lawyers talking.

 

[Mad Ghost]

dry roads are fine. hit a stretch of pavement and shift into 4h you'll be fine

 

[flyfishthesierras]

Thanks for the responses. When I do hit the outdoors, I will be driving quite a bit on dirt roads and possible snowy roads in the winter. It is just those 3 or 4 months in a row where I'll won’t see any unpaved roads. Maybe I need to look for a local off-road club and pick up another new hobby.

 

[HVLA]

Thanks for the responses. When I do hit the outdoors, I will be driving quite a bit on dirt roads and possible snowy roads in the winter. It is just those 3 or 4 months in a row where I'll won’t see any unpaved roads. Maybe I need to look for a local off-road club and pick up another new hobby.

Or you need to come fish the sierras all year?

 

[flyfishthesierras]

That will definitely address my concern. That's a legit reason to up my days on the water.

 

[Tmurph]

Like mentioned above, I wouldn't be too concerned with it. With my pick up I use 4wd once maybe twice a year when we get a good snow or ice and works every time. I would just use it when you need it. Also, be mindful that there is a recommended speed not to exceed while in 4wd high.

 

[HOLYMOLY]

I had two 4Runners and I would never drive in 4WD on dry payment unless you have full time 4 WD which was offered on the Limited models.

 

[WV76X]

I have a 5G 4Runner with the same recommendation. I do think it’s a good idea to drive in 4WD occasionally, but I certainly don’t do it monthly except in winter. Every few months is good for me on all my vehicles. I rarely activate the rear locker, but I try to add that to the list.​

​

I would only use 4WD for a straight, short distance on a dry road to cycle the actuators. Definitely no turning and not for 10 miles.​

​

​

 

[Area 52]

I had two 4Runners and I would never drive in 4WD on dry payment unless you have full time 4 WD which was offered on the Limited models.

Absolutely agree with this. Part time needs some slippage that occurs on softer surfaces (dirt), although I have run part time on snowy roads.

Dry pavement, nyet.

 

[flyfishthesierras]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll need to make time to go find some dirt. Great excuse to get out of the city.