Can I drive in 4-wheel 24\7 (Automatic)

[EliteEagleX]

I know that this is not a full-time 4X4 vehicle, and that you can switch it to 2 WD on the go, but it is okay to leave it in 4-Wheel Drive all the time if you want? Stupid question, I know.

(I know it wastes more gas)

[1 Bored Clerk]

No! You can really mess stuff up doing that. Just on really slippery surfaces. Ice, Snow, dirt, etc.

The only reason you can on the MT FJs is becuase of the center torsen differential. It can split the power front to back which is the problem with a 'normal' transfer case like in our ATs. When you turn, your front end is following a different arc than your rear end and transfer cases don't like that.

[ridgerunner2021]

yeah. What he said. DON'T DO IT.

[gascolator]

Your answer is here

[Baldman]

Read and follow the Owner's Manual, which states:

“H2” (high speed position, two−wheel drive): Lever at “H2”
Use this for normal driving on dry hard−surfaced roads. This position gives greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.

“H4” (high speed position, four−wheel drive): Lever at “H4”
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or snow−covered roads. This position provides greater traction than two−wheel drive.

“L4” (low speed position, four−wheel drive): Lever at “L4”
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “L4” for climbing or descending steep hills, off−road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow.


In short - YES, you can use H4 on pavement. If other variables were in play - front or rear lockers could engage, then there would be a different answer. As long as it is OEM, then follow the OEM protocol.

[Baldman]

gascolator previously said:

Your answer is here

Recall what section of the forum you are posting in - this is the NEWBIE area. In the event you forgot, there is no flaming or "stupid questions" within this realm. If you don't have an intelligent answer, then walk on and let someone else tackle the question that was too much of a bother for you to answer.

[EliteEagleX]

Thanks Baldman, so I would switch into H-4 if it was raining, use H-2 on a daily basis, and use L-4 when off-roading or going on tough terrain, alright cool I get it. When you DO change, do you have to stop the vehicle before you switch? I hear on some of the new jeeps you can switch into four-wheel WHILE driving (as long as you are going slow)

BTW I can't read the manual since I won't have my TRD 'til tomorrow :-P I'm just trying to get a head-start on understanding the FJ

For activating Rear Diff Lock and Atrac, do you have to be stopped to do that as well? And do you do it in a certain order or does it not even matter?

One more thing, my mom has a FX-35 (Infinti) and I was wondering if the FJ acts like hers does... if her wheels pick up friction, or start to slide (when wet outside) four wheel drive kicks in automatically, is that what "active traction" is?

[TGREGG]

Manual states below 50mph to switch between 4H and 2H in either direction. But you have to stop to switch in or out of L4 and lock the diff.

[Kansas Law Dog]

I like to think in this manner. If you are walking on a wet/slick surface, such that you are tentative about your footing and balance, then it is a surface appropriate for 4WD. Hence, a light or rain where there is not fear of hydro-planing, I tend to leave it in 2WD. You want to make sure that the surface is wet/slippery enough that the vehicle can break traction easily. This is so the direct couple center differential is not put under stress because the wheels bind and are unable to easily break traction.

[crunch]

for god sakes dont do it man turning alone in tight spots would play hell with your front end...snow, ice,heavy rains,dirt,mud but no hard roads.