4Lo... when to use it?

For the first time in a few years, I set the truck to 4Lo, near the end of my 1/2 mile usual 4H mini-maintenance run, on the long straight leading to my house.
Should I have operated the 4Lo more often?
Works as expected anyway, with its flashing yellow reminder.

Now to the main question, when do you use 4lo in real life (Taco is 4-in-line, auto)?

 

I've used it in very soft & deep sand/snow. Or when hung up on something and need to lock out the rear diff

 

I generally have only needed it in a recovery situation. Thats so I can lock the rear and be a gentle as possible to the other vehicle. But I occasionally use it for steep slow climbs. Its more for comfort than anything that I've seen.

 

It's generally good practice to use 4LO if you are on technical trails. Not only for the lower gearing but it also help keep trails in better shape. For example, some of the more out-there trails in Canyonlands must be in 4LO after a certain point.

 

Yes, if anything switch it to 4LO every couple months.
Even if you don't drive it, at least switch it to 4LO.
Doing this will exercise the actuator on the transfer case fully across all the traces. The actuator has a set of sliding electrical contacts.
By operating the actuator you are wiping the contacts "clean" each time.
90% of all the 4WD failures on these trucks are from the actuators.
There are 2 on the truck. One on the front differential, and one on the transfer case.
If you have a locker, you also have one more on the rear differential.

Here are what the traces look like

 

I try to get into 4hi as much as possible. Any time I'm on a dirt or gravel road for even a mile or so. I work out low range less often. 4hi will keep everything lubricated, but 4 lo occasionally will help with the electronics.

 

Living in the concrete jungle I try to get it into 4H 2-3 times a month driving straight. I'll toggle back and forth between 2H and 4H 3-4 times. I'll go out of my way and find a quiet spot once a month on any surface and get it in and out of 4L a few times.

After a while you will know when you need to use 4L. Even if off roading and I don't need 4L, I use it as an opportunity to exercise 4L for sure.

 

Maintenance says do it once a month.

4x is generally for off roading loose terrain.

 

It's for control. I can tell when it's time by having to use my clutch a lot. If auto. you can think of that situation.

 

If the 4lo was flashing. That means it wasn’t on.

you have to be in neutral to switch it to 4lo.


I use 4lo when it’s really rocky and I need better throttle control. Also, once in a while in steep sand dunes.!

 

Every weekend for us during cabin season: steep rocky ascent and descent to get in and out.
In winter on deep snow or unplowed roads.
Whenever conditions warrant.

 

4Lo is essential is essential when i rock crawl. Then if needed I will triple lock.

 

I use 4lo often off road, I go, am I going to be doing more than 40mph in this section of off road? No 4Lo it is, gives me more gear options, easier on the transmission (if auto keeps things cool, if manual makes it easy on your clutch) etc etc. I see people all the time refusing to use 4Low for whatever reason when you can be so precise and easier on your truck with such minimal throttle inputs vs 4Hi.

 

when do I use it?
the first time i towed my new camper home and went up my long steep drive, the taco was not happy. It went, but complained the whole time. So now when i come home, i switch to 4 lo going up the driveway and the truck smiles, happily pulling 4000 lbs uphill.

i also use it for snow plowing. i basically let the truck just drive, not much gas is needed, keeps the speed low which is good for all components while plowing, and in my case i get to use atrac which helps when slipping and plowing uphill.

 

I need 4L occasionally to power through the barrier the snow plow leaves at the end of the driveway. When the truck bogs down and struggles or can't make it through in 4H, I stop and select 4L and it easily powers right through. (it's also easier on the transmission) Other than that: steep down hills on slippery off-road trails so I don't have to use the brakes to reduce speed and risk locking up the wheels.