Best way to use 4wd?

I strongly advise against using 4wd on wet pavement. If snow or ice completely covers the pavement, I use 4X4. If it's patchy with areas of wet pavement and areas snow covered I'm in 2wd unless 4X4 is necessary to get up an incline. It only takes a second to switch between 4X4 and 4X2. Long term I can promise that you'll have fewer issues if you only use 4X4 in the harshest conditions. 4X4 trucks were far less common until fairly recently. People got along just fine without it.

The 4X4 system used in Tacoma's is a dumb system designed, and largely unchanged, over 100 years ago and meant to be used OFF ROAD in pretty harsh conditions. It works OK on snow covered pavement, but there are newer, better systems for that.

If I lived in snow country, particularly mountainous areas, I'd buy something with All Wheel Drive as an option. Some full size trucks offer the option of all wheel drive AND true 4X4. Some of Toyota's high end SUV's offer that option too.

 

The limited trim Tacoma does, too

 

This isn’t good info. It also only takes a second to get yourself or your family in a world of trouble because you didn’t want to be in 4wd. The system works completely fine in the wet and patchy roads. If it’s a windy road that’s different.

 

2 Wheel drive trucks only worked around these snowy parts when the bed is loaded with sand. That being said, my fault for not doing enough research and thankfully the times I need 4 wheel during winter is usually only limited to a dozen or so times a year. I am just surprised Toyota hadn't joined the club as every other truck I owned the last 15 years has a part time option.

 

use it exactly how you did on the Chevy.

 

Using four-wheel-drive (4WD) in a Toyota Tacoma depends on the terrain and driving conditions. Here’s a breakdown to get the most out of your 4WD system:


When to Use 4WD


1. 4H (4-High):

• When to Engage: Light off-roading, dirt roads, snow, sand, or wet pavement (where extra traction is needed but at higher speeds).

• Speed Limit: Use up to around 55-60 mph.

• How to Engage: You can switch from 2H to 4H while driving (under 50 mph). Simply turn the 4WD dial to 4H.


2. 4L (4-Low):

• When to Engage: Steep inclines/descents, deep mud, heavy snow, rock crawling, or towing heavy loads in difficult conditions.

• Speed Limit: Use at low speeds (typically under 25 mph).

• How to Engage:

• Bring the Tacoma to a stop or near stop.

• Shift to Neutral (N) and turn the 4WD dial to 4L.

• Shift back to Drive (D) or first gear (for manuals).


Pro Tips

• Engage 4WD Early: Don’t wait until you’re stuck – switch to 4H when you see tough conditions ahead.

• Don’t Use 4WD on Dry Pavement: It can bind the drivetrain and cause excessive wear. Stick to 2H on normal roads.

• Regular Use: Engage 4WD every few months to keep the system lubricated and operational

 

My previous ride was also a Chevy. I too miss the auto function as well. We'll see how the 4wd function works this winter and go from there. Another feature that you probably had in your Chevy was a limit slip rear diff. Made a world of difference in the slippery conditions.