New OR Owner - Drove On Pavement in 4hi

Hi guys,

New 2022 TRD Off Road 4x4 owner here. I've had a couple of 4x4 trucks before - but have always lived on the west coast. Therefore I've used 4x4 sparingly. I had an 86 that I had to get out and manually lock the hubs - and drive into reverse to disengage etc etc.

So I've had some practice with 4x4. But, apparently, I'm an idiot.

I live in LA.

New 2022 OR with about 500 miles on it. My daughter asked me to put it in 4wd when I took her to school this morning. So I did. I put it into reverse and switched it into 4hi. Backed out of the driveway.. turned onto our street... turned down our street and took a 90 degree right turn onto the main road... took a few more turns and - all in all - drove about a mile in 4hi. On pavement. In 70 degree weather.

There was no lurching or hopping or any other issues. I dropped her off and put it back into 2wd and drove home.

Just for fun I pulled the manual out and read the dreaded words (don't use 4 on pavement).

Sooooooooo with a new truck and all. I'm looking for someone to ease my mind. I know I didn't break anything - but any opinions on any long term damage?

And, no, I'm not going to take any part out replies seriously

 

It’s perfectly fine my man!
It’s not good to do often, mainly if you’re experiencing the bucking, which you said you didn’t.

Edit: you’re also very wise to get to know the system before it’s needed! Just find a gravel or grass lot to play in the concrete jungle next time.

 

You can’t part it out. It’s totaled. Throw a lit cigarette in it, walk away, call your insurance company. You’re buying a new truck, homie.

In all seriousness, you’re fine I’m sure. Don’t make a habit out of it.

But definitely set the truck on fire.

Also, my lawyer wife said I should make sure you know I’m kidding.

(But burn it…)

 

You're okay

Welcome!

 

Binding is very noticeable when it happens, you're fine. The low speed tight turns on pavement are where you will notice it for sure

 

IIRC it's not terrible to use in rain either, correct me if I'm wrong. Still wouldn't flip a uturn or anything.

 

It's fine. I put mine in 4hi during heavy rain on paved roads pretty often as long as I know I won't be turning anytime soon.

 

If you feel you need 4wd in the rain you are probably going way too fast.

 

It's less of a need to do, and more of a "I should do this to keep this system used/lubricated"

 

Welcome to the forum

The odds of damage are extremely low from what you described, don't make a habit of it though.

 

Wait until you accidentally put it in 4hi thinking your turning the heat up/down. That will really confuse you when trying to turn around, etc...

 

Good thing to do, the manual says "10 miles a month", I think the frequency of engaging it is more important than the actual mileage.

A mile here or there on a straight paved road is fine for 4 high, be on dirt for 4 low.

 

Phew thanks everyone. Yeah I get that the straights are fine - but I did take three or four tight turns. From stop signs etc in 4hi. It was dumb of me. I took them a bit wide - on purpose - but still completely against logic.

I won't be doing it again. I'll only switch it on when off road from now on (as the damn name indicates).

Actually, I'm kind of surprised I didn't experience any lurching. I remember it happening in 4 on previous trucks and just realizing I was turning too tight etc. But I never thought I was doing any damage.

One time - in Baja - I was on a surf trip with friends. I had a 99 blazer (terrible car). It was just a push button 4x4. We were off road at a little secret spot and I had it in 4 low. A fuse blew and it got stuck. I had to drive all of the way back to the states in 4 low. I changed the fuse and all was well. Drove it for another two years with no problems until I got T boned and totaled it.

I just wasn't sure if there was something specific to these 3rd gen tacos that made it especially horrible or something.

 

Meso rings .. helps for that! I chose red for that exaaaact reason lol

 

Honestly your fine driving on surface streets in 4wd, just be mindful of tight turns, and only do it in rainy/snow conditions or in straight lines if dry.

 

Much as I would like to tell you to part the thing out now while you still can, you're fine as others have said. Welcome to TW, where nothing is sacred

 

No worries, totes profesh.

 

Wait until you try to sleep in the back with the 5' bed?!?!

 

We get lots of snow here in Canada. Every winter I end up forgetting to switch into 2HI when pulling into a dry parking lot. You notice right away turning into a parking spot when the truck starts bucking. I would not be worried about what you did.

 

Is this a common issue?