I was wondering (and couldn't find any threads from a cursory search of the forums or Google) what 'repercussions' might one have in driving in 4wd all the time (aside from horrid fuel mileage)? My dad said I would burn out the transfer case. Is this true?

 

If you fluid levels are good then no. Why would you drive in 4wd all the time?

 

No good reason, honestly, but the few times I have needed it, I loved the sound and the way it feels. It's kind of intoxicating. I won't do it - can't afford the fuel - but it's nice to know I could if I wanted to.

 

The sound? There shouldn't be any other noise while in 4wd

 

The truck sounds like a tank. Previous owner screwed up the exhaust (messed up 02 sensor, flow-master exhaust, no catalytic converter) so there is some really nice noises. (:

edit: fwiw, I plan on fixing all of those things as I can. I've already replaced plugs, wires, distributor, rotor, oil, oil filter, timing chain (chain, guards, gears). Fuel pump and tps are next, then possibly the oil pump and definitely the timing chain cover at next oil change.

 

Extra wear on transmission, CV joint, and tires. Don't do it. Having the free-wheeling hub is one more reason we wanted the first-gen 22RE in the first place.

 

Don't drive on dry pavement with 4wd engaged...

 

Any particular reason? I had to at one point for some near vertical paved roads (not sure how they are even paved but they exist).

 

Exactly this.... Its ok to do it if say you forget its in 4wd but just driving around is just a lot of wasted momentum and movement in the drivetrain

 

It should sound the same whether in 2wd or 4wd... At least all the 4wd vehicles I have owned had little/no difference between 2 and 4wd.

 

Okay, that makes sense. I really appreciate you all for clearing that up.

Oh, I agree. In other 4wd vehicles I've been in that has been the case but in this truck, it goes from sounding like a truck to a tank. I'll try and get some video with audio and show you what I mean. Of course, it could just all be in my head.

 

The sound doesnt change much, unless your in 4wd low-which is so low its not even funny.

 

The big thing that no one has mentioned is that everytime you turn, each of the 4 tires travels a slightly different distance at the same time, which means each of the 4 wheels spin (or want to spin) at different rates. In 2WD, this is fine, because the differentials allow the right vs left tires to turn at different rates (per axle), but when you're in 4WD the front and rear drive shafts are locked together in the transfer case, meaning, 1 front and 1 rear tire HAVE TO turn at the same speed which results in excessive binding that will eventually cause problems.

You can feel this easily by doing a tight 3-point turn (or even just a U-Turn) in 2WD vs 4WD, you'll notice that in 4WD the steering wheel is much harder to turn and you may even hear a tire chirp as it slips to "un-bind." You have a 4WD not an AWD, Google the difference, but AWD vehicles basically have a 3rd differential in the "transfer case" (they're not always called that in an AWD) that can be locked to give a true 4wd experience.

DON'T DRIVE AROUND TOWN IN 4WD.

 

It took 13 posts for this to come up? This place is slippin.

But by all means drive around in 4wd at all times and turn sharply a lot. Your truck will really sound cool then.

 

I get it, I get it. The additional snark was unnecessary.

 

Just havin fun. But listen to your dad.

 

Believe it or not Dad's are correct a lot.
I am really surprised the answer as to why not drive in 4WD all the time didn't come up earlier in your search efforts.

 

I just question his reasoning because it seems to me the transfer case is designed to be used, and possibly a lot depending on why you bought the vehicle.

It's all kosher, and will do. Unless I'm off-roading.

 

It was designed to be used on slick surfaces. Your rear end needs a differential to allow your tires to turn different speeds when cornering on smooth, dry surfaces. So it has one. Full time 4wd and awd setups have one in the transfer case as well, to allow the front and rear axles to turn different speeds when cornering.

Part-time 4wd systems do not have this. On smooth, dry surfaces, this causes binding in the drivetrain which can cause damage.

tl;dr - don't use your Toyota's 4wd unless you're off-road, or driving in snow/ice conditions on the road or you could damage it.

 

Sounds good to me.