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4H mode

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by decade, Feb 1, 2016.

  1. Feb 1, 2016 at 9:05 PM
    #1
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Hello all,

    I am new here and is in the market looking for an used 07-12 Tundra 5.7L V8. Got a few in mind but haven't confirmed anything yet. Anyway, got a quick question.

    One seller's truck is a 5.7L SR5 with TRD package. It has 2H, 4H and 4L switch. He told me that I should only use 2H (which is 2WD) on a normal road. 4H can only be used while it's in the bad road condition or offroad. If using 4H on a normal road or highway will damage the car, is this true?

    I am living in BC, Canada which has a lot of rains. My wife has a 4Runner with full-time 4WD. I found that was very handle and stable to have 4WD no matter in a bad weather, wet road or even in the dry road.

    I believe staying in 2WD will save a bit of gas, but if it can't use 4H on a dry road, it's kinda stupid design, isn't it? Can anyone help me to clarify this? Thank you.
     
  2. Feb 1, 2016 at 9:12 PM
    #2
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    You can use 4H on a dry road, as long as it's straight. It's a good habit to drive at least 10 miles a month in 4H to exercise the actuator.

    If you're doing any turns on a dry road,
    Do not keep it in 4H- you'll def bind up.

    Tires / weight will have some influence on when u need 4H is less traction road types (mud, snow, etc.)

    4L can be used for steep climbing in the hills, or some really deep rivets if needed.

    Welcome to Tundras.com!
     
    tat2ude39 likes this.
  3. Feb 1, 2016 at 10:20 PM
    #3
    corc305

    corc305 New Member

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  4. Feb 1, 2016 at 10:37 PM
    #4
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all information.

    Tundra has only part-time 4WD.... Mmmm.... so, when I needed tow a heavy trailer on Hwy or normal road, do I use 4H or 2H?
     
  5. Feb 1, 2016 at 10:39 PM
    #5
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Also, off topic question.

    I also heard that after 2010's, the Tundra's engine is using VVT-i, instead of VVT. Is that simply means the engine (or the system) from 2010 is better than 2007-2009's model?
     
  6. Feb 1, 2016 at 10:56 PM
    #6
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    I think the pertinent question should be, why would you want to use 4H on a dry road? There is no benefit and significant drawbacks in the form of increased wear and lower MPG. For this reason, I think a part-time 4wd system is actually superior.

    As for towing, the same rules apply. On dry pavement you will use 2Hi.
     
  7. Feb 1, 2016 at 11:15 PM
    #7
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Subrau has full-time 4WD, and even my wife's 4Runner V8 has full-time 4WD.... then how would you explain that is necessary? I doubt because they want to increase the wear, so you need to buy more parts... haha~

    Maybe, in my understanding so far at this point, the benefit on a heavy full truck, the benefit of using 4WD on a normal road is less than 2WD. Correct me if I am wrong.

    In fact, I would have to live with it, as I am going to join the Tundra's family.

    I just don't feel it right mainly because when I test drive a Tundra under a very light rain with the ground is half wet half dry. When I pickup at a stop-sign going uphill, my rear tires spin. I could probably not use to with the 380hp. The power is way over the traction of the tires for sure. So, I just thought if I had 4WD in that situation, then it should not spin. :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2016
  8. Feb 2, 2016 at 12:28 AM
    #8
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    After watching this, I actually learned more. Thanks.

    The key point here is the different between PT-4WD and FT-4WD.

    - I learned that PT-4WD has transfer case, so you can switch between 2WD and 4WD.
    - Drivetrain binding can be caused by the front and rear axles rotating at the same speed on dry pavement during a turn. That's why we should not run 4H daily in the city (unless you never turn... haha), and 2WD actually here to save gas mileage.

    Please correct me if I am wrong. I actually feel I learned today. Thanks everyone.
     
    csuviper likes this.
  9. Feb 2, 2016 at 4:30 AM
    #9
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Take any RWD vehicle with decent HP and do that. You'll have the same results. It's more power ...you're going to spin if you're on it, or have stock or crappier tires. ;)
     
  10. Feb 2, 2016 at 6:55 AM
    #10
    Tacogrande

    Tacogrande New Member

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    What about in snow or ice if you are in 4hi...Can you turn then?

    I did try my 4HI and turned a couple corners and did notice it seemed stiff. Do you think it hurt the truck to turn some corners in 4HI?
     
  11. Feb 2, 2016 at 6:58 AM
    #11
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    We just got around 6" of snow last night. I used 4wd on/off this morning (mainly to test tires) while driving to a elderly friends house to shovel his driveway.
    Yes, I would do have for both snow and ice. Remember, 4wd only helps with getting traction, not stopping.
     
  12. Feb 2, 2016 at 7:30 AM
    #12
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    @decade its all about the differences in the mechanical setup between a PT-4WD and FT-4WD. PT-4WD will be better when you need it.

    I used 4wd all the way to work this morning. Spinning tires most the way :burnrubber:
     
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  13. Feb 2, 2016 at 10:36 AM
    #13
    Tacogrande

    Tacogrande New Member

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    So in 4HI, even though it binds during turning..it does not hurt the truck? Im kind of confused on this.
     
  14. Feb 2, 2016 at 10:37 AM
    #14
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    U should not be using 4H on dry roads during a turn. Yes, it can lead to damage.
     
  15. Feb 2, 2016 at 6:29 PM
    #15
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Vehicles with FT-4WD allow the diffs to slip to prevent binding. This reduces the wear but also reduces the effectiveness of the system unless they also allow you to lock the diffs. Some of the newer, so called "automatic 4WD" systems, effectively have the computer flip the 2wd/4hi switch for you.
     
  16. Feb 2, 2016 at 6:32 PM
    #16
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    I would't think a couple of corners would do any measurable damage. now stop that! :)
     
  17. Feb 2, 2016 at 7:30 PM
    #17
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Why? Because of the snow?
     
  18. Feb 2, 2016 at 9:24 PM
    #18
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep lots of snow on the roads this morning.
     
  19. Feb 4, 2016 at 10:52 PM
    #19
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    Want to make sure, with the 2H for daily drive, the TRAC or AUTO LSD could prevent my back tires spinning, right? Does the TRAC and
    Are you saying, the stock tires are no good.... please suggest some good one. Thanks.
     
  20. Feb 5, 2016 at 8:18 AM
    #20
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Traction helps prevent tire slippage, yes...although I have also been in
    Situations (coming off of ice/snow from a dead stop onto a paved road) where it's more dangerous as it prevents me from accelerating.

    Reference tires, check out this thread.
     
  21. Feb 6, 2016 at 4:07 PM
    #21
    decade

    decade [OP] New Member

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    I had the Bridgestone Dueler H/T and was replaced new by the dealer. I guess that's OE for the truck and it's crappy, isn't it?

    Well, I drove most of them on the road, and only went several time out town for camping...
     

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