Issue with 4wd

I was on my way to best buy today it was raining. I engaged the 4wd because of wheel spin on take off. when pulling into the parking spot; it seemed as if the rear differential was locked up (full lock up - like a spool).

is this normal?
I put the truck back into 2wd and the issue went away.

 

It's normal. Do a search here and you'll find tons of info that Toyota doesn't bother to put in the owners manual. Do not use 4WD on dry pavement, except in a straight line. Do not make tight turns in 4WD. Only use it on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, mud, gravel. The manual should tell you this in big capitalized letters, but it doesn't. Sigh.
EDIT: Search for "Tundra binding". I saw a good video (from Toyota) that explains it. I am amazed that they don't tell owners about it in the manual. This is the 3rd vehicle that I've owned with power to all 4 wheels, but who knew part time 4WD is different? Not me because Toyota didn't bother to tell me. Like countless other Tundra owners, I found out the hard way.

 

like he said.

 

WELCOME!

 

BTW, the binding is because there is no centre differential. So the front and rear wheels have to rotate at the same speed, which they can't do during a sharp turn. It puts a hell of a strain on the drivetrain too.

 

Put it 4 low, turn the wheel to full lock and drive in a circle until the binding stops. That should smooth it out.



























JK don’t do that.

 

Haha me too!

 

So are you guys saying that I should not make turns on wet city streets in 4hi? I should disengage 4x4 as I approach the intersection and re-engage after turning?

 

Don't NEED it to drive. I've just heard that to keep the four wheel drive-train components lubricated you should drive at least a few miles a month in 4x4. I live in the city and don't see many gravel roads so when it rains I try to use the opportunity to do that. Should I not?

 

Welcome from Ohio!

 

Well alright then I will stop that practice immediately.

 

You don’t need to use 4x4 because it’s rainy out.

 

Nighttowl, Hopefully this is one lesson, that doesn't have to be expensive!

 

Yup! This is what I do. I actually used 4 x 4 for real this weekend out in Vegas. Hit a couple trails down the street from the in-laws. It worked flawlessly turning it off on tight turns and then back on. I exercise mine regularly.

 

You mean, it'll take...….EFFORT?

 

I hope the next gen Tundra comes with a 4 Auto / Full time 4 wheel drive transmission. Can't fathom why Toyota has not put this into the Tundra at this point.... Most every other vendor has this as standard option. Love my Tundra, but hate Toyota at times for missing seemingly simple, expected features in a truck in 2018/2019..... They need to pick up the pace on innovation... I think they can chew gum and walk at the same time and keep innovating, but maintain quality standards...