4x4 usage interval?

I have a question. I bought the truck back in Jan 22 with 12,400 miles on it. It’s a 21 TRD Pro. Since then I’ve put about 2000 miles it. I haven’t had a chance to take it off road yet. I think I saw someone reference the Tundra transfer case as lube it or lose it on another post. Is this an issue? Should I find a dirt road every so often and engage 4-HI for a bit? If so, how long should it go between uses? This is my first 4x4 so I have no idea if this is a thing or not. TIA for the help!

 

It would not be a bad idea to do that. I do think the manuals recommendation is a little overkill for alot of people but its fine for me since i regularly offroad at least a couple times a month. Alternatively you could just engage and disengage it in your driveway once in a while, not ideal but its better than nothing.

 

If you're averaging 2000 miles since Jan, a few times a year should be fine. Also ^

I've only done about 2k miles since Feb. Engaged 4x4 a few times, a few hundred yards each time

 

sometimes its hard to engage the 4wd if you are on a perfect road. I found that if you put one front tire up on the curb, the system "thinks" there slip and general unevenness, so it will engage easier.

 

haha i been there, i have to let it roll back or something on a trail and then it will finally shift. I miss my old manual stick shift transfer case.

 

I believe the manual calls for 10 miles a month. I engage it when it rains and drive down straight roads if I haven't been off road in a while. Also I try to put it in 4 low about every six months if not used off road.

 

Everything everyone said is fine. The failure point with our cases is actually the actuator. Any time your on a bit of dead straight road between red lights just run it in Hi for a bit and back out. Keeping the system lubed is great but keeping the actuator moving is key.

 

Use It or Lose It.

Once a month, I use 4H & 4L just to cycle it. I usually go to my secret dirt/gravel parking lot and drive for a bit. Do it anywhere except the dry streets. I have had several friends lose their 4x4 drive system because they never engaged it at all.


O.S.T.

 

Thanks for all the inputs! This morning, I took her out to the nearest dirt road. Went a mile or so in 4-HI then stopped and used 4-LO for about 1/4 mile. All worked as advertised so I’m good to go for another 3 months or so!

 

Agreed, the recommendation in the manual is extremely overkill.

 

I do 10 miles 4 hi on straight freeway in the slow lane first week of each month.

I need to get a better routine for the 4 LO.

 

Yeah those engineers at Toyota don't have a clue.

 

Not a huge fan of 10 minutes or even 2 minutes. Engaging the 4wd and clicking out is all that is needed.