Hi/Low Diff Lubrication

While i was out driving today, i realized i hadn't driven in 4WD for awhile as Toyota suggests to keep the front diff nice and lubricated. I had a nice long stretch of straight road so ran it in 4H for about ten minutes or so. My question is this, is just using 4H adequate, or should you try to get it into 4L occasionally too, which isn't always easy this time of year.

 

It's exercising the same major components, wouldn't worry about not getting it into 4lo. You're doing more than most....

 

Thanks, that's what i figured. Wasn't sure if it was beneficial to have the transfer case actuator go through its full range of motion periodically to keep it working properly.

 

Great question...I think the transfer case is pretty open gearing right? So all that gets lubricated with normal driving. Engaging 4wd just gets the front drive system spinning and moving fluids around. That should happen in Lo or Hi.

Thinking out loud here...not an expert.

 

You probably still need to engage 4LO. I think a big part of using them is making sure the electronic actuators keep moving. The Actuator for 4LO is different than the one for 4HI.

 

Thanks for your input. Maybe just engaging 4L and going a few feet in the driveway would be better than nothing.

 

No dirt parking lots near you? That's where I got to run my system every few months

 

Great idea, I'll look around.