Restricted turn radius in 4H

[3Legged4Runner]

Wondering if anyone else is having problems with turn radius while in 4H - is this common or something to worry about? Under 1,000 miles the car drives like a BEAST but this issue worries me more than the loud brakes while in reverse or driver window not rolling down in sub 30 degree temp…

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[02SE]

When a Part-time 4wd system is operated in situations where the tires can't slip sufficiently to relieve binding in the driveline, it can be harder to turn. This is just inherent to the design, and not a problem. But manufacturers do suggest not running in Part-Time 4wd on high-traction surfaces, as it can cause unnecessary wear in the driveline, and could potentially break parts.

If you're only in 4H in conditions in the pic, there will be enough slippage to prevent broken parts. But even in those conditions your steering will undoubtedly feel heavier while in 4H.

 

[Tarekith]

You don’t really want to be in 4H or 4L when making tight turns if you can help it.

 

[kekecarioca]

Add on :
The front wheels rotate faster than rear wheels when turning. The more the turn the more spin difference between front and rear wheels. A center limited slip differential is the solution for 4x4 vehicles since the drivelines are spinning at different speeds. Full time 4x4 like Platinum and Limited have this component. Our part time 4x4 (TRDOR) do not.
Mud, Ice, sand and slippery snow allow for the front wheels to over spin during turns, but otherwise when doing a full lock turn you feel the binding effect. I would advise to not maneuver in parking lots in 4H unless iced over.

It is an inherently normal effect of part time 4x4 setups.

Cheers!

 

[CO/ZA]

4H is for loose surfaces, like snow or gravel.

 

[shine]

For those of us with part time 4WD, do you find a way to excercise the 4WD each month? The owners manual says:

Four-wheel drive usage frequency You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.​

 

[127.0.0.1]

For those of us with part time 4WD, do you find a way to excercise the 4WD each month? The owners manual says:

Four-wheel drive usage frequency You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.​

yup.

find some long and straight roads or highway
driving straight, enable it
turn coming up, disable it

very mild curve coming up and back to straight ?
leave it engaged but try not to do it often

 

[spyder40]

For those of us with part time 4WD, do you find a way to excercise the 4WD each month? The owners manual says:

Four-wheel drive usage frequency You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.​

Decades of ownership of 4WD vehicles and try monthly to hit a gravel road and run a mile or 2 with front locked in. Especially in the old days with lockouts since nothing turned in the front differential unlocked
I

 

[NWRes]

For those of us with part time 4WD, do you find a way to excercise the 4WD each month? The owners manual says:

Four-wheel drive usage frequency You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.​

I have driven 4X4s as my daily driver and as work vehicles since 1976. Sold our 2003 Sequoia to purchase the 4Runner and my 04 2500HD is still in the driveway. I never exercised the FWD systems on a regular bases, just used as needed especially in the fall and winter. Never had one fail on me. In my opinion running them just as a precautionary measure is unnecessary. Just more wear and tear on the system. If you are going to go with what the manual says I would find some loose dirt, sand or mud. I think it's more important to service the system on a regular basis. Check the transfer case and differential oil, universal joints, zerk fittings and whatever else an owner can service themselves these days, That list is growing shorter.

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