New to Part-Time 4 Wheel Drive -- maintain by driving in 4WD for 10 miles each month?

[flyfishthesierras]

This is my first post and I've found the 4Runner6G site an awesome source of information. I'm looking at purchasing a 6th Gen 4Runner later this year, and it will be my first 4 part-time wheel drive vehicle. I was looking at the 6G's owner manual and saw the following recommendation " 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. "

Living in an environment where it hardly rains, never snows, and will take me a couple hours to get to some dirt roads, I was wondering how I can satisfy the recommendation to drive at least 10 miles in four-wheel drive each month. I'm looking at the 4R since I plan to use the vehicle on fishing trips which do take me to areas where 4-wheel drive will help and the occasional winter fishing trips where snow is encountered. Would I damage the 4-wheel drive system if I drive in 4H on straight dry paved roads, just to keep the system lubricated. Thanks.

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[DustyLens]

I wouldn't be overly concerned. I don't recall seeing such a recommendation on my 4Runners (3rd and 5th gen). Maybe 300k miles total between the two. But I do a bit of desert off-roading and I use 4hi whenever I'm on dirt, so I don't think it's been an issue. I definitely go months without using 4hi.

As it is, that's a rather vague recommendation anyway, probably just their lawyers talking.

 

[Mad Ghost]

dry roads are fine. hit a stretch of pavement and shift into 4h you'll be fine

 

[flyfishthesierras]

Thanks for the responses. When I do hit the outdoors, I will be driving quite a bit on dirt roads and possible snowy roads in the winter. It is just those 3 or 4 months in a row where I'll won’t see any unpaved roads. Maybe I need to look for a local off-road club and pick up another new hobby.

 

[HVLA]

Thanks for the responses. When I do hit the outdoors, I will be driving quite a bit on dirt roads and possible snowy roads in the winter. It is just those 3 or 4 months in a row where I'll won’t see any unpaved roads. Maybe I need to look for a local off-road club and pick up another new hobby.

Or you need to come fish the sierras all year?

 

[flyfishthesierras]

That will definitely address my concern. That's a legit reason to up my days on the water.

 

[Tmurph]

Like mentioned above, I wouldn't be too concerned with it. With my pick up I use 4wd once maybe twice a year when we get a good snow or ice and works every time. I would just use it when you need it. Also, be mindful that there is a recommended speed not to exceed while in 4wd high.

 

[HOLYMOLY]

I had two 4Runners and I would never drive in 4WD on dry payment unless you have full time 4 WD which was offered on the Limited models.

 

[WV76X]

I have a 5G 4Runner with the same recommendation. I do think it’s a good idea to drive in 4WD occasionally, but I certainly don’t do it monthly except in winter. Every few months is good for me on all my vehicles. I rarely activate the rear locker, but I try to add that to the list.​

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I would only use 4WD for a straight, short distance on a dry road to cycle the actuators. Definitely no turning and not for 10 miles.​

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[Area 52]

I had two 4Runners and I would never drive in 4WD on dry payment unless you have full time 4 WD which was offered on the Limited models.

Absolutely agree with this. Part time needs some slippage that occurs on softer surfaces (dirt), although I have run part time on snowy roads.

Dry pavement, nyet.

 

[flyfishthesierras]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll need to make time to go find some dirt. Great excuse to get out of the city.

 

[AZTrail]

... I was looking at the 6G's owner manual and saw the following recommendation " 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. "

A Toyota salesman told me that in his 6th gen 4Runner training he was told that Toyota made changes to the 6th gen that removed the prohibition of driving in part-time 4WD on paved roads for this 10 miles per month requirement. Indeed, unlike the 5th gen owner's manual which had this prohibition, the 6th gen owner's manual (quoted above) does not include that prohibition. How can we get this change verified by Toyota?

 

[flyfishthesierras]

Thanks AZRTrail. It would be great if what that salesman said was documented in an official Toyota memo.

 

[JoeYota4Runner]

dry roads are fine. hit a stretch of pavement and shift into 4h you'll be fine

No sharp turns though

 

[Area 52]

Absolutely agree with this. Part time needs some slippage that occurs on softer surfaces (dirt), although I have run part time on snowy roads.

Dry pavement, nyet.

Concur.

That salesman may have been well intended, but is most likely providing bad information.

While I've accidentally driven on asphalt with part-time, it wasn't very far, and I definitely wouldn't do 10 minutes, as binding could occur in the drive line.

AI overview sourced from multiple sources:
https://www.google.com/search?q=par...MbgH4RzCBwcyLjExLjE2yAdW&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its part-time 4WD configuration, comes with a two-speed transfer case (high/low range), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). While offering great off-road capability, part-time 4WD systems like this require manual engagement and disengagement and are generally not meant for use on dry pavement due to potential driveline binding and damage.

Key Constraints of Part-Time 4WD in the 2025 4Runner:

• Manual Engagement:
  Unlike full-time 4WD, part-time 4WD requires the driver to manually switch between 2WD and 4WD modes using a knob or lever.
  
  
• Limited to Low-Traction Surfaces:
  Part-time 4WD systems should only be used on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, mud, or sand.
  
  
• Driveline Binding:
  When engaged on dry pavement, the front and rear axles are locked together, causing the wheels to turn at the same speed. This can lead to drivetrain binding (also known as "crow hop"), especially during turns, and potential damage to the drivetrain.
  
  
• Not Suitable for High-Speed Driving:
  While 4WD High can be used for general off-roading and slippery conditions, it's generally not recommended for high-speed driving on highways.
  
  
• 4WD Low for Extreme Conditions:
  The 4WD Low setting is for low-speed, extreme off-road situations like crawling over obstacles, climbing steep grades, or driving through deep snow or mud.
  
  
• Electronic Locking Rear Differential (TRD trims):
  Models like the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter have an electronic locking rear differential, which can be engaged for maximum traction in low-traction situations.
  
  
• Consider Full-Time 4WD for Versatility:
  If you frequently drive in mixed conditions where some roads may be dry while others are slippery, the full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim might be a better choice, according to Toyota Dealer in Lincoln, NE.

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