RS964WD

Hey guys i just bought a 96 Limited 4wd 4runner, everything checked out ok, original owner, used the 4wd at most twice and almost everything is working, but i noticed one thing that when its in H and i click on the 4WD botton it gets slower but when i go make a U turn it seems like the E-brake has been applied to the point where im not going any where and i really have to gun it or straighten out the wheels where it eventually starts to roll again, it seems like the front wheels are the ones that get frozen, what could it be??? could it be that it was never used and its not lubricated??????? Any advice will be appreciate it!

bgmac

Lol well, you are not supposed to use 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. Try it offroad and see if it still does it.

sinister_rn61

Same as above. Hope you didn't just ruin your 4WD.

008keith

thats your tires gripping hard to the cement. works alot better off-road. give that a try have fun!

RS964WD

wow ok yeah that might make that difference lol, but why would the manual recomend to drive with the 4wd 10 miles a month? also the timing belt was not changed by the previous owner and it has 133k, should i have it changed or leave it??

Froggy93

you should never use 4wd on dry pavement. as the others said, try it off road and it will work properly. as far as your t-belt and water pump goes, change them as soon as you can. reccommended at 90k miles.

One_96TR4

It recommend to keep things working as they should. You can use the 4wd on the road just on snow or ice. I've used it once or twice with a lot of rain. Just never on dry pavement.

Team420

Never ever ever use 4wd on dry pavement!! I'm sure your still fine, but dont make a habit of it. 4x4 is for slippery conditions, or dirt/sand...etc

98runner210

I use mine every now and then on the highway to keep things lubed. As long as you are not making hard turns on dry pavement and binding it's okay.

ESQ

That is transfer case binding. 96s don't have centre diffs. Your front and rear axles will turn at slightly different rates (especially when turning). Don't do it on hard, high traction, surfaces. A short stretch on pavement in a straight line is ok if you want to lube it once in a while.

BigBallsMcFalls

you can use 4wd on pavement BUT only in a straight line.
if you turn, it binds and you will be ok BUT you will stress the
bezeejus out of the gears and wear the crap outta the tires.

only something like the 99 limited with full-time 4wd is fine on pavement. that model
and type of tranny was designed as an all wheel drive system with 2wd capability.

there are 4 basic modes:

1) part time 4wd (yours) it means you only run it on dirt or snow, that is what part time means. this is a lever throw

2) full time or awd. run 4wd in all conditions dry or wet highway or dirt, it is fine
this is a push button

3) part time 4wd low. low crawl gear to prevent bashing into crap or rocks. creeping over rocks it won't
jump ahead and bang your skidplates as badly...this is a lever throw while in neutral

4) part time 4wd low with diff locker. only used when you are stuck and spinning
in part time 4wd low. locker usually can wiggle you out of these situations

RS964WD

alright thanks alot guys, ive had 2 previous 4runners but only 2wd 97 and 03, so im new to this concept, i should catch on really quickly, so now that you mentioned it, there is that Diff Lock botton, so that should only be used if im spinning the rear wheels correct? should i invest in front lockers then? or up grading the rear?

alteredvision

The rear diff lock will only work when you are in 4Low unless the gray wire mod has been done.

I would hold off on doing anything and go drive some trails with more experienced people. you will see what you need as you drive the trails. Most people start with tires and then to a lift or armor. you should not need a front locker until you try obstacles that you need one. Front lockers require driving skill because you can destroy your front suspension and other drive train parts with them.

With a rear locker you are already set to go do most mild to hard trails.

RS964WD

yeah perfect, i just gotta find some trails in south florida LOL ,the only one ive seen is in Ocala state park....... but yeah im thinking to start off with a lift, my truck came with some nice wrangler AT goodyear tires! Any other advice for a newbie?!