5 Things You Should NEVER Do in a 4X4 Vehicle

Today I go over some basics on what you should not do in a 4x4 vehicle!
First up on the list is to never floor it to try and get unstuck. This will actually get your truck even more stuck, because there is less friction between the tire and the ground making you continue to spin. Getting unstuck should be controlled and worked slowly to gain every bit of traction possible. It's when the truck is going zero that you don't want to spin, because you won't move at all. It would be helpful to have some recovery boards or a tow strap or even a winch in this case.
Next up is switching into 4 low. This should only be done when the vehicle is stopped and the truck is in neutral. Most vehicles now have a lock out to where it won't work unless you are stopped and in neutral. When you use 4 low, the front axle will be "locked" with the rear axle to spin at the same rate so in order for them to sync and be locked properly, the rear axle needs to not be moving in order to do so. By not following this procedure, you can risk putting added wear and tear on mechanical components which would cost a lot more than taking the time to do it correctly.
When to use traction control VS not to use it is next. Traction control is your friend when you are out on the roads, driving in the snow, ice or rain and is designed to keep you safe and detect when a tire starts to spin to allow the truck to stay stable and on the road. Traction control is not your friend offroad, in this case, you should know what you are doing off the pavement and use the full capabilities of the truck by turning it off. This will allow the tires to spin if needed and allow you to have full control of the throttle to get through whatever terrain it may be!
Cleaning your vehicle is very important after a great day on the trails! This will keep your truck in proper working conditions for the time you are driving out on the roads and keep everything mechanical working properly as well. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for rocks or branches that could be trapped within the frame or brakes and make sure you are ready for the drive home. This will keep your truck in great shape for the long run and you can still have fun on the trails! The best of both worlds!
Last up is to not lock differentials on the pavement. This is a recipe for disaster for sure because this means that both the wheels on the same axle are now locked to spin at the same rate. That's great for the trails because the wheels have less friction and can still spin fine in loose rocks or sand, but on dry pavement, friction is greatly increase and you will experience wheel skid or spin especially turning and case greatly increase stress on the mechanical components of the truck.
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#toyotatacoma #offroading #4x4vehicle #toyota #tacomatrd #trdoffroad #offroadingatacoma

[@fjron]

One more thing, Never ever try to pull out a stuck vehicle using reverse. The ring and pinion gears are cut to take most of the load going forward. Trying to pull someone out by using reverse is a good way to break a ring and pinion set and then have two stuck vehicles. Better to turn around and attach the kinetic rope to the back of the towing vehicle and pull him out that way.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Great tip!

[@dannyschreckengost1973]

So what you mean is pull out the other vehicle from the rear of yours instead of using say a winch or tow hooks on your front bumper?

[@spencerfelt2093]

@@dannyschreckengost1973 yes

[@bigrigcook7322]

Wow. Very informative. I've watched a dozen ore so videos on how and when to use the different 4x4 functions and yours was the best and most educational. You're also a very humble and sincere young man. Thank you! 👍

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you for the kind words! What kind of 4x4 vehicle do you have?

[@bigrigcook7322]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed i have a 2016 f150 4x4 supercrew with a 2.6L. V6 ecoboost and tow mod.. What that means i have no clue. I co-signed for my son but he soon gave up on it so i kept it. I'm 55 and I'm about to retire and i have an 18x8 cargo trailer which I've converted to an R.V and I'm going to do the boondocking lifestyle for a while. So I'm trying to learn all i can about 4x4s and towing and other stuff. Never planning on going 4 wheelin' but your video answered my basic questions on the whens and how's.. Thank you again! Happy New Year! 👍

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@bigrigcook7322 Sounds like a fun setup you have, enjoy it! And have a happy new year as well!

[@MrKongpvu]

Good tips you gave! Offroading is like most things... very dynamic so all things can change and you may need to alter the recommendation you made from time to time. After some friends watched your video they asked about the parts to inspect and what buttons or levers to actuate to get into all those modes. I think if you showed some clips of what you were talking about it would help a lot. It's very cool so many new people are getting into offroading and these videos help them a lot. Again good job!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That is true with situation and terrain you are on! This video was more about the points, but I did make another video on how to use all the controls! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvXc3yuf7Gfirs

[@taj1234100]

4x4 4x2 I have gotten both stuck in snow, traction board or equivalent is a must for any off-roading. Great video probably the best explanation on the net

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Can depend on the tires as well, but snow can be tricky!

[@patriotsedge6730]

Good video. Was in 4H in my 2020 Tacoma to climb a grassy hill. Once up top I had to back up and turn the truck. Still in 4H i turned my wheels and backed up and I could FEEL the torsion. So I quickly put it back into 2WD and continued to back up with no issues. Great vid. Thanks for the info.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Very nice! These are so much fun to play with off the pavement!

[@mikebosley1471]

I just bought a 2019 dodge big horn I’m not going to go off road with it but I never had a 4x4 before and did not understand how to use the 4 wheel drive system at least now when it snows here I now have a better idea thank you

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad I could help! You shouldn't have any problems with that truck in the snow! Plus driving in the snow is always fun!

[@akarshsimha9623]

This is one of the best videos I've come across for 4x4 beginners.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful! What kind of 4x4 truck do you have?

[@akarshsimha9623]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Taco TRD OR. I'm a first-time truck owner/user and never grew up around trucks, so your videos have been very helpful!

[@prandomable]

@4:44 in your video. When you engage a part-time 4WD system from 2High to 4High it locks the front and rear axle with the transfer case and spins at the same rate, front and rear axles. Switching to 4Low reduces the gears in the transfer case to give you even more torque and it usually automatically disabled Traction Control & VSC. Transfer case for part-time 4x4 is like center diff lock that locks front and rear axles together. Unlike full-time 4WD or AWD system that also uses an "open center diff". NEVER use part-time 4x4 either 4L or 4H on dry pavement while turning, unless your steering wheel and wheels are going straight. Using either 4H or 4L won't allow the front and rear axles to spin at different rate while turning.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

For sure man. Tight turns don't do well in 4H. But you can still run in in many cases during inclement weather like in the snow

[@allenw969]

My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has 4 Hi and 4 Auto positions. Recently we had snowfall to go with our record low temperatures here in Northeast Texas. Driving around town yesterday, I put it in 4 Auto when there was any pavement visible. Otherwise, I kept it in 4 Hi. Most of the roads were covered with a layer of ice, snow and slush. The traction was noticeably better in those conditions in 4 Hi.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I've been in situations like that, and it helps a lot having power to the fronts!

[@SixStringflyboy]

Great tips, exactly what I was looking for. Just bought a '16 4x4 TRD Sport last week, same color. 4 Hi paid for itself on the snow & ice this morning.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it helped! Congrats on the new Tacoma! They are so much fun and you'll enjoy it!

[@Pje3ski]

Yep, mud tears things up. I used to have to replace the brake pads monthly on my dual sport bike that was ridden in the swamp every weekend.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh wow! Yeah it can do some damage, but it's a lot of fun too!

[@fjron]

About that '99 Suburban. The only thing that comes to mind about the driveline noise might be that some of those older systems with automatic locking hubs, you had to unlock them by driving in reverse for one car length after shifting into two wheel drive. Otherwise you are still turning the driveshaft and front axles. I don't know what year that they updated that system so you did not have to do that.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I never talked about that in this video lol, where did that come from

[@johngreen2510]

It’s also respectful for everybody else on the road. Very disrespectful to drop rocks and chunks of dirt all over the road. I love my truck but also my other nice cars and I have been hit with debris multiple times. Good vid!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

For sure! Good to clean off your tires after hitting the trails

[@tnorman3329]

Great info! Thanks for the video!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fightingback7185]

Great video. Answer all my questions. Thanks

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DMHal01]

Totally agree with cleaning after off-roading.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh yeah! I do it all the time to keep the truck running good since it's mostly on the pavement!

[@lopakacullen967]

Thank you for the info awesome video 🤙🏽

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

No problem 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@kecknj]

People. Please DO NOT use 4h or 4l on nonslip surfaces. You WILL damage your differential.

[@iantru9929]

Example of a non sljp surface?

[@kecknj]

@@iantru9929 tarmac, regular road surface. The less slippery the surface the worse it is for your drive train.

[@iantru9929]

@@kecknj so never use 4wd on concrete road?

[@kecknj]

@@iantru9929 definitely not in the dry, probably.not in the wet either. Snowy road though is what it's meant for - to increase traction on a low friction surface

[@iantru9929]

@@kecknj but i live in AZ. I probably didnt even need to buy a 4wd.

[@franka.m.1860]

Thank you! For the advice!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You are welcome! What kind of 4x4 vehicle do you have!?

[@JIMO415]

While the in neutral shift to low applies to most newer vehicles, it is not an across the board thing. Older vehicles equipped automatic transmission with a manual shift transfer case have a tendency to free spin if one gets the t-case in neutral for too long. This will result in grinding and inability to shift as all the parts begin to spin. People then try to put the trans into park and that is like a trip down the road and slamming the trans into park. If that happens, the only thing then to do is shut the engine off and shift into something and then restart the engine. For those vehicles, I like to leave the trans in "unloaded" park, that is; the trans just put into park and leave the foot on the brake so there is no strain on the components that would make shifting difficult. Then shift away.

[@eventhisidistaken]

Nice tips. Thanks!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful! Do you have a 4x4 vehicle?

[@jchavez5034]

Thanks appreciate it for your advice 👍

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

No problem 👍 Do you have a tacoma?

[@doron.dsilva]

Thank you for this video. I wish the dealer would explain these things after the purchase

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful! Most of the time they don't even know how to use features lol, I had to figure out the crawl control on my own!

[@danmiller2940]

They're supposed to.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@danmiller2940 Yeah dealers never do that stuff with me lol.

[@danmiller2940]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Years ago, I worked at a big Ford dealership in Nashville. Crown Ford. 300+ cars and trucks a month. We had a checklist we had to go over with the customer about their new vehicle after going over the list, we had to have them sign off on it. Most used car dealers feel put off if you ask for an owners manual and a full tank.

[@crusherman96]

Some do. Mine taught me a lot about my Tacoma when I bought it including telling me to brake much earlier than my car.

[@wsandford1]

Thank you.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You're welcome! Love sharing aspects of my Tacoma! Like 4x4 ;)

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Super good info!✊🏼

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Cynthiadelali]

Very educational thank you

[@papageo5]

Over all, good advise. But I fully argue on rule #1. In mud or snow you actually NEED wheel spin to clear the mud or snow from your tires. Your tires will simply not work if the tread is full! So, spin that crap out of your tread! That is a good reason to turn stability control off in an off road situation, because while your vehicle is braking the spinning tires, it is not allowing them to spin and clear themselves. Stability control should be turned off in most off road situations. But as I said, good advise over all, and great video. Thanks for the free entertainment!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That is a good point, kind of depends on your situation I guess and the tires you are using also!

[@Ichibuns]

Depends on the tire. Snow tires are made to build snow. Mud tires do the opposite and aim to get rid of mud.

[@papageo5]

@@IchibunsThat’s true. I have heard of that with snow tires, just forgot. I drive in snow where I live, but nowhere near enough for dedicated snow tires. So for me , driving in snow is just like mud. You are absolutely right about snow tires though.

[@Cristina-.]

Thank you for this video and all the info. I recently got my first truck and am just starting out with off roading.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh nice, congrats!! Offroading is a lot of fun, just have to start off small and comfortably work your way to doing more trails and bigger obstacles!

[@scottdavis_34]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks!

[@SuperHikler]

Thank you great info

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexsgeneralservices2456]

This Guy is awesome. Thank you buddy.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks! Fun topic to discuss!

[@insaynbcr]

If I were a newby with a 4x4, this advice might be seam like the best info ever! As an experienced 4x4 owner with four 4x4/AWD vehicles in the stable right now, all ranging from a fully manual 4x4 system, semi manual/auto 4x4 system, to fully auto 4x4 system, and finally an AWD system this info is either "duh", or mediocre at best. The "NEVER do this" is purely personal. Some situations require breaking the normal thought process to get unstuck, or prevent being stuck in the first place.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You make a great point about the situation, I said that too, depends on the terrain and all that. But yeah to someone with experience, it doesn't help much, but I had a lot of comments about making a video about this topic!

[@marcpikas2859]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Thanks for the tips...some people need to tell others how much better they are but they also were novices with limited means and experience at one point if they remember their humble beginnings.

[@davidicousgregorian]

good tips and at least this guy responds to most comments

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

We try to respond to every comment we can! Glad you enjoyed this video!

[@mcc4730]

Great video. Thanks Can you make a more detail video on how to operate craw control.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yup here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvXc3yuf7Gfirs

[@collinmc90]

Heres a big tip. If you ever buy a used 4x4. make damn sure all the tires match! I bought one when I was a teenager and the lot had mismatched 1 tire to get the truck out the door I figure. I had no idea. Used my 4 wheel drive a couple times then it never worked again. months later I needed new tires because they were wearing funny and OH surprise! Front passenger tire was way too big and some how I never noticed!

[@samfisher5302]

Great video 👌

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SUPERCY4NS]

Hi. Awesome video. I owned land cruiser 200 /LC200 and im worried that when we are driving and then my kid switch the nob from 2h to any mode 2l, 4h etc. Will this affect anything? Or is there anything to prevent that?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Depending on your kids age, they shouldn’t be near the knob lol, but 4H would be alright if you switched it back right away, but most vehicles require it to be in neutral to go into 4L. Hopefully you can show or teach them not to touch that button!

[@bonn1771]

good video and enjoy your truck!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks!

[@midnighttacomaman1088]

Helo, I Enjoy your videos, thank you. Let me ask this about my 3rd gen 2018 Tacoma limited. When I engage 4 wheel drive on dry pavement.. “asphalt the street”... is it normal that this creates binding of the front differential when I turn left or right? Or is this a mechanical issue? It’s always done this from New. Has only 23,000 miles. and I never have used the truck off road. It’s just when I want engage 4x4 H and try to make a turn, the front binds.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I wouldn't recommend using 4wd on the pavement at all! 4 high could be used if you are going straight, but turns is not good because that can lock up the differential and cause mechanical wear or failure. Even using 4wd in the dirt, sometimes I can feel that bind or the wheels chirping, but there is more forgiveness in the loose dirt then hard pavement. So I would put it into 2wd to make turns and then put it back if needed.

[@midnighttacomaman1088]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed thank you sooo much, you just took me out of an uncertainty that was really bothering me.

[@fjron]

Another thing to remember is not to apply a lot of power when the front wheels are turned sharp or locked. That is a very good way to break an axle or CV joint, especially if you have a locking front differential. Same thing if the front end is jumping or chattering. The load on the axle and related components could cause a failure.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That's a good point too! Definitely need to be in some loose dirt or terrain for situations like that!

[@ALLAHDRINKSCUM]

Yes! This is called binding.

[@galaxiax3284]

Interesting I was just backing into a parking space and it was hard to do

[@Eppie916]

That’s why I couldn’t park my Tacoma in 4x4 mode at the mall lol and it was hard to make sharp turns I had to turn it back to two wheel

[@OneSlowCbr]

I learned that the hard way 😅 got stuck and put her in 4 low with the wheels locked to the right and floored it. DO NOT RECCOMEND 😭

[@ryneporter2752]

Love this video by the way

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks for checking it out! Do you like going offroad?

[@ryneporter2752]

All the time man and Toyota is the best and safest out there to do it in

[@marctompkins3001]

The only time I’ve ever had my truck in 4 wheel drive is when backing my travel trailer off the street into my yard, be side the garage. Hopping the curbs after a rain, the rear wheels slip on the grass. I’ll put it in 4 wheel low to stop the rear wheels from slipping on the wet grass. Thus backing my travel trailer over the curb with the front wheels on the blacktop. When I purchased my truck, I had plans to move back to snow country. I’ve changed my mind about moving back to Northern California after almost loosing my house in what is known as The Camp Fire. That’s when my childhood town was destroyed in Paradise. The fire began four miles north of my house, then burned around my house, then continued to burn into the town itself.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Crazy to hear on the fire situation, I do know that's common out in those areas! But 4wd can be good for situations like that.

[@mai-lysgondea3061]

Man, so much info. I have asimple question: what gear do I use to climb a steep, winding asphalted driveway in summer conditions. I drive a FJ Cruiser. What is my best option? Thanks.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

If you have a manual, 1st gear, if it's an automatic, the truck will probably stay in 1st or you can push the shifter over to keep it in 1st. Pavement inclines aren't that hard.

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

The gear that works.

[@johnbielenda7336]

Need to put into 4H once in awhile to keep everything working, but do it in a straight line, no turns.(on dry)

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah, it's always good to run the system every now and then especially if the truck hasn't been off the pavement in a while!

[@CoreyWhite-dr1xh]

I told her 4 wheel drive isn't for driving at highway speeds or 35 to 55 mph , it's only for gaining grip to not get stuck , or if you are stuck ,

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

It’s only for off-road use.

[@wusinger89]

That's why they call it a TO-yota - The Ford Gang

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Cool, I’ll be coming to tow you home 😂

[@itpromd1260]

Question, if I want to go back to H2 from low, is it advised to flip to neutral, then back to H4/H2 instead of flipping straight from low to high?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yes I always come to a stop, put the truck into neutral go into 4 high first, pause and let it get there and then go into 2H and I'm ready for the pavement again!

[@blastfromthepast7119]

If you have to switch into it while at a stop, unless specified, always come to a stop and do the same to switch out of it. Be patient with your car and it will last a lot longer.

[@jonkirkwood469]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Your video explained why my Tacoma sounded like the cockpit of an airliner about to crash when I took it from of 4L to 2H on the move. I have the 6M and getting to neutral is easy enough to allow dumb things.

[@ax3792]

Hello! I accidentally drove my new truck around town in 4HI for about 25 miles. Yes, I took a couple of tight turns and felt something weird, but nothing grindy or awful sounding. I immediately researched what I was doing and put it back in 2wd. Now it works perfect. Did I cause any damage to my vehicle?? (Diff was unlocked by the way) Thanks for your help

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Probably not. It can take some abuse here and there. So you should be good ;)

[@joestrickland6199]

My grandkids like to play with the buttons in my truck, i have driven mine many miles on dry pavement with no damage. The truck will let you know when its bound up.

[@misters2837]

I disagree a bit on traction control, as it varies on the vehicle you are driving (in 4x4 it probably doesn't work properly, I don't own any 4WD with TCS)...On a FWD Toyota car...that has traction control...when driving in mud (I was on a very muddy driveway) leave it ON... The only time I got stuck, I had shut it off...I turned it back on...and drove it out of the spot I couldn't move either direction from with it OFF...the reasoning is, if it works properly, it will apply the brakes on the spinning tire and force the tire with more traction to turn...(Farm Boys that drove tractors with L/R brakes understand this.) I have driven in snow so deep I pushed snow with the bumper...I have driven in mud so deep, an OLD 4wd Ford Ranger had gotten stuck, I tried to go thru as a dare and made it (surprised me!)...with very little speed/momentum, I use 1st gear and keep RPM up to use the engine as flywheel, at 8-10mph, I did have Altimax Arctic snow tires on the car, did they help? maybe, as they are directional.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That is true, different cars especially comparing fwd to rwd will be different on how traction control works. I have found that throttle is cut on mine significantly and I can't do what I need to in certain situations, so driving with it off makes it much easier to control the truck (offroad).

[@leadnsteel1428]

Nice ride... mine is a 2007 GMC Canyon z71 4x4 and it's great off road... iv'e never really gotten stuck i have a 3" lift and 31 inch Duratracs. I love it will keep it until it dies

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Nice! I haven't been stuck either! I'll probably keep this forever too! It's great to have fun with nice trucks!

[@mikecastleberry9671]

Pos

[@gtnoslp]

Good tips

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you think so! Do you like going offroading!?

[@gtnoslp]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Yes

[@blakestiehl6814]

For #1 More wheel speed often cleans the tires out which gives you more traction. Tis usually works but not always

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah, but most of the time if you're in deep mud, it just keeps getting caked onto the tire. Especially here in NC since we have red clay as our mud

[@harsimranjitsingh591]

Thanks for the awesome video 👌👌. Just curious, Can we use 4H Mode on Road (tarmac) with NO differential lock (No front or rear diff lock). My assumption says with NO front-rear diff locks, Differential will take care of rotation of all 4 wheels independently even when vehicle is taking sharp turn on non slippery surface in 4H Mode.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You can use 4 high on the road, I've done that before on snowy roads that still had pavement in some spots. I wouldn't turn with it on, you can because of the gearing, but I just used it in a straight line for the most part.

[@harsimranjitsingh591]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Moving straight is good. But we can take sharp turns too if there is no front and rear differential lock

[@refineme]

My wife never ever takes her 2016 Sequoia out of 4H all winter long. Even when it’s clear and dry, parks it in tight parking lots, drive thrus. And does 80 on the freeway for hours. Made it 4 winters and 85,000 miles.

[@weswilde]

older 4x4s would lock-up the transfer case if 4x4 was used on the road. 1975 CJ5.

[@Delmar829]

Good words thank you.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks for checking out this video! Do you have a 4wd vehicle?

[@Delmar829]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Not yet but in the plans.tyvm

[@randylamb920]

That was informative. Great vid.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks!

[@legioxequestris4202]

Leave the mud on the truck, clean the underside. Problem solved!! Best of both worlds 🤣🤣

[@kathy0698]

Enjoying your videos!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you like them!

[@esketpadeken1340]

Curious what issues you had in your 2007 with mud, my 12 sees mud everyday

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I didn't have too many, but that's because I took the time to clean underneath to prevent anything from happening like tears in the cv boots which was my main concern. If you don't clean after the mud, I can see it having more problems or issues. My 07 really took a hit after the 6'' lift.

[@esketpadeken1340]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed I don’t think I’ll ever do a 6in where I’m at the only off-road available is the beach and or muddy fields and driving up the mountain but it’s pretty mild. Kinda hard to drive somewhere else on an island. I am kinda lazy about cleaning mud I’ll just shoot it down with a hose then every month I power wash

[@carscigarsscotchnwatches5158]

At 3:00 to 3:25 you discuss running 4hi on paved road since diff is open and outer is allowed to spin faster than inner wheel. If you drive like this on dry pavement, how much of a difference did you notice in gas mileage?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I wouldn't use 4hi on dry pavement ever, unless you are going straight across a road or something and back to non pavement. 4hi will definitely decrease mpg if power is being sent to the front wheels, it's using more.

[@markjones4358]

Rule of thumb....clean up time should be twice the rootin' time.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah it seems like if there is a ton of mud, takes a lot of time to wash the truck

[@travis9438]

never floor it? two reasons to "floor it" in a 4x4 that doesn't have lockers, if you are stuck and not digging, if you have enough horse power you can make all four wheels spin by flooring it. secondly in thick heavy mud if you floor it you can achieve a stable state of free fall ware you are moving forward faster than sinking. potentially with the right tires and hp you may even plane. never say never all vehicles have different abilities. know your vehicle. don't play unless you can afford to lose it or replace it.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah in deep mud like that there's no issue with flooring it. Everything can spin freely sos nothing can bind. But some people might put it in 4 low and floor it on concrete. Thats not the best idea

[@yannyfrag]

Hi, I bought a 2021 f150 and when I put it on 4H and try to turn on dry pavement the truck wheels get lock up and the truck hesitate a lot to go fwd. According to what you explained that is normal right? This is my first truck and first time using 4x4. Thank you for your video

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I wouldn't turn on dry pavement in 4H or even 4Low!!! Only use those in the dirt, gravel, terrain like that! If you need to be on pavement, only go straight and in 4H, never be in 4low on dry pavement either! Hope that helps!

[@yannyfrag]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Thank you very much. I was about to take the truck to the dealership thinking something was wrong. Thank you again, God bless

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@yannyfrag No problem! 4wd always makes weird noises but even more on dry pavement! As long as the light is engaged everything should be working properly!

[@yannyfrag]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed thanks

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

I also use 2nd gear at times in 4x4 low acceleration is limited. And you can crawl out slowly

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh nice. Not a bad way to utilize the different gears with 4x4!

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed I believe you get better grip and less slipping. No spinning wheels to dig in hard . Just my opinion.

[@juliobulone]

What if I’m driving in deep snow all day, should I drive for extended periods of time in 4x4? Or should I only go in 4x4 when absolutely necessary

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

If you're in snow, 4 Hi is a good option. Just don't get to highway speed in most vehicles.

[@adamjacobadamson]

My family has a Mitsubishi Triton (Strada in the Philippines or L200 in Europe), so it's ideal for all-terrain.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That’s cool!

[@philliportega3279]

I have a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder the driveshaft is off can I drive it in high four-wheel drive for 20 miles about 45 miles an hour will this damage it ? Please help with this question .

[@philliportega3279]

I really need to get it home 😢

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

How would you drive with the driveshaft out? Are you saying can you drive with just the front driveshaft to the front wheels? I’d say no, I wouldn’t drive it that way at all.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Might have to get it towed.

[@philliportega3279]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed it's a 4x4 it will still drive, the front wheels will pull it just don't want to damage it .

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@philliportega3279 I wouldn’t do that, but if that’s your only option.

[@mcbridea88]

I’ve noticed that when the road is wet from rain my tires skid (I’ve got Ko2’s) more than I’d like. Is 4H ok to use? Or should that be avoided?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You could use 4H in that circumstance. But I'd stay under 40 MPH. Hard turn may have issues with the front CV axles. But it can depend on how your 4H is setup. Will it be full time when engaged or is it part time? Will it only engage when it detects a slip?

[@mcbridea88]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Now that I know you can engage 4H on the fly I’ll probably use it part-time and turn it off when not needed.Thanks for the video bro. Good content.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

No problem! Just verify your own vehicle car work like that and you should be good ;)

[@eckoman92]

I put my truck on 4H while I was parked in a parking garage. (It had just snowed and the roads were icy). I had to reverse out of the parking spot and I could feel the wheels spinning/sputtering. I had to turn it off and back to 2wd to back out. Then while in the garage I put it back to 4H anticipating the roads ahead and at every turn in the garage it would sputter and just feel like the wheels weren't catching the pavement. I'm worried I messed something up internally 😞

[@thismfspittin3065]

This is normal in a 4X4 system. In 4X4 system, the transfer case splits power evenly between front and real differentials. Both drive shafts to the diffs want to turn at the same speed. The more sharply you turn the more the inside tire wants to go slower, and slow down the front drive shaft along with it.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Interesting. There shouldn't be any issues doing that in 4H. Sharp turns the wheels will skip a bit.

[@jesusledesma4436]

Did I damage my transfer case I left my 4auto for like 300 miles would go like 60 to 75 sometimes I got a stand new gmc

[@fjron]

Using a winch is Ok. It is a lot less stress on the drivetrain to yank a stuck vehicle by using a tow hook on the rear of the tow vehicle when possible. It is not always possible, but when you have a choice use the hook on the rear of the tow vehicle. Using a winch does not stress the drivetrain.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

No one said it did lol! A winch can be a helpful tool when needed!

[@salvadorgutierrez2108]

Thanks for the Tips 👍

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

No problem 👍 Glad you found the video helpful!

[@olga912000]

Driving to Tahoe next week . First time driving in snow in my tAcoma Trd 4x4. Any tips ?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Nice! Just play it safe. Give yourself extra time to make maneuvers and keep your eyes pealed.

[@tomhenderson7972]

If you need 4x4 to go in snow they can be really unstable over 45 mph I have seen many skiers get in trouble trying to hurry, it's not worth it

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah snow driving, slow and steady is always best for beginners

[@brucemacpherson6130]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed9

[@alanjoseph986]

First tip don't use a taco to off road get a ram they are better off road ..

[@elz1250]

What about rain on highway? Yesterday a was driving on 4H but when I came to park lot to park, while in 4H, my Tacoma was sluggish when brake and parking. What’s that about?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I never use 4H in the rain, it’s honestly not needed for that situation. It’ll be like that at slow speeds on pavement because power could have been going to the front tires. You don’t need to use 4H for that.

[@elz1250]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed thanks for the advice! I rarely use 4x4. When I do it’s usually off-road or uphills near a hill off road too. It was raining heavy this weekend in So Cal so just wanted to try it out. Now I know better.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah could see using it on a very steep road in the rain if your spinning. But generally won't need it on the street

[@walterholbrooks673]

Terrific

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks!

[@jasonturner1045]

What about having the appropriate tires for off road use??

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That's definitely helpful, but I was mainly focusing on the system and using that, compared to actually offroading.

[@professorodz7135]

Friend I’ll tell ya,I spent most my adult life in an 87 G20 van....her name was Bertha...she was so heavy she couldn’t spell “stuck” under normal circumstances...sadly she finally got so many things wrong that she had to be replaced RIP. I was talked into a (fancy for me) 4wd my first thoughts: “Great 🙄 an added feature begging to fuck up...just like them damn power windows😞” So for about 2 years I’ve avoided using it. Today I had no choice...icy hill,no logical way around.... I shuttered as I switched it to 4wl 😏 but I was whistling Dixie cruising up a hill with a lot of frustrated cars at the bottom of it...got home,switched it back.... So my question : As long as I use it very sparingly...like on that icy hill it should perfectly peachy right ? I guess to me it just seems like longevity in such a thing is too good to be true. 😂

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

oh wow. Yeah its always good to cycle through all the cars features once in a while to keep things working!

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

Actually it's the exact opposite for 4wd vehicle...the lack of use that could harm it. At least that what it is for the Toyotas so check your user's manual.

[@guidoitaliano7722]

Hey, just quick question. I’m thinking of trading my 2019 F150 4x4 for a Tacoma. I’m a corporate person with no time to off-road. I just prefer a pickup for the occasional home Reno. What is the Tacoma like? (Fuel, back seat space, drive on highways.etc.)

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

When my Tacoma was stock I could average between 18-22 mpg depending on more highway vs city. Backseats are tight, I'm 5'10'' and can fit back there, but for city driving not long distance. Not sure how child seats are if you have kids. Highway is great, but I did regear my truck because the third gens don't really use 6th gear on the highway which is one "downside", it drives fine but shifted a lot and that fixed it. I would buy one all day long, but I love them! I don't really have much I don't like about it as it's my daily. Drive some and try to get on the highway if you can to see!

[@ianc951]

4:45 I thought the only way to achieve both axles rotating at the same speed was to use a center locker or engaging a front and rear locker at the same time, not putting it in 4lo with just saves your clutch

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I should have said the driveshafts need to rotate at the same rate for 4 low, it doesn't mean the wheels are all spinning at the same rate. You are right on the lockers though. A center would lock all four, then of course rear for just those and a front!

[@corndogg78]

4Hi or 4Low locks the transfer case in so that it sends power equally to the front and rear differentials. 4Auto available on some vehicles allows power to be sent to the front and/or rear as the system determines. Power can be divided anywhere between 50/50 to 0/100 at any time depending on the conditions the system senses. True lockers in the differentials allow power to be sent to both wheels equally. They do not allow either wheel to rotate slower than the ring gear but allow one tire to turn faster for turning without dragging an outside tire. A limited slip will transfer some power to both wheels but very rarely will they transfer it 50/50. They will preform more like an open differential especially if a tire comes off the ground, even a fraction of an inch.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

Cool vid! Good straight, simple answers for newbies or great reminders for the Not-so-New.bies! 😆 QUESTION: How (or what) do AWD (4wheel all the time) differ to accommodate or adapt for some of the points you made? (sorry if this comment and question was rough to read...it's late!)

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you enjoyed the video! AWD or full time 4X4 pretty much does things on its own. They might have a low range tho for mud and things like that. They are more forgiving and cant really mess them up ;)

[@GMan-yv8cb]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Thanks for the response! BUT, I t prompted another (perhaps STUPIT) question. I was told (long ago) by an older, wiser person (but NOT an 'off-roader' or '4 wheeler enthusiast' that "4WD" wasn't the SAME as "AWD" . Your thoughts? Sorry, not a mechanic or 4wheeler.

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

My 05 Tahoe can't even go into 4L unless in neutral.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Interesting! Some can and some can't, just depends on how they programmed it!

[@edgarandreasyan521]

My 2020 Tacoma doesn’t go into 4L either if it’s not in neutral

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

5th gen 4runners same to 4lo since there.is no synchro. 4hi no problem if

[@Wade-lk4yo]

That should be the case in any vehicle unless it is a manual, then you just push in the clutch.

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

Clarification: Type A =

[@darriontunstall3708]

Great video man!!! Can y’all do more electric cars review in 2020! I can’t wait to get my Tesla model 3

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

If we can find some we will!

[@darriontunstall3708]

Bros FOURR Speed ok cool

[@Sniperssx]

so no chance to use 4w on-road ethier 4L or 4H to use ?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Generally you should only be using 4x4 on slippery circumstances. Off road, mud, snow. Things like that. If you will be going over 5mph, use 4H

[@007PJG]

Where did you get that grill from it looks nice on your Tacoma

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Bullet Proof Fabrication ;)

[@slightly_420]

In a 6 speed manual transmission you have to first be in 4H be stationary and in 1st gear to engage 4LO

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Sounds very similar to the auto, can you be in neutral at all? You have to be stopped for 4low in most vehicles.

[@sheldenkawaa7943]

My 06 nissan frontier 6 speed manual transmission has to be in neutral to put it in 4L......I THINK YOUR THEORY OF BEING IN FIRST GEAR TO PUT IT IN 4L DOES NOT APPLY TO ALL 6SPEED 4X4 VEHICLES

[@shiptime8108]

My wrangler recommends clutch in coasting at 2-4mph, shift the transfer case into the 4L setting then release the clutch. 2H to 4H is the same procedure but can be done up to 45mph. I follow the manual and it works flawless every time but again that’s specifically for my 2020 wrangler 6 speed.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah that makes sense. Bottom line is, you can't be moving to engage 4low

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Very nice! Awesome to see you went with a manual on a 2020!

[@warriorredeemed215]

I hit the accelerator a little bit while stuck in snow and switched to 4H while accelerating because it wasn't switching while at 0mph. Did I damage the truck?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That's fine to do, you can switch to 4 high on the fly! That's how I remember it, 4high can go up to about 50 or 55 mph.

[@warriorredeemed215]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed awesome thanks!! Its a 2020 truck brand new. Don't want to hurt my partner...😁

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Always good to double check for sure! Enjoy your new truck!

[@raffikkiz]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed you can redline ‘er in 4hi. Common sense tells you that nothing good will come of it though. Unless your rig is extremely modded and racing through sand or similar. I’ve driven 80 in 4hi second gen tacoma, automatic 5 speed, 4.0L

[@johnwest6977]

Have 4WD and probably will never use it on my new pick up my previous truck I only really used it when I was off-roading 😂

[@aikenandre]

What about 4wd auto? Can I drive in 4wd auto on a regular basis? When I put it in 2wd my truck fish tail over small bumps.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I don’t have 4wd auto in this truck! If you have a Tacoma it won’t have an “auto” feature. You could use 4H, but something sounds wrong if you fish tail over small bumps, that doesn’t sound right at all.

[@aikenandre]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed I have a chevy silverado trail boss

[@ashleystoker4816]

Where did you get that carbon fiber plate for the 4wd and ac controls? Great video btw. I ruined my actuators (front and rear) by stopping to engage 4wd high. Thought it would help make it easy but it ruined it. Don’t do it guys!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

All that carbon was from Tufskinz! That's interesting to hear that stopping for 4 high would do that, I wouldn't think it would!

[@ashleystoker4816]

Thank you! Looks awesome. Yeah believe me I was super shocked. Truck only had 42k miles on it. Very expensive lesson since Toyota wouldn’t cover it.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh wow! Yeah that's a first time I've heard something like that happen! I've been stopped before to take it out of 4 high, going from 4 low to 4 high to 2wd usually. I did that on my last tacoma and that had 80k miles on it!

[@bnforgie]

Spruce bows in a pinch are good for traction

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Those can be helpful! Just depends on the situation!

[@zach6383]

Can you mess uo your 4lo if you put it to 4lo without neutral?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

It won’t mess it up, just might not engage, so you’ll have to get into neutral and wait for it too.

[@zach6383]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed thank you

[@23dnab]

Anyone else here for the awesome Carbone fiber pieces in the thumbnail? Dying to know where I can get them!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

They are from Tufskinz! We have a code in the description of this video that will help you out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZfac2CDlquoock

[@Seadoo1]

Thats a nice blue

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Thanks! I love this blue on the Tacomas!

[@Seadoo1]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed no chrome too

[@chrism5333]

You should have mentioned in your clean up part that its also super inconsiderate to other people on the road to be having mud chunks and rocks falling off and hitting their cars. some people have very nice cars, I of which have both. I can tell you first hand that not only do I keep my truck cleaned up immediately after hitting pavement, but also hate going down the highway in my nice cars and being attacked, chipping the front end and windshield with dried chunks of mud and rocks that fall off!! .

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That's a good point also. Sometimes I have to drive a bit of a distance to make it home, but usually after a mile or so, all that has come off so the rest of the drive is normal. But I try to not be around others for that short time!

[@Thexhunkxlaxsb]

Do a, “how to maintain your 4x4 vehicle”

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That could be a great topic! I haven't done anything special with mine tho. Any tips?

[@Thexhunkxlaxsb]

Bros FOURR Speed no idea dude. I’m fairly new to the scene and was hoping you guys had the answers lol I’m sure you guys will figure it out

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

lol to be honest its no different then a 2wd vehicle. Just when it comes time to change the differential oil. You have two of them to do instead of just one

[@CoreyWhite-dr1xh]

Can you damage your vehicle driving in 4 wheel drive at speed limits like you would do in normal mode , my friend did this in her 2006 Ford explorer and now something is going wrong with it

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You can. Most vehicles require you to be stopped and in neutral to go into 4wd so that doesn’t happen.

[@5.4djluiz38]

Do you think it’s safe and good to race in 4h? Would it be a little faster?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You mean racing on the roads or offroad? If you are in the mud or dirt, that would get you more traction to be quicker.

[@5.4djluiz38]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed yes on the road like a drag race

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@5.4djluiz38 I wouldn't use 4h, it won't help for those purposes, but you might want to look into a sportscar for drag racing, just my opinion.

[@harveymanfrantinsingin7373]

@@5.4djluiz38 LOL.. it’s aV6 pick up truck. What are you racing against, a little old lady on a motorized cart!?

[@jaxsomsteel5380]

I was robbed by a little old lady on a motorized cart. I didn’t even see it coming.

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

I have the same truck in a Manual. 4H to 4L is stupid. In neutral, stopped, barely moving, clutch in, clutch out... it also seems like the truck has to be perfectly level or it never engages. This is the only aspect about my Taco that infuriates me.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yea sometimes it can act weird, but I've seen that in multiple vehicles. The rear locker is what gets me sometimes, it'll flash and I'll start moving slowly forwards and backwards until it's solid. Just electronics being electronics lol!

[@aliyusuf4076]

For driving in the snow can’t you also just put some firewood or sand bags in the bed giving you more weight over the drive wheels thus giving you more traction like 10 unspilt logs

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

You can certainly add weight to the bed, just seems like a hassle to me to have to do that, but that will help especially if it's a 2wd truck.

[@ag135i]

Never knew four wheel is so complicated, headache and overrated capabilities, thanks for the video.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

There is definitely a lot going on, but once you get use to what to do it's not so bad! Makes offroading a blast to see what you can do and what the truck is capable of!

[@ag135i]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed thanks for the positive feedback.

[@diverbob8]

It depends where you live and drive. Moms just need automatic systems (referred to as Slip and Grip) where front wheel drive is automatically augmented by coupling in some help from the rear. For off road use, you need to know more. The original systems had a differential on both axles which lets each side turn at it's own required speed, as in a turn. In four wheel, a transfer case behind the transmission is engaged to drive both front and rear drive shafts. This is conventional four wheel drive. The short coming is that when you turn, the path of the front wheels is longer than the rear. So the net speed of the front drive shaft wants to be higher than the rear, but since the transfer case has them locked together, there can be a steering deficit because the front (steering) wheels cannot turn as fast as they need to. Back in the early 70's, this situation was fixed by including a third differential in the transfer case so that the two driveshafts could turn at slightly different speeds. This is known as full time four wheel drive. Most modern trucks have 2 Wheel high, then 4 wheel automatic (slip and grip), 4 wheel high lock (conventional) and sometimes a two speed transfer case to provide 4 wheel low. The transfer case is unsynchronized shifting, thus a special procedure is used to avoid clashing the gears, which when followed involves stopping or going slowly as the change occurs. Note that I'm told that the new truck that I have now has the third differential so that 4 wheel lock is "full time" not "conventional", but I have not verified this feature yet. Got my first 4 wheel drive (jeep) in 1968 and currently own #10. Since the jeep, I have had 9 Chevy 4 Wheel vehicles. I live in the North and I drive off road. For me, it is free because when you sell a vehicle, the value is the same amount higher as you paid to get it. FYI...sell 4 wheel vehicles in the late summer, early fall right before hunting season / winter. The stability control / traction controls are present on most vehicles in one form or another and are very beneficial. As for don'ts, never use 4 wheel lock on hard surfaces and never use low range with the front hubs unlocked, if you have manual locking hubs on the front.

[@evanstutzman7361]

Lol my good old first gen taco will just grind if you put it in 4L when your not supposed to 😅. None of these safety features.😂

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh wow! Technology has definitely come along way to prevent things like that from happening!

[@JohnSmith-vs9rs]

First thing he mentioned applies to ALL cars regardless 2 wd or 4wd

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah that can certainly be true