Using 4x4 2nd gen hilux surf

[Chanchristensen]

Hello! I have a 2nd gen hilux surf - 2.4 turbo diesel and i am wondering about how to use 4x4. I have been hesitant to use 4x4 because i do not want to damage anything. I know that for using L4 you must be stopped and have the car in N. But on the gear switcher below L4 there is H and on the side is 4WD. What is the point of H? is it 4H? how do i switch between the three. When should i use L4, when should i use H, and when should i use 4WD. It may seem self explanatory but this is my first 4x4 vehicle and i am going to have to do a bunch of mountain driving so it would be good to know. Thank you!

[T4R]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

H is high ratio, L is low ratio. If your car's auto engage system is operational, you do not need to be stationary to switch between 2H and 4H modes, just need to be below a certain speed, which I think is 50 kph (check in the manual). The auto system is vacuum based and after nearly 30 years, this can leak and fail. Some people have "hard wired" the system, but then that does mean you have to be stopped to perform the switch - so be aware of this. Some people also fit manual freewheeling hubs on the front, so if fitted, you will need to get out of the car to engage them.

You do need to be stationary to switch between H and L modes.

4H is useful if driving at normal speeds on loose slippery ground, such as ice, mud and snow. Do not drive on tarmac roads in 4H though as there isn't a central diff to allow the front and rear to spin independently. So this means the transfer box gets "wound up" and could be damaged.

A lot of the time the car works so well in 2H mode, 4H is rarely needed, but it's a useful thing to have in reserve.