L300 4WD and hard surfaces

[paddyb]

I live in Taiwan and would like to explore mountain roads here, many of which are a bit sketchy - frequently typhoon damaged and under reconstruction. I would also like to take on some sand dunes and light trails now and then as well - definitely very little technical or excessively rocky trails though as I don't have the budget for hardcore 4WD use and abuse.

Could I leave an L300 in 4H on semi-paved roads with muddy washouts? What about paved roads in heavy rain? How much traction is too much for the L300's transfer case?

Would the L400 with SuperSelect be a better choice? It has an AWD mode right?

Or maybe all I need is a 2WD MPV like the Toyota Surf (which is also very popular here).

Any input?

[Erebus]

Doesn't sound like the L300 would have any problem with any of it. Keep in mind that once the hubs are locked, you can switch from 4H to 2H and back while driving at speed.

In my Subarus I used to use 4H on paved roads in very heavy rains, never had an issue.

I think the transfer cases are a lot tougher than some people make them out to be.

[jessef]

As long as there is some slippage, 4H is okay to use on the L300.

Paved road with rain is not recommended for the L300 in 4H.

If you are not turning and driving fast, technically you can use 4H on most surfaces.

The problems/binding occurs when you turn on a hard surface and the inner side wheels can't spin fast enough.

L400 has a good AWD system which is perfect for heavy rain on pavement.

[Mr. Flibble]

Doesn't sound like the L300 would have any problem with any of it. Keep in mind that once the hubs are locked, you can switch from 4H to 2H and back while driving at speed.

In my Subarus I used to use 4H on paved roads in very heavy rains, never had an issue.

I think the transfer cases are a lot tougher than some people make them out to be.

The problem is that you are going to get stress either in the transfer case - or directly on the tires, or both. Any 4WD system that is not AWD (like the L400) will wear or get stressed while driving with grip on all 4 tires. You can do this of course, I knew a guy who had a first generation 4Runner like mine, and he drove with his hubs locked and in 4WD all the time. However, I have also seen parts fall off the underside of a 4X4 Jeep in Penticton during Peach Fest some years ago, as a guy trying to be cool in his jeep was crusing around in 4X4 on dry pavement. I remember parts falling off the underside right as he turned a tight corner. It may not have been related, but then again, it may have been.

In general it is bad practice, and does not gain you anything other than added wear.

[mararmeisto]

However, I have also seen parts fall off the underside of a 4X4 Jeep in Penticton during Peach Fest some years ago, as a guy trying to be cool in his jeep was crusing around in 4X4 on dry pavement. I remember parts falling off the underside right as he turned a tight corner. It may not have been related, but then again, it may have been.

In general it is bad practice, and does not gain you anything other than added wear.

I've seen the exact same thing - in fact it fell out onto the road right in front of me. Damned annoying.

4WD is different than AWD - the L300 is a part-time 4WD, not an all-wheel drive vehicle.