Drive in low range to "exercise" transfer case

[RobboMC Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RobboMC]

A mechanic has suggested I drive my tarmac only GXL in low range for a while to spray some oil around inside the transfer case as it rarely gets used.

The question is: how far is enough? Should I do 20 metres, 200 metres or are kilometres needed.
Locked in suburbia it's getting harder to find gravel roads close by.

Yes, I need to take it for a drive in the country, to the Glow Worm cave or something.

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

Isn't the 90 series an all time 4WD? Therefore the transfer case is used all the time as you've got power going to front and rear? Or am I missing something?

[Mule Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mule]

Same as r4ndll can't see what the mechanic is talking about, your transfer case will have oil splashed all around no matter if in High range or Low. I recently did a trip to Fraser Island with a friend and it would seem his 120 prado had never used low range before and thus would not go into low range. Guess the linkages or whatever could get gummed up if never used but not inside the transfer case.

[JimmyC Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JimmyC]

I think it's not so much an issue of oil distribution but more so just good checks. Every month or so if you just make sure that low range will engage properly then that should be all you'll need to do. Maybe drive it for 10-20m in low just to be sure.

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

just dont turn the steering wheel while on the black top
i drive mine up the boat ramp in low range to save the clutch once up the top back into high

[digys Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close digys]

Is this also true for 150s if the center diff is unlocked?

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

Is this also true for 150s if the center diff is unlocked?

if you can unlock the centre diff, then you should be able to turn the steering wheel and not have the car trying to bind up

i wish i could do that with mine, would make backing the boat & caravan into the parking spots much easier !!

[scottkz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scottkz]

The 90s automatically lock the centre diff when in low range , this is regardless of whether it is manual lock or button lock... I strongly advise against this... Unless your on gravel dirt or grass
Boat ramps and very short very low speed distances are not advised but are acceptable