when to use 4x4 mode
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 121
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From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by 02XLT
So you won't damage anything buy getting into 4L and 4H every other month for a few feet just to make sure nothing seizes up etc? It will probably be rare that I will ever use my 4WD. (just wanted it to have it 
)
-Brian
)-Brian
although i had planned on doing the same thing, now i'm not so sure. reading the posts above, it certainly sounds like you run the risk of damaging the drivetrain if you are running the 4x4 on dry pavement every month. even if it is for only a couple feet. i was actually going to run it for a mile or so. (i wouldn't think you are going to get anything lubricated by just rolling a couple feet.) but know i am not so sure.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 112
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From: Central Iowa
Here's the problem and answer...
Hi guys... here's what I've been told and I've tested it to confirm...
Only use 4x4 when you need to (IE: 2WD gets you no where).
It's not a problem to go in a perfectly straight line because the front and back tires are being given equal rotations. The problem arises when you turn the steering wheel. This is because the inside tire in the turn (IE: the tire on the side that you're turning towards) will require spinning less than the tire on the outside (the side opposite the direction you're turning) because it's arc is smaller than the outside wheel in the turn. But because they are both being FORCED to turn at the same rate this can damage the transmission/transfer case because neither tire is slipping on dry pavement and something has to give. Hopefully what gives is one of your front tires will break traction, but if they don't break traction then the damage is in the transfer case.
You can test this buy turning on 4x4 and turning the wheel hard and giving it gas. Notice the truck buck and fight you in the steering wheel? It's because they're both spinning at the same rate but shouldn't (because the outside tire in the turn has further to travel than the inside tire).
Only use 4x4 when you need to (IE: 2WD gets you no where).
It's not a problem to go in a perfectly straight line because the front and back tires are being given equal rotations. The problem arises when you turn the steering wheel. This is because the inside tire in the turn (IE: the tire on the side that you're turning towards) will require spinning less than the tire on the outside (the side opposite the direction you're turning) because it's arc is smaller than the outside wheel in the turn. But because they are both being FORCED to turn at the same rate this can damage the transmission/transfer case because neither tire is slipping on dry pavement and something has to give. Hopefully what gives is one of your front tires will break traction, but if they don't break traction then the damage is in the transfer case.
You can test this buy turning on 4x4 and turning the wheel hard and giving it gas. Notice the truck buck and fight you in the steering wheel? It's because they're both spinning at the same rate but shouldn't (because the outside tire in the turn has further to travel than the inside tire).
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: AZ
Originally Posted by sx460
Hi guys... here's what I've been told and I've tested it to confirm...
Only use 4x4 when you need to (IE: 2WD gets you no where).
Only use 4x4 when you need to (IE: 2WD gets you no where).
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
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From: naples FL
your not going to damage anything by engaging your truck into 4x4 on pavement. just be smart dont do figure 8's and you will be fine. There are extremes to everything and if they dont put it in the manual and your an idiot about it you can say it didnt tell me not to.
AS for driving on pavement with 4x4, its pavement, you shouldnt need to. If it has snowed then your not really driving on the pavement it is the snow and ice, so tear at it in high. as to the question about water, I would get some better tires or slow down. if you cant handle the vehicle in 2wd then you shouldnt be going that fast.
once you drive off road stick her in 4h thats what it is there for, 4 low is for pulling or getting out of very tuff situations. dont be scared to use 4x4 it is a lot of fun so go find some damn dirt and have at it.
AS for driving on pavement with 4x4, its pavement, you shouldnt need to. If it has snowed then your not really driving on the pavement it is the snow and ice, so tear at it in high. as to the question about water, I would get some better tires or slow down. if you cant handle the vehicle in 2wd then you shouldnt be going that fast.
once you drive off road stick her in 4h thats what it is there for, 4 low is for pulling or getting out of very tuff situations. dont be scared to use 4x4 it is a lot of fun so go find some damn dirt and have at it.
