My compa has an 2004 FX4 super cab. He has owned for a little over a year and has never used the 4x4 shift on the fly. He asked me post if it was not put to use would it messup?

 

well it should hurt it, if it has never been used it might be froze up tho, my 4x4 works but it wont go into 4 lo or nuetral

 

In only a year it should be ok, I'm guessing that he has not been off road or in an area with a lot of dirt up towards the t-case. However I try to exercise my 4 wheel drive at least once every other month wether I need to or not. I will use 4 hi, lo in both forward and reverse. I don't know of any real need for it other than to pacify myself. I think with the newer electric switches there is less to go wrong, the units are sealed tighter and junk does not get settled into the the shifter handles.

 

Take it in the dirt, and put the transfer case through its paces. 4HI, then 4LOW, and make sure to put it in reverse as well.
Just to keep the electronics working, and lube it up.

 

It is recomended to take it down a trail at least once a month in 4 hi and
4 low. That a way everything get put back in its spot. The front differentials and cv joints like to miss align if not used every once in a while.

 

Thanks I will let my compa know, that we need to go off roading

 

Huh?!!?

The front CV joints are used ALL THE TIME regardless of what the transfer case is doing. And if the differential can missalign itself from not being used, don't ever park your truck for any length of time. The front driver's side wheel and halfshaft will always force the spider gears to turn, so the lube should be getting splashed around in there all the time. The pinion gear and bearings may not have complete lube, but they're not running anyways if it's disengaged.

Ridiculous.....

Anyways, yes, it's a good idea to exercise it periodically. The vacuum solenoids that control the center axle disconnect and the CAD itself may freeze in place due to lack of use. Shifter-motor failures are few and far between on the '97-up trucks, but not impossible. The synchronizer in the transfer case is electronic, regardless of whether you have the MSOF or ESOF transfer case, so in either case it's a good idea to make sure it works when you don't need it so that it works when you DO need it.

-Joe

 

Uh no, not on his 04 Joe. The new body style trucks have Integrated Wheel Ends (hubs) that unlock when in 2 wheel drive. None of the front drivetrain turns when in 4x2. They default to a locked condition when you shut the truck off or shift into 4 wheel drive. You can do a search on IWE... they are even made by Warn.

 

AACK!!!! Ignore everything I just said.... I missed the '04 part.....

Now where's that dunce cap?.......

-Joe

 

^^^ no problemo!

 

My compa was talking about my 04 fx4 very helpfull info will take every thing into consideration, hopefully I can take it down 2 Mexico this year and over there I probably will have it on 4by most of the time.