How often and how long should you drive your truck in 4x4 mode to keep the GEARS lubed up.

Thanks Guys,,, Mark

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I dont know that there is really a recommended time or prodecure. I put mine in every 4-6 weeks when I remember too. I run it down a dirt road a half mile or so.

Once fall/hunting season gets here I don't have to worry cause I use it. Then in winter it gets used very often.

-jeff b.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rajuncajun37
How often and how long should you drive your truck in 4x4 mode to keep the GEARS lubed up.

Thanks Guys,,, Mark


I was told at least once a month just click it into 4x4 for just a bit.....So that is what I do.


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It's not so much the gears as it is the actuator that enagages the 4 wheel drive. I have heard about once a month just to keep the engaging parts from sticking.

When you do this you should be on lose gravel or sand etc. The pavement is fine for short distances. The only thing you want to be carefull of is trying to turn in 4x4 while both front tires have full traction, it will bind the front and normally you will hear a loud pop. Not a good thing but not that bad as I have done this when parked in really lose gravel and then turning on to pavement.

Check out this post as it discusses the 4wd switch...
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=111972

 

dcovell is right. You do it more to keep the actuator working. There have been numerous reports of people not using theirs for extended periods and having the system fail the next time they needed it.

If you have a straight driveway, just switch it to 4H and back up. Switch back to 2H at the end. That's really all you need. You may want to switch it to 4L too. Driving straight on pavement won't hurt the system unless you have different front and rear tire diameters.

In my case, at least once a month, I'll go and drive on the beach and up the sand dunes prior to washing the truck.