Whats is the general opinion on running 4wd in the rain do or dont? and for how long?

Thanks

TB

 

I would not unless you plan on running it very hard constantly and spinning tires.

 

The owners manual says that it's bad to engage the 4WD on pavement. It's only for off road and loose gravel conditions. Not having a whole lot of transmission knowledge myself, can anybody chime in on why this is?

 

I'm not sure, but I've read that before in the owner's manual.

It must be something with the design, as a GMC I had for a little while had an "Auto" 4WD feature that would kick into 4Hi whenever there was wheel slip or you would be turning at high speeds, to add control I suppose.

 

The tires have a good grip on the pavement and it puts a bind on the driveline,especially while turning.

 

There is no differential for the front axle, so when you turn the gears bind if there is a lot of grip. Rain is questionable. Snow on pavement, gravel, no problem. Rain, I wouldn't do it. These trucks don't have AWD or automatic 4wd except the latest Harley Davidsons.

 

i use it in extreme rain conditions, but never take sharp turns with it on, and i never go over 60 with it engaged, you can tell a difference, with 2wd in the rain(heavy) you stomp on the gas and your going to spin, but with 4wd none of that, but if you were to use it, i would only in very harsh rain conditions

i have never had a problem with it

 

Wow I have never heard of using 4 wheel drive in the rain. I thought 4x4 was for deep snow and off-roading. Maybe thats why you never see rear wheel drive cars out in the rain.

 

i never use it on pavement unless said pavement is covered in ice or deep snow to the point that i need more traction

 

I honesty can't see ever needing to put your truck in 4WD for rain, unless maybe you are on a dirt road that has turned slick with mud . . .

 

I never engage my 4wd ever... I cant seem to find the button for it
-Patrick

 

I had a 4x4 Dakota with open rear diff that I did engage 4wd when I wanted to accelerate quickly in the rain. But it was a lease and I didn't turn with 4wd engaged. I could see the need for 4wd w/ open diff, but not w/ LSD that my F-150 has. I still wouldn't do it on a truck I plan to keep long term.

 

I'd avoid it unless it's REALLY slippery out there. I screwed up the front drivetrain of an Explorer I used to have by turning with 4X4 engaged and having too much traction for it to slip. Personally I don't think I'd ever use 4X4 in the rain.