Do I need to put my truck in 4WD and drive it to keep things lubed and working?

 

Im sure it wouldnt hurt?

 

I don't think you really have to engage the 4X4 at any set interval. Normal driving should slosh the lube around enough.

Just for peace of mind, I'll drive the truck home from work in 4WD once a month. The truck seems to be able to go just about anywhere without engaging the 4WD, so I seldom use it unless the road conditions are really bad.

 

In previous years it was recommended that you engage 4 wheel drive about once a month to keep everything in proper working order (lubrication and such). Of course this should be done on either a wet road or for only a short distance on a dry hard surface. I Still run in 4 wheel drive with about the same schedule on my 05.

Kenny

 

Double Post
Sorry

 

I, too do run my truck in 4WD around once a month. It could not hurt to keep the gears in the front diff and the transfer case in action from time to time

 

As well as the solenoids for those with electroinic transfer cases.

I do te same, try to engage 4HI once a month and 4LOW every other month, if not used between.

 

I engauage 4x4 every once in a while on a straight away for about an 1/8 of a mile to keep things moving.

 

I have seen roller bearings end up with flat spots because 4wd was not engaged for a very long time.

I excersize mine about once a month. It won't hurt...

 

Its funny this was brought up. I was thinking about how I always see posts from people with 4 wheel drive who go to use it for the first time and it is broken. I think it is a good idea to check it and make sure everything is working and ready to go.

 

It should be tested monthly. You don't need to drive very far - just be sure it engages and disengages. The vacuum actuater and solinoids will freeze up (corrode) if not used. Better safe than sorry - it only takes a few seconds to test the system..

 

That's why I test drove my truck to work (John Deere) delaership and hooked it to the back of an 8420 Tractor to make sure all 4 wheels pulled. It passed so I bought it. My old Bornco (RIP) didn't work when I bought. It was bad being pulled off the beach by a stock truck when yours has a total of 9" and is on 36X14.50 tires.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will test mine every month or so just to be safe.

 

What is the best way to be sure 4wd is engauged?

 

Do it on a loose gravel road if you're going to do it. Hit it and watch your front wheels out your window. You'll know if it's working if you're not sure. Driving in 4 wheel drive on dry or even wet pavement is hard on the driveline and not recommended. You can feel the strain when turning when it's engaged on dry or even wet pavement. It's bad bad bad! We don't have all wheel drive vehicles (Harley excepted) which are designed to have power to all 4 wheels all the time. 4x4 mode is only there for when it's needed.