When i drive in the snow i would lock in the hubs but not click it in 4x4 unless i stopped and the rear tires were spinning. I heard its bad to have the truck in 2wd but have the hubs locked in. Is this true?

 

To my understanding no it is not as most other 4 wheel drive rigs drive with the front axle locked and spinning anyhow without the transfer case engaged all year round.
I do the same thing except during the summer months.
During the winter months I lock in the hubs if I suspect I may need them and drive around with the front axle spinning but the transfer case not engaged. I have yet to see any ill effects.
I talked to a drive line guy, he's a bit of a gear head and he said that there is nothing wrong with it.
I also informed him that I will typically do it a couple times during the summer and before the snow flies to get the fluids mixed up and get the gears all lubed up.
He stated that it's probably not a bad idea to mix it up a bit fore use so that all the gear and bearings can get some fresh fluid before putting a load on them though it shouldn't hurt anything.

 

Wont hurt a thing driving around with the hubs in and the t-case in 2wd. We do it all the time up here snowmobiling. Then if we need 4x4 just pull the t-case lever into high range and go. I usually turn my hubs in 2x a month all year long and drive down my long straight road and turn the hubs out before I turn around and head for home just so the front end doesnt bind up during the u-turn on dry pavement. But on snow or gravel or anything where the front end can slip a little when you turn not a problem. Sounds like you guys on the other side are getting pounded with snow. Wish we had that problem over here right now.

 

You will lose a little fuel economy with the hubs locked, but there is no other problems with leaving them locked in. Mine are generally locked for about 3-4 months during the winter. Weather conditions change all the time and I am not good a guessing when I might need 4x4.

 

No problem at all. I have mine locked in almost year round for a few years now. They only get unlocked when I'm doing a long highway drive. As for mpg loss, its barely even noticeable.

 

I only lock mine in when the snows on the ground other than that the hubs are locked out, fuel economy reasons and less wear I've always thought. I do engauge them periodocly to keep the juices flowing so to speak. I believe HKUSP Jason keeps his locked in all the time but not 100% sure..He'll pop in I'm sure to confirm.

 

i dont think it would cause anything other than excessive wear on the front end...but im not positive. I do this quite a bit considering I have a manual 4x4 and i really dont want to be getting out ad having to lock my hubs in every time i need 4x4

 

Leave mine locked in during the winter - mileage suffers a little but being able to quickly get into 4WD is worth it. Better than getting out to turn the hubs when its 7deg out & you're in 8in of snow!

 

I do a little maintenance on my ESOF's every couple years and enjoy just turning the switch when I need 4WD. I will turn it to 4wd at least 1 time a month just to keep it functional and making sure it locks in.