4wd
4wd
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
4wd
Hi kmorg and welcome to FTE 
I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
4wd
I would recommend turning it on (Low Range too) once an month or so the keep the solenoids from sticking. I have heard of this quite a few time where they either will not engage or disengage because they haven't been used. It doesn't hurt anything to turn it on for a minute as long as you go strait or are not on pavement.
Jimmy
Jimmy
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
4wd
lxman1 thats a good point about the solenoids and if it has Electronic Shift on the Fly I'd also be concerned about the motor on the transfer case. They do like to be used once in a while or they can seize up.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
4wd
Originally posted by Racerguy
Hi kmorg and welcome to FTE
I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
Hi kmorg and welcome to FTE
I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
4wd
Have you ever noticed when following an older 4x4 down the road that sometimes you can see the front axle's turning slowly?
I've observed that quite often. There is enough friction in the oil and grease in the front end to make everything turn slowly. Yes the front diff shouldnt turn the driveshaft with the other axle disconnected but it still seems to. Or maybe it's the friction of the oil in the tranfser case that makes it turn slowly?
I've observed that quite often. There is enough friction in the oil and grease in the front end to make everything turn slowly. Yes the front diff shouldnt turn the driveshaft with the other axle disconnected but it still seems to. Or maybe it's the friction of the oil in the tranfser case that makes it turn slowly?
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
4wd
Originally posted by Racerguy
...........they do like to be used once in a while or they can seize up.
...........they do like to be used once in a while or they can seize up.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Panama City, Fl
4wd
Yes, by all means force yourself to use it at least once a month. If not, your will have to justify why you have a 4X4 to everyone you meet. lol I run mine once in a while if I don't get out to play as often as I would like to. I usually go out just after I have had it washed also. Terrible planning but what the heck.....
