4X4 Extended use
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: California
4X4 Extended use
I looked for threads and could not find any.
I was wondering if running the truck in 4X4 like on the freeway at speed (65-70 MPH) would it damage the transfer case? I usually drive a few blocks every now and then in 4X4 to keep the transfer case oiled up. Once I drove to work, 32 miles in 4X4 on freeway and streets to make sure it functioned properly. I am wondering if driving for extended distances will damage the transfer case. Thanks!
I was wondering if running the truck in 4X4 like on the freeway at speed (65-70 MPH) would it damage the transfer case? I usually drive a few blocks every now and then in 4X4 to keep the transfer case oiled up. Once I drove to work, 32 miles in 4X4 on freeway and streets to make sure it functioned properly. I am wondering if driving for extended distances will damage the transfer case. Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 1
From: Fort. Lauderdale FL,
The only problem i see is with the turning and all on hard ground.. You should really be carefull with that...The speed thing i dont really know, I have read in the book that there is a maximum speed but i dont remember what it was.. I thought it was 45-50mph range... Might wanna check your book... Good Luck
ryan
ryan
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 8
From: OK
This is from the owner's manual:
• Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
• Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Dunmore Pa.
We always went by the rule lock the hubs at least ten miles a month but don't put it in 4Hi. Locking the hubs will run the front driveline keeping things lubed up. I just lock my hubs for a few days a month if I am not wheeling at all or in summer.
Glen
05 F-350 4x4 Reg Cab PSD 6Spd.
Glen
05 F-350 4x4 Reg Cab PSD 6Spd.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Likes: 142
From: Indianapolis
To keep everything lubricated and in good working order, I lock my front hubs in the 1st day of every month, leaving the transfer case in 2H. One day is usually about 40 miles worth of driving. Philip.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
If you have the dash mounted switch just lock the hubs. That will also make sure the ***** don't freeze on you.
If you have the shifter, you could also just put it into 4WH and not lock the hubs to make everything turn.
If you have the shifter, you could also just put it into 4WH and not lock the hubs to make everything turn.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: California
Thanks guy's apreciate the feedback. I have the ESOF, **** switch. I read in the manual, it says engage the ESOF below 55 MPH. I like the advise from all of you. I'll just lock the hubs about every month and drive for a full day. When I do run in 4X4, it's mostly when driving straight on the road, no turns. If I do turn, it's nice and wide. Thanks again! Great info here!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 3
From: Valdez, Alaska
Avoid the sharp turns. I throw my hubs in lock come the end of next month, same time I throw the studded tires on and reverse the procedure come May. Depending on the snow or ice on the road I will throw the transfer case in 4hi or leave it in 2hi. After a while you kinda get a feel for how the road is. If there is any report of black ice I just throw it in 4hi and go. You get to know the local road, all 12 hours of it, and depending on where you are depends on what mode I am in. Most of the 4x4 rigs up here, probley all, do that. Situation requires it. The smart ones will do extra PM to ensure it will last.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
I don't see whereas you would have any issues at all running it on the highway.
If I could only list the abuses my 4x4 system has seen....4x4 donuts in parking lots (dry pavement), road racing on curvy roads in 4x4 (dry pavement), making passes at the strip in 4x4 (not too bad, really), drifting in 4x4 (dry pavement) and I could most likely keep going.
24,000 miles of that and the chain hasn't even started getting wear. I'd say its a pretty stout unit. Although if you really feel the need to break it, go look for Industrai_dude (George) in the 6.0 forum; he recently busted his during an off-roading excursion.
If I could only list the abuses my 4x4 system has seen....4x4 donuts in parking lots (dry pavement), road racing on curvy roads in 4x4 (dry pavement), making passes at the strip in 4x4 (not too bad, really), drifting in 4x4 (dry pavement) and I could most likely keep going.
24,000 miles of that and the chain hasn't even started getting wear. I'd say its a pretty stout unit. Although if you really feel the need to break it, go look for Industrai_dude (George) in the 6.0 forum; he recently busted his during an off-roading excursion.