80MPH is 4x4...
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: California
Should there be any issues? I have driven to work on Freeway at 70-75 MPH in 4X4, "high" of course, for 30 miles and have noticed no ill effects. The manual says only use 4X4 on soft off road conditions, not on hard pavement, only that excessive tread wear may occur. It does not say anything about premature wear on the transfer case, hubs etc. Oh, and to switch the ESOF below 50MPH. ?????? 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
I agree - there's nothing to worry about and to not make a habit of it.
Big Dually,
There should be no issues, but it's just not good on the drivetrain. If the front is perfectly identical to the rear, then things would be different.
As far as shifting the ESOF, in my opinion, I would stop everytime. But, according to the manual you don't have to. I did when I first got my truck, but after the first loud clunk and grind, I quit.
Big Dually,
There should be no issues, but it's just not good on the drivetrain. If the front is perfectly identical to the rear, then things would be different.
As far as shifting the ESOF, in my opinion, I would stop everytime. But, according to the manual you don't have to. I did when I first got my truck, but after the first loud clunk and grind, I quit.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 365
Likes: 4
From: California
Thanks BIG ORN. I have never noticed any loud noises or "clunks" when shifting w ESOF. I engage the system about once or twice every month just to keep everything working. When driving around town, I never use 4X4, only freeway and have noticed no ill effects. Plus my tires are worn evenly. I only have to stop when shifting to low, then you have to be in nuetral. Now, from time to time I hear a noise, like a little ckunk, but not too bad and that is when it's in 4X2. I have been told that it's "axle wrap" and normal.
BIG ORN, I took your advise on the tire question on another thread, I'm going with your truck tires. 255/75/16's Thanks again!
BIG ORN, I took your advise on the tire question on another thread, I'm going with your truck tires. 255/75/16's Thanks again!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
The issue isn't the speed, but the dry pavement. As long as it wasn't a very windy road there shouldn't be problems. It's when you encounter turns and the tires are unable to slip that problems occur (usually on dry pavement, making turns and such). Being on a freeway going 80, I'm guessing it was fairly straight, so you're probably fine. 
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Big Dually - the tires are 255/85-16. You probably meant that...
As far as driving on solid dry ground in 4WD, the Dana 60 front and Dana 80 rear have different diameter ring gears, and different pinion diamaters. It's not that the ratio rating is different, it's just that it's not perfectly the same. I wouldn't do it, myself, but that's just me.
I think there was a discussion about this many moons ago - one member kept having problems with his transfer case and it turned out that the front diff was actually 4.09:1 and the rear was 4.10:1. The front diff was rated 4.10:1, though. That's the difference that I was referring to.
I wish I could have found that thread....pretty good info.
As far as driving on solid dry ground in 4WD, the Dana 60 front and Dana 80 rear have different diameter ring gears, and different pinion diamaters. It's not that the ratio rating is different, it's just that it's not perfectly the same. I wouldn't do it, myself, but that's just me.
I think there was a discussion about this many moons ago - one member kept having problems with his transfer case and it turned out that the front diff was actually 4.09:1 and the rear was 4.10:1. The front diff was rated 4.10:1, though. That's the difference that I was referring to.
I wish I could have found that thread....pretty good info.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: West Creek NJ
I think almost every 4x4 I have owned ( about 2 dozen ) have had a different ratio in the front like 4.10 and 4.09 ,3,55 and 3.54 .It tends to help ya steer better in low traction conditions like front wheel drive does for cars. From what I have seen ,when and where you use 4 wheel drive will cause the most problems and it "usually" shows up in the trasfer case first.
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