Usage of 4x4
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From: North Attleboro, MA
Usage of 4x4
Hello all, I just like to say that this is probably the most useful forum that I have ever stumbled across and the helpful attitude of its members is very, very cool. 
Now for the question: I have been reading several of the threads regarding A4WD, 4x4, H & L, etc. and have come across in several posts that it is a bad thing to be driving in 4x4 H or L on dry pavement. I don't do this myself because there is no need for more traction on dry pavement. I am wondering why it is a bad idea to be driving on dry pavement in 4x4? Does it damage the transfer case or just chew through tires and gas?
Thanks,
Smitty
Now for the question: I have been reading several of the threads regarding A4WD, 4x4, H & L, etc. and have come across in several posts that it is a bad thing to be driving in 4x4 H or L on dry pavement. I don't do this myself because there is no need for more traction on dry pavement. I am wondering why it is a bad idea to be driving on dry pavement in 4x4? Does it damage the transfer case or just chew through tires and gas?
Thanks,
Smitty
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Potentially both. Unless a 4x4 system has some type of clutch between the front and rear axle, selecting 4Hi or 4Lo provides a direct mechanical link between all 4 wheels, forcing the wheels to attempt to rotate together at the same speed. The problem is that there are circumstances in which they can't or shouldn't. For example, if the front tires have more wear than the rear tires, the front tires, being of smaller diameter, will attempt to spin more quickly than the rears. Also, the act of turning causes a difference in the rotational speeds between the tires/wheels on the left side vs. right side. On a slippery road surface in 4Hi or 4Lo, the tries can break traction briefly which will relieve the stress on the driveline, therefore no damage can occur. Not so on a dry surface.
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From: North Carolina
Originally posted by PaulC
Potentially both. Unless a 4x4 system has some type of clutch between the front and rear axle, selecting 4Hi or 4Lo provides a direct mechanical link between all 4 wheels, forcing the wheels to attempt to rotate together at the same speed. The problem is that there are circumstances in which they can't or shouldn't. For example, if the front tires have more wear than the rear tires, the front tires, being of smaller diameter, will attempt to spin more quickly than the rears. Also, the act of turning causes a difference in the rotational speeds between the tires/wheels on the left side vs. right side. On a slippery road surface in 4Hi or 4Lo, the tries can break traction briefly which will relieve the stress on the driveline, therefore no damage can occur. Not so on a dry surface.
Potentially both. Unless a 4x4 system has some type of clutch between the front and rear axle, selecting 4Hi or 4Lo provides a direct mechanical link between all 4 wheels, forcing the wheels to attempt to rotate together at the same speed. The problem is that there are circumstances in which they can't or shouldn't. For example, if the front tires have more wear than the rear tires, the front tires, being of smaller diameter, will attempt to spin more quickly than the rears. Also, the act of turning causes a difference in the rotational speeds between the tires/wheels on the left side vs. right side. On a slippery road surface in 4Hi or 4Lo, the tries can break traction briefly which will relieve the stress on the driveline, therefore no damage can occur. Not so on a dry surface.
PaulC ...................... You is da man!
Nicely stated.
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