This is my first 4x4 and I rarely use it (there weren't any used 2wd in my area) and I am aware that once a month you have to engage 4x4 to keep everything lubbed up but my question is this -How long (distance) should I drive in 4x4? -which selection should I be in (4Hi or 4Low)?
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20 miles in reverse with sudden stops on the highway, then a neutral drop. LOL....couldnt resist Andy!
i wouldnt even drive a mile...just hit 4wd wait for the light to come on and then kick it back into 2hi
i dont even bother turning mine on unless i am gonna need it. which for me, ends up being quite often anyways. but for someone who doesnt use it often, it is good to throw it on for a bit to get everything lubed up. If you have a live axle like 2000.5+ rangers do, its not really an issue since everything is turning already. but with older ones, or different trucks with different setups, its good to let it work a bit once in a while. not only to keep it lubed or whatever, but to make sure it still works or works properly. that way when you do need it, you will know its in working condition.
this would be enough to make the front hubs lubbed and the transfer case get rid of its cobwebs? Wow i thought I would atleast have to drive a distance with the 4x4 engaged.
i dunno, in my ranger the light comes on instantly. switching then switching back would be a 1 second maneuver. not enough imo.
drive it , you will not hurt it , more chance of hurting it by not getting lube, when things turn they get lubed sitting still not so much.
thats because the front axle is a live axle...only thing you do by turning the switch is shifting the tcase...is about a 1-2 second delay from when i turn the switch to when the light comes on in my truck....it actually has front hubs to lock/unlock
I tried an experiment today in the garage while it was quiet, switching knob to any 4x4 mode and I can hear the front hubs engage, pretty nifty, so I drove about 500 feet in 4 Hi this morning just keep it lubbed
while thats true, and i dont really ever have to turn mine on to keep it lubed up. but, even in your case id let it go for more than the amount of ime it takes for everything to engage. just my opinion.
