Can I exercise the 4WD?

[DogsRule]

Gotta embarass myself here but need confirmation.

I have access to a quiet, quarter-mile straightaway. If I stick to the owner's manual and return to 2WD before I turn around, can I exercise my 4wd 4HI and 4LO on dry pavement just to keep the drivetrain loosened up? The 4wd shift is harder than anything and probably never used.

I have the rear LSD option too. Thx.

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[tomk62]

Yes. Why not find a gravel or dirt parking lot though?

 

[J.Ferreira]

Gotta embarass myself here but need confirmation.

I have access to a quiet, quarter-mile straightaway. If I stick to the owner's manual and return to 2WD before I turn around, can I exercise my 4wd 4HI and 4LO on dry pavement just to keep the drivetrain loosened up? The 4wd shift is harder than anything and probably never used.

I have the rear LSD option too. Thx.

You can do it with 4hi, sure. I wouldn't do it for long amounts of time, but if you're just trying to work the transfer case lever and make it easier on yourself...That's totally fine.
I wouldn't use 4Lo on pavement though. Even a bit of difference in tire pressure/wear diameter can make 4Lo rough on the Transfer case.

 

[grimmjeeper]

A short straight run won't hurt the transfer case. Even a few shallow turns are ok. Just don't run for miles on dry pavement.

I second the idea of finding a dirt or gravel parking lot so you can do several turns without worry.

 

[rohdawg]

Shift into 4WD at a slow roll the first couple times and it should be easier for you. That and the more you use it the easier it gets.

 

[Ratbert]

No need to do quarter mile runs. As others have said: just find some gravel or dirt. But hell, you really don't need to move much at all.

Note that for most rigs it gets easier as you use it, but if yours is like my first one it won't.

 

[dchemphill1]

Gravel road and go for a drive. Practice getting in and out of 4hi and 4lo.

 

[Flip]

Shift into 4WD at a slow roll the first couple times and it should be easier for you. That and the more you use it the easier it gets.

That's what I do, a slow roll makes for a smooth transition. I still use this method. ?

 

[bd100]

Maybe wait for rain. And some will say it's good to drive a small distance to get the lube moved around. And shift in and out of 4-high at lower speeds, not 40+ MPH.

As for the shifter, you can exercise that in a tiny gravel lot just going forward and backward ten feet at a time. Yes it's stiff when new, but easier as you exercise it.

 

[DogsRule]

Thanks guys. Its as I had hoped. Its just that I live in a very urban part of NEO and finding a dirt or gravel stretch of any length is a PIA. Looks like I'll be booking some days at Southington Offroad Park.

 

[azjl#3]

i would not do it on dry pavement, only wet or gravel, Ohio? Come on there gotta be dirt around you.

 

[Ratbert]

Thanks guys. Its as I had hoped. Its just that I live in a very urban part of NEO and finding a dirt or gravel stretch of any length is a PIA. Looks like I'll be booking some days at Southington Offroad Park.

You don't need a significant stretch. A driveway is more than sufficient.

 

[mardoudan]

I shift into 4WD HI anytime I am on slippery or loose road or ground conditions. Eg. Rain, gravel, sand, etc. that’s what 4WD HI is for. I would only use 4WD LO if I was in serious sand like beach or desert and or climbing trails, stumps, boulders or rescue a stuck vehicle (a winch if you have one). I have driven on Highway for hours 4WD HI in Heavy Rain conditions. You can feel the stability gain in the vehicle. Be safe and enjoy. Cheers

 

[Rubi6mt]

You don't need a significant stretch. A driveway is more than sufficient.

100% agree.

I cycle through the t/c, lockers and even swaybar connect on my rubi around 1x/week on my driveway to keep the mechanical bits moving.

I especially do this just before an offroad trip.

Call me nuts, but also cycle the winch once every few months to have the oil/grease move around and hopefully steam off any condensation that may have snuck into the internal bits.

 

[roaniecowpony]

It really isn't that fragile. Dry pavement is fine. Avoid tight turns while in 4wd. Any parking lot will do.

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