General 4x4 question...

[BigBadWimp]

I have manual locking hubs on my 4x4 and when reading the Ford manual it says that leaving them locked all the time can cause uneven or premature wearing on tires or something like that. But with winter coming around, and our streets getting as bad as they do, can I leave them locked all winter long (whether the 4x4's engaged or not)? Is it worth the neglible tire wear? I just foresee myself getting in and out of my car a few times a day just so I can get through some snow. If I could leave them locked and just throw it into 4x4 whenever it'd be alot more convenient.

 

[dreamr]

A lot of people will just leave their hubs locked once the bad weather really sets in, I too have heard that this may cause damage. Though I have never seen anyone have a problem leaving it locked in. Heck in Idaho my family would pretty much had to leave it in 4 high most of the winter anyway.
I believe that what will make the biggest difference is if you leave them locked on dry pavement, or just after the snow pack sets in.

 

[BigBadWimp]

Thanks, dreamr. I have only locked and used my 4x4 once since I got it last spring but I know once winter strolls around our driveway will be s*#@ and it'd be nice not to pull up to our dirveway, get out, lock both sides, get back in and go.

 

[SteveVB]

I wouldnt worry too much about it. Some vehicles come with the front axles which turn all the time(no hubs) and the only disconnect is in the transfer case.
Ive run with hubs locked on various vehicles with negligable wear.
If you are expecting a storm lock em in- after the plows have pushed it out of the way and the lots clear up - un lock them, could be a day, could be a few days.

BTW- I would lock your hubs in every month or so to keep the parts lubed and moving - if you only use 4x in the winter the other 7-9 months can freeze up the joints and you dont want to find out about a bad u-joint once it starts snowing.

 

[F14CRAZY]

The front differential will be turning, but with the transfer case off, there will be only residual wear. Your rear differential is probably wearing more than the front. Sure, gas milage will be a tiny bit lower, but nothing to worry about.

 

[DeRocha]

If you have open diffs then go ahead and leave them locked... The down side (as everyone has mentioned) will be negligible tire wear, but more noteably you will have a few mpg drop in fuel economy. As such if you're not going to use 4x4 for a few days then I'd unlock them to save some gas money.

 

[BigBadWimp]

Ok, that helps a ton. Thanks guys.