IS my 4x4 working??

[DeRocha]

You can get manuals and leave them locked and just press the 4x4 dash button (many people in snowy areas do this). The trade off will be a drop in fuel economy (a few mpg) as the front axles and drive shaft will be in motion as long as the hubs are locked. I would get the manuals and unlock them when I didn't need em. Did you put tape on the front driveshaft to see if it moved???

 

[Premier]

I dont see why its such a hassle to get out into the snow, and turn some hubs..

 

[Crankcase]

I usually test the families X's by putting on 4X4 on loose gravel....If the wheel starts to bind when turning tight, the system is working, the hubs are good....Just don't keep turning when it starts to bind up....

 

[Harry P]

You can leave the hubs locked, but it isn't recommended. At the same time, leaving them locked for the day during a snow storm while in either 2 or 4 wheel drive isn't going to harm them. I believe it is more a matter of poor fuel economy while locked.

I recommend going to the manual hubs (Warn). If, however, anyone is looking for a used auto hub, I have one I would be willing to part with...