4 Wheel Drive Question

So I was reading my owners manual and it mentions that we should drive at least 10 miles in 4 wheel drive mode a month to ensure proper lubrication of the parts.

However right under that there is a warning about driving on dry hard surfaces causing damage.

Is it okay to do the 10 mile as long as I'm driving straight and not making turns.

Also side note is it okay to turn while in 4 wheel drive while off roading as long as it isn't sudden?

 

I wouldn't worry about not getting in that quota each month. That's more for someone that has never engaged 4WD and decides to do so after 10 years and is mad when something doesn't work. It's more to cover their ass.

When it comes to driving on asphalt, I wouldn't recommend it. You could drive it in a straight line and you probably would be fine, but I wouldn't. At the very least, wait until it's raining to do it.

 

Thanks for the response.
Just curious what difference does it have dry vs wet?

Is it okay to activate on dirt??

 

Fine on dirt. Asphalt won't wreck the truck if you shift in and out a couple times. It'll be easier on all the parts if you're going straight. The whole point is to fling some oil around the clamshell and exercise the t case and ADD.

 

^I think the oil flings around in front diff clamshell in 2H, since the CV shafts are turning. The front driveshaft U-joints are probably the only components not exercised in 2H.

If all your tires are at the same tread depth and inflated to the same rolling diameter, driving straight in 4WD is fine on pavement. Large-radius turns (like highway off-ramps) are OK as well. Sharp turns (like pulling into a driveway or parking spot) will cause binding, which will be evident in the steering.

 

As mentioned above I just wait for it to rain and the engage it for a few miles and its always been good to go.

 

I live it CA we get rain once a year if that lol.

 

Thank you guys!

 

Dirt works fine too, you just want less traction for the front wheels.

 

As opposed to driving off a cliff for the sake of driving straight ??? Yes , please feel free to turn in either left or right hand direction.....

 

The point is that theres less traction while wet. Like stated above, it's so there's less traction so the wheel can slip and it prevents binding. On dirt, I just drive it totally normal and there's no binding

 

Fwiw, just bought a o6 with 32k miles never seen 4wd or dirt. Previous 80+ year old single
owner of truck said its 4wd?? 1200 miles a year is bullshit. If you think otherwise I have ocean front property in Kansas That I
Will sell you On the cheap.

 

The front axle is not geared differently...the vehicle could travel indefinitely in a straight line on pavement in four wheel drive with absolutely no consequences. All four wheels are travelling the same distance.

 

Alright...I must have misunderstood the concept but thanks for editing your original post. I'll delete mine so as not to spread misinformation.