Exercising 4WD in the city?

New Gen 1 owner here, and first 4WD vehicle. The manual states that the wheel locks should be used monthly and I know the 4WD should be engaged regularly as well, however, it also states to NOT engage 4WD on smooth paved roads. Unfortunately I live in the city and chances to go offroad are unpredictable. It is better to not engage 4WD/locks or to do it on city streets?

 

I do it on wet roads when I can go straight for a quarter mile or so.

 

You can engage it in a straight line, won't hurt anything. The issue is when you make turns, particularly slow tight turns like in a parking lot. Don't want to be in 4wd for that on pavement

 

This is true, you’ll wind that drivetrain up like an 8 day clock…. Till something pops…..

 

Industrial area where instead of paved lots they have gravel?

I live close to one that's where I go to make tight circles in 4lo

 

Thanks for all the replies. So wheels locked, tight turns on pavement is no good, but on flat gravel/sand is ok? Or should it be hilly?

I read the manual, FSM, and even a few "How to use 4WD" pages but this is still all new to me!

 

You can use it on any straight line, I shift customers trucks all the time going 50kph 35mph?

1st gens do have a lock out at higher speeds if I recall, but it's there for a reason.

As mentioned, no turns, no problem.

Your sunvisor should have quick 4WD instructions as well.

 

Flat ground on pavement won’t hurt anything if you go in a straight line.
You don’t really need to go far of fast.
Just enough to get gear oil on the ring gear and pinion and spider gears.

I’ve did just that on my 1st Gen for years. Never had any problems. You will know when it’s binding up if you turn too tight.