Looking for general "Rule of Thumbs" for 4x4 modes and lockers..?

I have read the owners manual and found plenty of bits and pieces in threads on modes like 4LO. Is there a sticky thread or link to guide page that would give you good general rules of thumbs for using 4x4 on road and off road and then when to inter mix Front or Rear lockers....?

I am looking for the foundation do's and dont's of 4x4 and use of lockers for on road driving, driving in the snow, and off roading...

Thank you for the help sorry if my search skills missed a guide like this.

 

Generally speaking...

Rain, light snow, or dry roads 2wd. Icy or moderate/significant snow, 4wd. Basically the differentials allow the wheel speeds to differ. When you lock a differential they can be different speeds so the tire has to hop or something has to break. The same thing applies when using 4wd, the front and rear sets of tires can't turn at different speeds, even if you're open/open in both differentials, and so the tires need to slip, otherwise you'll bind all the drivetrain and either the tires will hop or you'll break something. This is why you only use 4wd on a loose or low traction surface.

Off road, if the going is slow or there is lots of steep up and down hill climbs or large obstacles, 4low. If you find you can ease along in 4hi then run it. 4lo typically gives you more control. If you're a manual tranny you'll probably find yourself using 4lo more often than an auto.

With lockers, you can run over 5mph just engage at a crawl, barely rolling. I blew up a side gear (the gear connected to the axle shaft) at moab and drove my truck in 2hi locked 700 miles home at 70mph most of the time and 75 some. Lockers do make it harder to turn on harder surfaces with more traction, especially front lockers. My advise is if you have a front locker to not use it until you get a good feel for off roading. It makes it easier to break stuff in the front for sure. You just need to have a good feel for when you need it and when you don't. 4lo rear locker will get you through a lot.

Also, if you mod your locker to work in 2hi, I wouldn't run it in snow, the rear end will want to slide like nobody's business.

I'd also suggest keeping your DLs lubed every oil change, and then if you do offroad I'd also wash the frame extremely well from all mud and crap after.

Here are some great off road driving tips.

http://www.jeep.com/en/4x4/off_road_guide/#cta-Overview-Copy_1,

http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide1.htm

http://www.landrover.com/us/en/lr/owners/land-rover-guides/a-guide-to-off-roading/

http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/july/stories/race.html

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/techniques.htm

This looks like a pretty good link

http://www.4x4abc.com/jeep101/index.html

Also on dirt roads with blind hills and turns always hug the right side. People seem to forget that rule just because they're on a dirt road.

 

4WD should only be used when needed. Off roading in rocks, mud and soft soil I suggest 4LO. On the road, you can use 4HI in snow and ice, but use it minimally and at less than highway speeds. Lockers are good for extra traction off road and will help at time's in the snow and ice but use it minimally in winter conditions on the road. Like said before, if used in the wrong scenario, you will lose control and probably wreck. Good tires and a steady throttle control is your friend here.
It is usually deemed inappropriate to use 4WD on solid pavement, but in some cases it is okay. For instance, pulling a vehicle out of a ditch while you are on the road. Use your 4LO, 1st gear and lockers if you have them. I recently used 4LO on the road to pull a large bush in my yard that was too close to the road. Perfect example of when to use 4LO on pavement.

Just a warning, avoid pulling or extracting anyone or anything in reverse! This puts enormous strain on your driveline and it is usually the front differential housing that will explode.

Hope this helps