4wd Questions

You CAN operate in 4X4 at faster speeds. I don't recall exactly what they recommend, but if conditions are safe to be driving over 20-25 mph then there is no reason to be in 4X4. A 4X4 system is designed to be used off road or in deep snow on pavement to get you MOVING. It does nothing to help you stop. If traction is so bad you need 4X4 then 40-50mph is too fast. If it is safe to drive 40-50mph then traction is good enough that you don't need 4X4.

Newby's often confuse 4X4 with AWD. They are very different systems. AWD is designed to be safely driven at any speed on wet or dry pavement. They are actually better than 4X4 in light snow and wet pavement. But not nearly as good in harsher conditions or deep snow.

AWD sends the correct amount of power to each wheel to maintain traction even as the vehicle is cornering. If one wheel starts spinning power to that wheel is reduced. Works great on wet pavement. But if traction is really bad on all 4 wheels the system can't handle it.

4X4 systems try to make all 4 wheels turn at the same speed. Great for extreme off road driving. But when cornering all 4 wheels need to turn at different speeds. The inside tires WILL slip some on the ground when cornering since they are traveling at the same speed as the outside tires, but covering much less distance. At slow speeds on a slippery surface it isn't a problem. Not what I want happening at high speeds on slippery roads. On surfaces where traction is good you will damage components.

 

My 07 is lifted and on the original needle bearings. Have replaced wheel bearings twice, but needles are holding up; no vibrations at the moment.