4x4 New Owner Question

Hello! Pretty new member here. I just pulled the trigger on a 4x4 DCSB. This is my first 4WD ever... came from a Honda Civic.. so I don't know much. Would love to start learning the ins and outs of offroading and become proficient like some of you here. I had a few questions...

When do you use 4x4? From what I gather, 4Hi on icy/snowy roads, never on dry pavement, and don't turn. I was wondering can you turn when the road is not dry? Cause isn't a moot point if the road is icy and you need to turn...but have the vehicle bind?

I also saw that in 4Lo was generally used for offroading up obstacles like steep hills, etc. Can you turn in this?

Last...do you guys always turn on 4WD when off pavement? Do you guys ever offroad in 2WD and turn on 4x4 only when needed?

This is a damn mouthful, but please help a new dude out!

 

The general rule w/ 4wd is the the wheels need a surface to slip on. Snow, dirt, sand, mud, etc. As far as turning in 4wd, whether low, or high, the only time you don't want to is on dry pavement. Even then, it's only the really tight turns that will cause the driveline to bind. I've used it before on dirt roads, and forgot to take it out, and drove on dry pavement for miles, and it was fine.

 

Welcome, IntoTheFray. I try to run the 4L and 4H on a dirt road for a few miles once a month. I also engage and disengage 4L and 4H a few times. Probably should use Limited Slip some while I'm at it. Do all this off pavement. I try not to overthink it. Lot of people on TW with more knowledge about these trucks than I have.

 

I think you mean locker. The offroad doesn't have the auto lsd unless you have an aftermarket lsd. The auto lsd on the sport can be used whenever you like. It simply applies the brakes to the wheel without traction to send power to the tire with traction.

The 4wd hi, 4wd lo, and rear locker should all be used off pavement. For snow, 4wd hi will be what you use the most. 4lo is for crawling offroad.

 

I'm pretty sure the off roads do have Auto LSD just like all the others.

You'll feel it if you're in a situation where you should not be using 4WD-you'll feel resistance. I once pulled a bush out in 4 Low then forgot and did a 90 degree turn onto pavement. Whole truck hopped. Not good!

 

You could be right. For some reason I was thinking of the regular LSD that came on earlier sport models.