Engaging 4x4 once a month

I live in Torrance, Dirt is a long drive away unless we find the local high school football field after a rainy day..

 

In a straight line on flat ground everything is spinning at the same speed, assuming your tires are all the same size. You won’t hurt anything.

 

Love it, thanks for the break down! I think the missing piece for me was different distances due to geometry.

 

A simple way to think of it is that in 4HI/4LO ONE tire on the front and back have to spin at the same rate. In a corner one will have to travel a longer distance and will drag and scuff slightly, putting tension on the transfer case chain.

 

Your drive line is a lot tougher that the tires grip.

 

For those who don't understand the differences, here is a quick exercise:

1. Find an empty, paved parking lot.
2. Drive a slow figure 8 in 2Hi
3. Switch to 4Hi, and drive another slow figure 8
4. Switch to 4 Lo and do another slow figure 8.

For #3 and #4, you might get the idea before you even complete the whole figure 8.

Don't forget to switch back to 2wd when you go back to regular driving on pavement.

 

Construction sites and snow covered steep urban roads are your friend.