How long before shifting into 4WD can I lock the hubs?

1995 Taco, MT.

If I'm going on a 2 hour road trip where I might need 4WD for the last 30-45 minutes can I lock the hubs at the start of my trip, or should I wait until I need it?

Is there any harm in driving with the hubs in the Lock position if I'm in 2H?

 

Technically they should be called unlocking hubs. Originally 4X4 hubs were always locked. It was after WW-2 when people started buying surplus Jeeps and 4X4 trucks that there was a demand to be able to unlock them until needed.

It won't hurt anything to lock them the whole time. But you'll see slightly reduced fuel mileage and in the long term you'll wear out stuff faster. Personally, I'd leave them unlocked until I got closer. If you reach the point where you could need 4X4 quickly I'd have them locked before I needed them.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-destroy-my-truck.783265/page-5#post-28065128

 

I would recommend driving with them locked periodically to keep everything lubed up. Maybe 10 miles a month. In my old Bronco I would leave them Locked all winter.

 

Thank you. This was all very helpful. One question on the instructions in the visor. When it says "Depress the clutch" that means to NOT press the clutch right?

 

Clutch is “pressed” down when the pedal is up… you put your foot on the clutch pedal to depress the clutch itself. Think of it like pushing a lever to open a spring loaded door. The second you let go, the door closes again.

Hope that somewhat answers that question, if not someone else will correct.

 

I think that refers to engaging the transfer case. Yes press the clutch in. You don’t want a load on it when engaging it. Don’t do it over 25 mph.