4x4 usage

[npca-gareth]

Hi I've seen advice not only to my previous question but to others too, not to engage 4x4 on the pavement. Why is this? Other than increased feul consumption is there any danger to driving with four motorised wheels on a tarmac'd road? Cheers Gareth

[npca-jeepy]

When driving the vehicle in 4 WHEEL DRIVE on pavementthe transfer case locks the front and rear axles together and they "fight" one another. The most likely result would be a transfer case that explodesor to break an axleshaft. The vehicle can be drivenon dry pavement in 2 WHEEL DRIVE with the front axlelocked though. At least this is true for most vehicles. It is a little harder on the front axle,but no serious damage will happen to most vehicles.That requires that the hubs can be locked at each wheel rather than automatically with a electric pushbutton. 4X4 is made to be used where there is someloss of traction such as snow, dirt, mud, etc.-Jeff

[npca-mmp]

The only problem with driving in 2wd and locking the front hubs is premature wear to front axle parts-and fuel consumption.The reason for not driving on hard surface pavement in 4wd is while turning, the front has to turn a little faster on the outside wheel in order to keep up with the other three wheels and the front inside wheel needs to turn a littlte slower as its making a tighter circle,now you have all 4 wheels turning at different speeds,even with limited slip diffs,it will cause damage-to some part of the drive train,and road chatter, It doesnt do this in slippery conditions (snow , mud ,sand) because the wheels are aloud to slip and this keeps things from binding...   Thanks , MMP (aka) Midnight Mud Patrol