95yoda

ok quick questions on 4x4 systems.

i have locking hubs,and most of the time put them to free if i dont expect to have to use 4x4. but is it ok to leave the hubs locked on the freeway,because i have taken my truck on the freeway with them locked but the 4x4 selector stick in 2wd.
so with hubs locked,and in 2wd,what exactly is spinning?
a quick rundown would be appritiated. thanks guys.

deathrunner

When in 2wd with the hubs spinning, your front axles will spin (This includeds your cv joints.)

These will cause your ring and pinion gears in your diff to spin, which will turn your drive shaft. So in effect, everything is turning, but the front is not turning under engine power, just the pavement turning the tires.

At high freeway speeds you will encounter some vibration probably and won't be able to go as fast as with the hubs unlocked.

To save the life of your front end components (namely the cv's and cv boots) I would leave them off unless in 4x4 or short trips between trails.

Your gass mileage will also suffer with the hubs locked.

bruzer1123

I think in the owner's manual it says to lock the hubs once a month for a short trip to make sure everything is lubricated. Most of the winter I drove with my hubs locked (when there was snow) and drove in 2wd. One of the work trucks (350 Powerstroke) had its hubs locked all winter with a fair amount of driving and occasional towing.

deathrunner

Not saying it can't be done, but it's better not to.

95yoda

so,nothing is spinning when hubs unlocked right?
i figured it was best to keep them unlocked.
its just nice to click the stick into 4wd and not get out but id rather save my cv's and stuff. thanks for the info. oh,btw i seem to not notice any difference in fell or power when locked or unlocked on the freeway.?

Shane

The front drivetrain might turn slowly from drag in the hubs, but nothing signifigant. Power loss isn't as apparent as some may think, or at least it shouldn't be. If you feel a lot of drag with them locked then something is wrong. You may lose ~1-2mpg.

deathrunner

My 22RE isn't supe gutsy so when I drive in 2WD with the hubs locked, I tend to notice it.....well at least at 75 or 80 mph. During city driving it isn't very noticable.

Shane

Ya, but your truck isn't exactly stock either...

toy283

I certainly notice it in my stock '85 4Runner. With the hubs locked the power and mileage both go down quite significantly. It's really noticable on the highway inclines and less so around town.

WSU4runner

Wouldn't driving with your hubs "locked" be the same as the ADD system? or similar at least?

Shane

Essentially the same.