miniceptor86

Well since you probably got it figured out when and when not to use 4 wheel drive I'll give a shot at the noise and dripping fluid. Since you say it looks like water and I have no idea what water smells like, unless at the beach or after a rain storm, I'm guessing that the screeching/grinding noise was the throw out bearing on its way out, the fluid is brake fluid from the hydraulic clutch slave cylinder that has expanded beyond its design to take up the slack from the bad bearing and the herky jerkies are because the clutch is now contaminated with brake fluid. If that's the case do yourself a favor and install a new master cylinder with the throw out bearing, slave cylinder and clutch.

Wiggum

While we are talking about when and when not to use 4WD ... I was/am under the impression that it's a GOOD thing to put the truck in 4WD every once in a while to just "keep the juices flowing" ... I'm not saying to push it to its limits ... but just a few minutes or two driving around slowly with the system engaged ...

Over my years w/ 4WD equipped vehicles, I've always done this periodically, and have never had any issues that I'm aware of.

Or, is it simply better to NEVER use it unless you have to?

MNFX4eco

What fun is that? You might as well just buy a 2WD truck then...I mean how many times have you ended up 100 percent stuck and then figured, ok now I'll use 4X4? If you wait until you're completely stuck somewhere, good chance you'll still be stuck after switching it into 4WD

I'm in the camp where I use it so that I WON'T get stuck, now with that said I also would never drive that fast with it engaged or on dry pavement...or even in the rain for that matter.

If it's raining super heavily I'll turn on the auto 4WD so it'll only engage when it senses to. I'll be doing the same thing in the winter when the road has slick spots.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Im pretty much with you. If I am looking at a mud hole that could be deep or some sand im not sure about I will use my 4x4. Im not trying to lay into the skinny pedal and let all the deer know im coming to the stand when I can lock in and creep through the muck.

Bronko1988

It doesnt matter really. Your transfer case is spinning in 2wd. And the front tires spin the front axles during driving. So that takes care of the front diff. I have never heard of anyone not using there 4wd then one day goto use it and it not work. But its kinda like people who run with no tail gate. It doesnt help at all. But it makes them feel good and thats all that matters is if your happy.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Except that a diaphragm in a solenoid my rip or the shift arm may stick.

I think the main reason is that if you check it periodically for function when the time comes when it is necessary you arent getting surprised.

Havyek

A good rule of thumb is that if you are able to drive fast enough to keep to the speed limit, DON'T use 4x4.

Gearing ratios in front and rear axles are always slightly different, causing slight differences in RPMs of front and rear wheels, causing stress to your drivetrain as one revolves slightly faster than the other.

As to what could have been the fluid, is your transmission a sealed unit? Condensation escaping? Tranny fluid? T-case fluid/condensation?

As stated, go back to 2WD, reverse a bit and see how it feels. Go to a dirt road/field and try 4x4 to make sure it's working without noise/smells/leaks and then back to 2WD (with the little reverse).

miniceptor86

I have never "owned" a 4X4 until now and I don't ever recall a time when needing 4 wheel drive on hard surfaced roads during rain. Slowing down to a safe speed for reduced visibility and tires with proper tread depth are the best things to do, not selecting 4 wheel drive and doing the speed limit with that false sense of security. 4x4 doesn't have any effect on stopping distances. Same in ice a snow, 4 wheel drive will give you better control at appropriate speeds for conditions and starting traction but does not effect braking distances. Best to slow down!