If you don't engage your four wheel drive system often, can the gears and drive belt get dry of oil causing issues later on? I have 5500 miles on my truck and engaged the 4 wheel drive system once for about 2 minutes.

 

get on some dirt and use it more...

 

Not only the T-case but, the front diff and CV shafts need lubed also. I select 4H every so often while on a long stretch of straight road.

 

The seals can take a set if not used often. I run my 4wd system at least once a month.

 

Does running 4 wheel high on a dry paved road cause damage to the drive belts?

 

I would try to avoid running a part time 4wd system locked in on pavement. If you do drive in a straight line at low speeds for a short distance.

 

*chain you mean and yes it can cause additional wear and tear. you shouldn't use 4H at high speed on dry pavement.

 

Thought so but I thought to ask. Thanks everybody!

 

Your welcome..

 

I do not think there is any reason to worry about it since the front driveshaft and transfer case chain are always spinning whether you are in 4wd or not. Shifting into 4wd causes the collar to slide in allowing the front drive shaft to couple to the power being delivered to the rear wheels--that is why you can shift on the fly since everything is spinning at the same speed.