How to "test" my 4x4???
11-21-2012, 10:52 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How to "test" my 4x4???
I bought my 05 FX4 last winter and we had very little snow. Well between work, family, and living in a new area that I don't know any off roading areas----I really haven't tried out the 4x4 part of my truck in some time. I know not to be driving around on city streets with it engaged 
, so what should I do?
Dave
, so what should I do? Dave
11-21-2012, 11:18 AM
#2
Administrator
Parking lot + 4x4 engaged + tight turns = successful test of 4x4.
If you turn tightly, you should feel the axles fighting the turn. Don't go crazy with it, but do it enough to feel it. Maybe just one turn in each direction. When I say turn... I mean full-lock turns. If anything feels funky, straighten out in a hurry.
Its also good to engage the 4x4 every couple months just to make sure that all tidbits are lubricated and moved and functioned to prevent lockup or breakage when you actually do need it. I'm sure that there's varying opinions on that but the only way to keep it maintained is to actuate it, use it (for short, straight drives) and keep the fluid changed when it needs it. A short 1/8mi STRAIGHT drive every couple months isn't going to hurt anything.
Hope this helps.
If you turn tightly, you should feel the axles fighting the turn. Don't go crazy with it, but do it enough to feel it. Maybe just one turn in each direction. When I say turn... I mean full-lock turns. If anything feels funky, straighten out in a hurry.
Its also good to engage the 4x4 every couple months just to make sure that all tidbits are lubricated and moved and functioned to prevent lockup or breakage when you actually do need it. I'm sure that there's varying opinions on that but the only way to keep it maintained is to actuate it, use it (for short, straight drives) and keep the fluid changed when it needs it. A short 1/8mi STRAIGHT drive every couple months isn't going to hurt anything.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Lenn; 11-21-2012 at 11:21 AM.
11-21-2012, 11:20 AM
#3
Senior Member
Any gravel road or grassy field is fine. You can even put it in 4 on a long strait road or highway. You just can't turn on dry pavement.
It's good to put it in 4 every 4-6 months, just to get everything turning. Every time I come across a gravel road (which isn't very often) I engage it for a little bit.
It's good to put it in 4 every 4-6 months, just to get everything turning. Every time I come across a gravel road (which isn't very often) I engage it for a little bit.
11-21-2012, 08:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Now WTF??? Lenn says to engage 4x4 and do tight turns in a parking lot. And rbrais says straight lines with no turns. Either way, I always thought we were Never to drive on dry pavement with 4x4 engaged. (I really need to quit drinking and surfing this forum)
11-21-2012, 08:30 PM
#6
Senior Member
Originally Posted by jetchaser
Now WTF??? Lenn says to engage 4x4 and do tight turns in a parking lot. And rbrais says straight lines with no turns. Either way, I always thought we were Never to drive on dry pavement with 4x4 engaged. (I really need to quit drinking and surfing this forum)
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11-21-2012, 10:46 PM
#8
Find the deepest rough terrain ditch. Drive at high speed to bottom of ditch. Complete stop. Put in 4WD and gun it. Have friend video it & post it here so we can critique you.
11-21-2012, 11:18 PM
#9
Former Powerstroker
Originally Posted by jetchaser
Now WTF??? Lenn says to engage 4x4 and do tight turns in a parking lot. And rbrais says straight lines with no turns. Either way, I always thought we were Never to drive on dry pavement with 4x4 engaged. (I really need to quit drinking and surfing this forum)
11-21-2012, 11:46 PM
#10
voltron
go to a spot with sugar sand or soft dirt and hold your breaks and mash the gas to dig your rear tires down till your on the axle and "stuck". Put it in 4lo and hit the gas. If you come out great, if not... hope you have a buddy with another truck lol.
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