4WD Maintenance
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9,300
Likes: 1,524
From: Manassas Va
Many off-roaders use different ratios front and rear for over drive or under drive. Now these are strictly off-road only rigs though.
I've heard the gearing is slightly different but have never confirmed.
I usually run mine once a month in hi and low
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 399
Likes: 60
From: Little Rock, AR
Your saying it's OK to run say 4.10 in the rear and 3.55 in the front?
I would love to see your transfer case after engaging your 4wd. Or what is left of it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 303
Likes: 156
From: Isanti, MN
That said, as far as lubricating and what not, the Front Diff, and Transfer Case do spin in 2WD, they may not engage but they do spin and in turn lubricate. The leaving it in 2WD forever and having problems thing, is usually the shifting and activation systems, whether vacuum, manual, or electric, failing or getting seized.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9,300
Likes: 1,524
From: Manassas Va
Like I said, it's for dedicated off-roaders and rock crawlers. The ratios aren't as wide spread as you mention.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 633
Likes: 56
From: AZ
Originally Posted by TomB985
I don't think this is right. The front hubs are disengaged in 2WD, as is the transfer case, so neither the driveshaft nor the front differential should be spinning in 2WD. When you engage 4WD an electromagnetic clutch in the transfer case spins up the front driveline before it's locked in at both hubs.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 399
Likes: 60
From: Little Rock, AR
One way to test is to go start your truck. Jack the front end and spin the wheel. Nothing should move. If it does your iwe's are not working.
