AVM hubs... Can you leave them locked in the winter?

[mountainhorse]

Looking at the AVM hubs as a preventive measure on my 1999 4.0L xlt extended cab 4x4...

Can you leave the hubs locked and use the 4x4 switch to activate the 4x4?
In the winter, I hate to have to jump out and lock in each time I want to use the 4x4

I see that the late 2000's + have full time locked hubs... is the remainder of the front axle and drive train (except for the hubs) the same as the 1999 on the 2001 and up??

Then switch to unlocked for the best MPG on dry pavement ????

Thanks in advance.

 

[AKBroncoII]

Yes, you can leave them locked during the winter and just switch your transfer case into 4wd.

 

[mountainhorse]

Thank you for the reply.

So this seems like a good way to go and maybe save some wear and tear on the front drive components when 4X4 is not needed.

This actually sounds BETTER than the new fully locked fronts on the 2001 and up????

 

[Beef52751]

the only way that this will save wear and tear on the front end is when they are unlocked.
Beef