Manual locking hubs always locked bad?

[ezln1992]

I have been searching the forums and the web and everyone seems to have different opinions. I have a 91 ranger and in its over 20 years the 4x4 was apparently never used. I did finally lock the hubs and engage the 4x4 myself a week ago and everything was sounding smooth, I only drove it around a parking lot at about 5 mph because I knew of what could happen if I drove my truck on pavement like that. So now that I know nothing was cracking or snapping , I wanted to see if having the manual hubs always locked was a bad thing? I just want to be able to switch to 4x4 on the fly. So if anyone with a vast knowledge of 4x4 and not just a personal opinion answer this for me? Also if I am able to have it engaged, how for how long can I drive like that and is there a max speed I can drive?

 

[RangerSVT]

Before I SAS' d, j drove my ttb 96 ranger locked all the time, speeds in excess of 80 mph, responding to calls. 96+ explorers use a live front axle, as well as jeeps and dodges and other vehicles. As long as your tcase is in 2wd, you'll be fine...

SVT

 

[RonD]

Locking the front hubs causes the front axles, differential, drive line and transfer case gears to spin when front wheels do.

So...........this will cause wear and tear on all parts involved, and spinning all those parts will reduce MPG.

Is it bad?
Depends on what you consider bad I guess.
Some would consider it bad to be using mechanical parts all the time with no benefit.
And some would consider lower MPG for no good reason bad.

Will it cause damage?
no, as long as all the parts are in good working order.

IMO, if you think you will be using the 4x4 regularly, bad weather or location, then leave hubs locked, if just driving around town then unlock them and save some money, and wear and tear.

 

[RangerSVT]

I guess I should add I used my 4wd almost daily, which is why I left mine locked...

SVT