Hey all, I have a 01 sport with the center diff lock, was wondering can I use the center diff lock when I’m not in 4low? Also will I be able to turn with them on without messing anything up? And center diff lock means that all 4 wheels are spinning at the same time?

Sorry for the newbie questions this is my first 4x4 I ever owned.

Read this:

T-case Differences (all years of 3rd gens).. transfer case, AWD, multi-mode

Yes you can use center diff lock in 4Hi. But you shouldn't do so on pavement unless it's icy/snowy or you're only driving dead straight. It locks the front and rear axles to spin at the same speed, which they don't when you turn. If you want to use 4WD on pavement, like when it's partly snowy or icy, keep the center diff lock unlocked to prevent binding and damage.

Thanks for the replies!

The center diff lock doesn't mean that all 4 wheels are getting power, only that the front and rear axles are receiving equal power. Without locks in the front or rear diffs, those wheels are still free to spin independently of the other wheel on its axle.

It's fint to turn on a locked center diff as long as you are on a low-traction surface, like snow, mud, dirt roads, gravel, etc. You shouldn't have the center diff locked on high-traction surfaces like pavement.

My general rule is 2wd on pavement, locked center diff on dirt, and AWD/unlocked center diff in variable conditions (wet pavement, decaying/patchy paved roads, etc.) In dry conditions most dirt/gravel roads won't need 4wd but I pop into it anyway because the system wants to be exercised regularly and my daily driving is all paved.

Using the center diff lock is fine in 4HI as long as you are on a low-traction surface (as with 4LO)