4L and differential lock use question

[jscott6]

I drive in 4H several times a month to keep it functioning. My question is, can I switch to 4L and lock the differential and just go straight, back and forth in my driveway to keep it functional, or do I need to drive while in 4L/diff lock? And if I need to drive around in 4L/diff lock, how miles many would be sufficient? I drive it in 4L/diff lock on dirt roads only, once or twice month. It is starting to take much longer getting out of diff lock when in 4L and I would like to work it more often.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I drive in 4H several times a month to keep it functioning. My question is, can I switch to 4L and lock the differential and just go straight, back and forth in my driveway to keep it functional, or do I need to drive while in 4L/diff lock? And if I need to drive around in 4L/diff lock, how miles many would be sufficient? I drive it in 4L/diff lock on dirt roads only, once or twice month. It is starting to take much longer getting out of diff lock when in 4L and I would like to work it more often.

I wouldn't suggest locking the center diff on anything other than say, grass, dirt, mud, snow, sand, etc. I also wouldn't drive around very far in 4LO either, just find a grass or dirt field and put it in 4HI and lock/unlock the center diff a few times along the way. Then try putting it in 4LO and lock/unlock center diff a few times while driving it a short distance. I have found it helps engage the center diff better when in a soft ground surface such as sand etc. Puts less strain on everything too 4x4 on a flat surface can be harmful and puts a lot of undue stress on components.

Also if your center diff takes awhile I have found that putting it into drive or reverse from neutral with the brakes still lightly applied helps. Sometimes it just needs that last little bump into gear to help it fully engage.

Hope that all makes sense

 

[81runner]

I usually try to get mine in dirt once a month. With fires lately, that's a challenge in southern California. In a pinch, I'll cycle everything back and forth a couple times in the garage, then drive around a few miles in 4 hi unlocked. I think the issue is more in actuators freezing than actually turning gears. Haven't had any issues in that department and it's been a regular practice for me since I bought mine

 

[techno]

Also, you don't need to be in 4L to lock the center diff. It works in 4H too. You're ok gong back and forth a few feet in your paved driveway with it locked, just try not to turn at all to avoid driveline bindup.
I cycle all the actuators every now again without actually moving.

 

[Bumbo]

There are times I can’t get away from the concrete to do my exercising… I switch into 4H unlocked pretty often just for kicks, totally fine to drive around in it. Ill do the same for 4L unlocked in residential areas. Ill lock / unlock a few times in a straight line. Typically not a problem at all until you start applying some steering input.

I know its not ideal, but I think its still better than not doing it at all.

 

[eleven14]

For what it's worth, I drive in 4H with the center diff locked on a stretch of straight paved road at least once/month if I'm not able to use the system in the woods/dirt/snow/mud.

Never had an issue or experienced any binding, it should be fine as long as you're not making any turns. And the CDL activates within seconds of pushing the button, every time - much quicker than when I first started doing it routinely.