4x4 driving question from a new guy

[jetman1979]

My wife and I went to get our free oil change in her 05 Highlander and drove out with a 2010 SR5 silver 4runner 4x4.
I am not new to Toyota as I also have a 2010 Tundra double cab with the TRD package. I love that truck with its 5.7 engine. However this is my first 4x4 so I have a few questions on driving one from the experts.
Question 1 can I use 4hi on dry pavement. Here is why I ask being a kind of guy that cant wait to play with his toys I put it in 4hi on the street but when I made sharp corners it did not feel right.
It felt like a tire was not turning at the same speed and felt alot of resistance.
The owners manual only says to drive about 10 miles a month to keep things lubed up.
I did not drive it very long with it in 4HI till I got an answer from why it feels like something is binding up going around curves.
Look forward to hear from you guys on what I am doing wrong.

 

[JB.]

Question 1 can I use 4hi on dry pavement.

Mostly no. Can be used sparingly if necessary, the less turning the better. Relatively straight is fine for short periods so the 10 miles per month isn't a problem, though if it can be done on dirt, that's even better.

 

[Uneek]

Welcome to T4R.org.

The 4WD system in your 4Runner is a part-time system, so both the front and rear axles rotate at the same speed. On a high traction surface, there isn't any slippage on the wheels to allow them to rotate at different speeds through a turn causing the driveline to bind. You can drive on dry pavement as long long as you're going straight.

 

[jetman1979]

yes bind

Yes that is what was going on as I was going around the curve. It felt like there was a wheel binding up and I really had to mash the gas. I will not do that anymore since I dont want to tear up the transfer case or drive shaft.
I guess I will only use the 4 wheel option when it is snows (not often in Texas) or in the dirt.
Thanks for making it clear on how the system works.