DIFF LOCK>> Can I leave it LOCKED for long term (snowbank) storage?

[mtncrzr]

DIFF LOCK>> Can I leave it LOCKED for long term storage? ..basically in a snowbank.

Is there any problem leaving the '98 4R for a couple of months with the diff lock engaged? if it's Y/N, skip the rest

backstory: I'm 9,000ft in the Colorado Mtns and need to leave it parked basically in a snowbank for a couple of months due to street parking restrictions.
I don't want it to leave diff lock off and have it not engage when I return and it's under 4' of snow.

The only problem I could imagine is the gear to gear contact point drying (no oil), but that's going to happen in every drive train. It's at about a 15 degree sideways angle due to snow pack, there is probably a bit of strain on the gearing. i.e if you put a marble on the dash, it would roll to the driver side.

I don't use LOCK tons, but it seems to usually take some distance to engage, contrary to it's purpose and instructions, i.e. your're supposed to wait till stuck, then engage. I always get the blinking lamp for 20 ft or so before it kicks in, but like I say, I haven't used it much as trails are dry and rocky up here so maybe I've not been patient. (N, N > diff lock on >4WD-Low).

Thanks!

 

[csp]

There's other gear to gear contact and the same angle if it's locked or not. A film of oil stays on the entire interior of the gearcase.

 

[Jkysh]

I'd think it's fine - how recent are your diff fluids?

I wouldn't think you'd need the read locked, perhaps leave it in 4WD and do a good job with the snow removal it should be enough with good tires. I've had mine in a few feet in just 4Awd and had no problems at all.

Also - try engaging your rear diff once in 4LO and driving in a small circle to get the rear wheels spinning at different ratios. Should engage right away

 

[the great him]

It will unlock A soon as you shut the truck off

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[Tyler James Inc]

It wouldn't hurt anything if it were to stay locked.
If it does actually unlock when you shut the rig off- if the vehicle doesn't move at all- it should be able to lock right back in when you start it up.

 

[T4R2014]

Will it unlock when shut off? It takes some moving for the locker to disengage.

 

[mtncrzr]

sounds like good news all around, glad to hear it...and amazing fast response from the 4R crew, as usual... :cheers:

Doesn't sound like a problem, but the diff lock sticker seems a bit cautious and cryptic, causing me to wonder if there's more to it than meets the eye. maybe it's just tech writing that happens to be 3 decades old :bravo::rockon:

I'm gonna check out, Thanks for all the replies!

 

[the great him]

Will it unlock when shut off? It takes some moving for the locker to disengage.

If it's under pressure or bound then yes it will stay locked but if not then it will unlock. Unlocked is its default setting. Though now that I think about it, it's not a momentary switch, it is actually a two position switch so it might stay locked... Actually yeah the more I think about the system I think my statement is actually incorrect.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[alumarine]

If you're going to leave it parked for more than a couple of weeks in cold weather it's a good idea to disconnect the battery.

The ECU and/or any alarm system might drain the battery.