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Is it bad to keep the hubs locked when not using four wheel drive?
I have a 93 Toyota Pickup 4x4 with a 2.4L 4Cylindar engine. It has locking hubs on the front two wheels (as you may know) and when they are unlocked, the CV axles do not spin with the wheels. However when they are locked the CV axles are forced to spin with the wheels, therefore spinning the front drive line as well. Obviously the transfer case, not being in 4x4 mode, will not connect power to the front wheels, but is it bad to keep the hubs locked through select times during the winter thus preventing having to jump out and lock the hubs every time you want 4 wheel drive?
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It isn't bad to leave them engaged for relatively short term use. You will notice a little vibration at highway speed caused by axle cv joints and drive line cv/u-joint vibration, this is normal. It will reduce gas mileage slightly due to resistance with additional rotating parts. The "jump" would only be felt when the transfer case is in 4x4 as well as locking the hubs at the same time. Leaving the hubs in has no affect on tire wear. The hubs in long term will definitely accelerate the wear on the cv's and ujoints. If you have some type of locking differential in the front end -do not- lock the hubs in a high traction situation steering and tire wear will be impaired.
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Thanks a bunch!
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I agree. Its not good to run around with the hubs locked on a manually locking hubs. Usually the worst that happens is some pre-mature wear on the driveline. Just because it is always turning. Other than that not much can happen. You should get them disengaged as soon as possible.
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Yes. For driving in a straight line it would be fine, but take a turn and the wheels on the inside of the turn will try to keep up with the wheels on the outside. You will ruin tires and perhaps a lot more.
It's best to unlock them when you don't need them.
It's best to unlock them when you don't need them.
But doesn't the front differential compensate for that? I don't feel any "jump" when I'm making a turn with the hubs locked when it's not in four wheel drive. However when it is in four wheel drive and I am making a turn on dry ground, I do feel the "jump" that you are referring to.
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