Will it hurt the truck to stay in 4 Lock?

Honeybadger556 · Jan 4, 2017

Up here it snows a lot so the roads are slick most of the time.

Will it hurt the truck to keep it in 4 Lock for most of the winter? Does it hurt it to go around corners with it in 4lock? What about 60-70mph?

I take it out of 4 lock anytime the roads are dry.

I did the same thing to my 4runner for 3 winters and never had a problem. I am new to Rams and someone had said it's bad on the truck.

gofishn · Jan 4, 2017

Not as long as there are not many areas of good traction.

Driving around a corner, in good traction, can cause issues, over time.

Gump · Jan 4, 2017

I wouldn't make a routine of turning real sharp with it in 4wd, but just driving it won't hurt anything.

Upthewazzu · Jan 4, 2017

I've had mine in 4-Auto for about the last month. We've had a real bearcat of a winter so far. The main roads are generally ok, but all side- and residential roads are an absolute mess. Combined with the hilly terrain it's been interesting.

blackramexpress · Jan 5, 2017

I live in northern alberta and my truck is in 4wd 80% of the time 5 months out of the year. Had the ram for 3 winters and just upgraded to another ram which has the auto 4wd, my old express didn't but the auto has been working great on the new one!

shibby927 · Jan 5, 2017

I love that 4WD Auto. 4WD when I need it.

drittal · Jan 5, 2017

2' of snow and counting. Have yet to use 4wd. 30g of diesel in aux tank plus 180lbs of sand bags really helps.

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baum · Jan 5, 2017

as long as you are not on dry pavement you are ok.

if you have 4 auto just leave it in that and you are ok. it only kicks in the fronts when you are slipping.

4 auto and 4 lock are different. 4 lock is all 4 tires going at once, 4 auto is rear only unless they are spinning.

victor.sanchez.792197 · Jan 5, 2017

I remember reading about speed limits in 4wd lock. Is it okay to leave 4wd auto when going highway speeds?

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cbsmith · Jan 5, 2017

If you are able to go anywhere near highway speeds then 4wd is not needed. If the roads are bad enough to need 4wd then you shouldn't be going highway speeds. 4wd only helps getting a truck moving. It does not increase the ability of a truck to stop or turn, it is the same as a 2wd vehicle.

clh1220 · Jan 5, 2017

cbsmith said:
If you are able to go anywhere near highway speeds then 4wd is not needed. If the roads are bad enough to need 4wd then you shouldn't be going highway speeds. 4wd only helps getting a truck moving. It does not increase the ability of a truck to stop or turn, it is the same as a 2wd vehicle.

Thats what I was thinking. And going around curves 60 to 70.
.

Gump · Jan 5, 2017

Nothing wrong with going 60-70 in 4WD. What's more dangerous is doing when everyone else is going 60-70.

drittal · Jan 5, 2017

As said earlier, IMO if you can do 60-70 mph, 4wd is not needed. Don't use cruise in bad conditions. Get some weight (300+) in the bed. 4WD won't help if you are traveling too fast for conditions. It really only helps get you going on packed snow/ice or getting you through the deep stuff.

Keep your eyes focused far enough ahead to anticipate.
Plan ahead.
Check your mirrors.
Leave yourself enough room from the guy ahead of you to get out of the way if there is trouble.
Go easy on the pedals and wheel.

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clh1220 · Jan 5, 2017

Gump said:
Nothing wrong with going 60-70 in 4WD. What's more dangerous is doing when everyone else is going 60-70.

Doing 60 or 70 around curves on snow in 4wd is ok. 4wd does nothing to keep you on the road in that situation. I'm pretty sure that you do know that. :happy107:

Devin1349 · Jan 5, 2017

This is interesting because in my town right now one second your shin deep in snow next second there is clear road for about a mile or so and then back into the snow

Alaskanpeeps · Jan 5, 2017

Interesting. I've lost it on a corner in 4wd. rallied and made it. 2wd never would have had a chance.

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jschwanke84 · Jan 5, 2017

If it is snowy and icy there is nothing wrong with driving in 4wd for long periods of time. But as others have said, if the roads are clear enough for you to be going 60-70 mph then you shouldn't be needing 4wd anyway.

Just switch back and forth depending on what road surface you are on. Most main roads are usually cleared pretty well but side roads can be bad all winter.

spoon059 · Jan 5, 2017

Alaskanpeeps said:
Interesting. I've lost it on a corner in 4wd. rallied and made it. 2wd never would have had a chance.

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At 70 mph?

O.R.T. · Jan 5, 2017

SMH. This thread.

novelmike · Jan 6, 2017

I thought I read you shouldn't exceed 55 mph in 4 Lock?

Will it hurt the truck to stay in 4 Lock?

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