Should you engage 4WD periodically?

[CSPCRX]

On my Tacoma it was advised, per owners manual, to engage 4WD high at leased 10 miles per month.

looked through the owners manual of my 2024 1500 Limited and I only found how to use. Anyone aware of a similar recommended practice by RAM?

 

[1BADRAMLIMITED]

i am not a tech for ram nor have any credible info to post to this but ive seen many people talk about engaging it periodically and i do on my rig

 

[n8zcc]

I do too, once a month I'll run it through 4 4-wheel lock and 4-wheel low. I have no idea if this is a requirement or suggested by RAM but what can it hurt. At least I am cycling the transfer case and moving the shifting mechanisms and moving lubricating fluid.

 

[dajogejr]

I’ve yet to come across anything in the owners manual suggesting this.
That being said.. I put it in 4WD auto when it’s raining and…a time or two, it’s engaged…

I think it’s safe to say, if it’s not in the owners manual, it’s not needed.
But that doesn’t mean others aren’t going to do just what they’ve always done…from their own routines to their own maintenance schedule, no matter what the manual says.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I would say it's a good idea to. I ha e seen multiple threads from people who never switched it, then two years later they tried to engage 4wd and it wouldn't shift.

 

[nc_beagle]

With vehicles, I'm stuck on old habits that may or may not still matter. I turn the A/C off 15-30 seconds before my destination. If I have a turbo, I let the car/truck idle for 15-60 seconds before turning off. And, I try to engage 4WD and 4LO (on the proper surface) every so often just to keep it used.

 

[BowDown]

I have a friend that used to have a nissan titan, his front axle failed (seized up) and nissan told him it was from not engaging 4x4 frequently enough to lubricate the front drive axle/components

 

[Andymax]

Seems like a good idea to me, as I often do this but not on any regular schedule. I try only to do this on grass, dirt or gravel.

 

[devildodge]

It is a good idea to take your truck places 4wd can be used and enjoyed.

They enjoy being used as intended! And like to get away from society from time to time!

 

[Dewey]

It is a good idea to take your truck places 4wd can be used and enjoyed.

They enjoy being used as intended! And like to get away from society from time to time!
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Exactly. Mine gets used weekly so I know 4HI and 4LO work perfectly fine. Also periodically engage my electronic locking rear axle when off pavement.

 

[CSPCRX]

Thanks for commenting. My plan was to do as I did with the Tacoma and try and run it for a few miles every month. As stated, for nothing more than to get the oil mixed around and exercise the actuators.

 

[rick619]

To those that are doing this: Are you doing it on dirt (not pavement)? It's not good to engage 4WD on dry pavement. I've had mine 4 months and haven't taken it off road yet. I have a Jeep for that.

 

[SkittleRam]

I engage mine a few times a month, what can hurt?

 

[1BADRAMLIMITED]

To those that are doing this: Are you doing it on dirt (not pavement)? It's not good to engage 4WD on dry pavement. I've had mine 4 months and haven't taken it off road yet. I have a Jeep for that.

If it’s raining I’ll put it in 4wd auto but if it’s been a while and no rain I’ll just cycle through 4hi 4lo at a dead stop then drive a little in 4 lo. Nothing to strenuous.

 

[firecadet613]

To those that are doing this: Are you doing it on dirt (not pavement)? It's not good to engage 4WD on dry pavement. I've had mine 4 months and haven't taken it off road yet. I have a Jeep for that.

Driving straight on dry pavement won't hurt it.

 

[HSKR R/T]

To those that are doing this: Are you doing it on dirt (not pavement)? It's not good to engage 4WD on dry pavement. I've had mine 4 months and haven't taken it off road yet. I have a Jeep for that.

I engage my on dry pavement all the time. I even race at the drag trip in 4-high

 

[rick619]

If it’s raining I’ll put it in 4wd auto but if it’s been a while and no rain I’ll just cycle through 4hi 4lo at a dead stop then drive a little in 4 lo. Nothing to strenuous.

That sounds like a good time to do this. I'll have to remember to do that when it's raining.

Driving straight on dry pavement won't hurt it.

That makes sense. I'll start doing this. I've had it for 4 months and haven't hit that button yet.