Tech question for the Transfer Case gurus....

[Impulsive]

The instructions in the user manual and the in the cars themselves (both sierras and vitaras) states that the front hubs must be engaged when operating the transfer case in 4wd mode (be it high or low range).

Happily admitting ignorance regarding the internal operation of the cases themselves, I was wondering whether you would actually be damaging the transfer case by not locking the front hubs in order to operate the car in low range when, say, towing a heavy trailer to the tip, etc, and using the gears to pull the load, not the engine.

Obviously, on the road, its undesireable to have the front hubs locked, so the diff doesn't wind up, so what are the implications for the transfer if doing this.

Any input is appreciated...

[oozuk]

no damage would be caused to the transfercase whatsoever, however....
if you had the front hubs unlocked and were in 4wd (hi or low) and were in a situation where there was major wheelspin on the rear axle, this would cause the front axle speed to be greater than the front wheel speed and possible (but unlikeley) exessive wear and damage to the front freewheeling hubs.

Also engaging 4wd with the hubs unlocked MUST be only done when standing still otherwise the selector ring for 4wd in the transfercase will grind and not engage as the front shaft isn't spinning at the same speed as the rear tailshaft

[nicbeer]

should be fine but dont know effects, if any on it for long durations.

i have done it before going up driveways or moving trailer around.

[Gwagensteve]

X3.

Steve.

[alien]

i've messed around with mine in low range on the road to get a feel for how it goes (with hubs unlocked) - it drives just the same only slower =)

[Impulsive]

Thanks for your input guys.

Now I wish my model had freewheeling hubs, not the stupid automatic locking hubs it does have.

Cheers...

[built4thrashing]

i used to drive my old feroza in low sometimes without the hubs locked in. Used to do it as a sh1t stir to my mates. Used to beat them drag racing off the lights only coz i was in low. best launch would lift the fron wheels, until the diff went