4x4 - locking your wheels

[kelli]

I have an old school 4x4 and i need to manually lock my wheels before throwing her into 4H or 4L. Unless I take her offroad this summer, i won't have much reason to lock the wheels until winter.

I read somewhere that you should lock them at least once a month and drive it in 4x2 mode for a bit to keep them lubricated.

Is this true? If so, how often and for how long?

[Snowman]

You should get of-road more often  . Depending on how much you go off-road you should re-pack the bearings as well.

[kelli]

Oh, i plan on taking it offroad somewhere.. i just need to find a place to go and someone to go with who can pull me out if i need it =)

[mrthompson]

AFAIK, with manual hubs, this is recommended.  With manual hubs unlocked, the front axle does not rotate, therefore the lubrication does not circulate.


Though it is highly recommended that you do not go off road alone, a good winch (and related accessories) can allow you to extract your vehicle without the assistance of others.

[SiRCivic]

Manual hubs on a 2002 Xterra? I'm pretty sure it didn't come from the factory that way - maybe the previous owner was a hard-core off-roader who managed to  break the OE hubs. Ouch.

Anyway, it's true that it doesn't hurt to put the vehicle in 4WD (or just lock the hubs if you've got manual ones) once a month to get the transfer case oil sloshing around. Keeps the axle and halfshaft seals lubricated.

As for how long, I would think that around the block a couple of times would be enough to get the job done.

[Marc_]

Check out:
http://www.nissantruckclub.com/

I am a member, We do outings, with newbies, and ensure their offroading goes over well, with plenty of help.  They have tons of info for your truck as well.

[Snowman]

Manual hubs on a 2002 Xterra? I'm pretty sure it didn't come from the factory that way - maybe the previous owner was a hard-core off-roader who managed to  break the OE hubs. Ouch.

Anyway, it's true that it doesn't hurt to put the vehicle in 4WD (or just lock the hubs if you've got manual ones) once a month to get the transfer case oil sloshing around. Keeps the axle and halfshaft seals lubricated.

As for how long, I would think that around the block a couple of times would be enough to get the job done.

  She is not talking about the “X”

[Trainman]

Check out:
http://www.nissantruckclub.com/

I am a member, We do outings, with newbies, and ensure their offroading goes over well, with plenty of help.  They have tons of info for your truck as well.

I am a member as well and gave her the link awhile back.   

Show her Pezzy's Pathy, she will ditch her X in no time      

[kelli]

okay, i was wrong. I was thinking about it today and couldn't figure out why a 2002 would still have the manual locking wheels.. but i read the manual and it says it does... so i went and checked it out for myself.. nope.. says automatic right across the center pieces of the hub.. so i looked online.. says it's optional for the XE model.

I'm an idiot.

carry on =)

[Snowman]

okay, i was wrong. I was thinking about it today and couldn't figure out why a 2002 would still have the manual locking wheels.. but i read the manual and it says it does... so i went and checked it out for myself.. nope.. says automatic right across the center pieces of the hub.. so i looked online.. says it's optional for the XE model.

I'm an idiot.

carry on =)

  Way to go, that makes two of us.

[Trainman]

Way to go, that makes two of us.

Wee Three