Yea, also seems to help tie the frame-rails together for more integrity.

 

I'm still putting my 242 back in 2wd when the roads are dry.


Maybe I shouldn't even bother ???

 

^ Less wear on transfer case chain, but the replacement interval is like 60,000 miles.
Some would say less tire wear in 2WD, but if alignment is correct perhaps less tire wear in FullTime due to power distribution to 4 tires instead of 2.

 

I've never heard of tire wear being affected by the type of drive. I also know a lot of people that run full time 100% of the time whether roads are wet or dry.

But I will say I'm still running my factory chain at 160k miles with no problems. I say don't replace what's not broken.

 

Doesn't the chain turn all the time anyway, being driven by the front wheels (no front axle disconnect) ???


I wonder if it wears more or less being under a slight load compared to just free-wheeling ... it might slap around more in 2wd ???


I'm just curious, but I am a bit uncomfortable with the idea of driving down the (dry) interstate in 4wd.

 

Yes, chain always turns. Free spins in 2WD, and under tension/load in 4WD.

When chains become stretched they can slap the shell of case, and have been known to wear completely through the shell.

There is some video posted on this forum of shifting into 4FullTime from 2WD, while travelling at 70 mph on dry pavement.

 

When I said "slap" I was thinking more of the tooth side, not a loose chain.


Why would anyone do that ???

 

^ Just to try I guess. The owners manual says it can be shifted up to 55 mph.

 

My owner's manual says Any Legal Speed not 55 mph.

 

lol I am going by memory and interpretation. What was the maximum legal limit in 1999?

 

Pretty sure it was still 55 in 1988

 

I'll Google 1988 next lol

 

Cool

 

So I guess it is OK to shift at 75 mph, owners manual says so.

 

Yeah, because when you're driving on ice at 75mph, it's good to be able to shift into 4wd without slowing down