HARDTRAILZ said:
Not good on your truck....as I said read the thread and see why you dont want to be using AWD...
So why is it there? I did read the thread, and it doesn't change anything I know about the AWD transfer case in this truck.
I don't see any reason not to use AWD. Besides the 'why is it there in the first place' question, I personally would have no problem if the thing were left in AWD year round, even on the dry stuff, purely for safety. Yes, the transfer case fluid may need to be changed more frequently, but that's what it is there for. If you create a low-traction situation (the 8.1 is good at that), you have traction anyway. I have no difference in MPG (8.1 doesn't care) and my truck does not 'shock' the front axle. In fact, it's completely seamless when you engage the front. If I didn't know the same maneuver would kick it out in 2H I wouldn't have known the front was engaged at all! I have an intersection near my work that requires a heavy throttle acceleration during a left turn (they really need a traffic light there!) if you ever want to get home. If the roads are wet, I will powerslide into the lane every time (the younguns call that drifiting!). If I use AWD, it just goes.
I DO use 2H for most driving.
It's interesting, in an unplowed snowy parking lot I can easily do donuts in 2H, and in 4H I can drift it around all kinds of ways, but in AWD it will not slide. It just drives in a circle. I believe there is some traction control/stability control at work in this thing when it's in Auto.
I use 4L offroad to keep good control over my speed. If I'm in a place where I need the transfer case locked, I also have no reason to be going over 15-20 MPH. I realize that may not apply to all people/situations. I did use 4H once on an unplowed highway during a snowstorm. But I find AWD does very well in most slippery situations.
I also use 4L in my garage to climb ramps. I do this just to exercise the transfer case so I know it will still engage when I need it.
Thank you for the advice, but I prefer to use it the way "They" say you can use it. I'll continue using AWD the way I do, and will certainly report in when my transfer case clutches are worn out, or my front universals blow up. Right now it's got 130K miles on it and everything is working fine. Also remember I've got a 2500 truck, things in there are made of stronger stuff...