ok there seems to be a bit of confuion, so i will try to sort it out
yes it is wise to lock your hubs for a short time every month, and just as wise to run it in 4h/4l once in a while too.............. just dont do it together on tar.
scenario 1......... lock your front hubs in on both sides of the vehicle, leaving the 4wd selecter stick in 2H
this will lock the wheels to your front axles there in turn causing your front diff, tailshaft and uni joints etc to start spinning, creating lubrication and just clearing out the bugs.
there are a few small problems when doing this.......... in some cars you can feel like your steering has gotten heavy, dnot stress, this is due to auto lockers being installed..........in many vehicles, you will get a slight vibration at middle to high speeds (60 kph plus) this is due to the front tailshaft not being balanced (in most cases) dont stress, just keep the speed lower and go for your cruis, its not big drama...................
scenario 2. leave your front hubs unlocked (in the free position) and by using your 4wd selector stick engage 4H/4L. this will still have your vehicle in 2wd just like normal, but you will be driving the rear wheels via your transfer gears this method will also lube the front diff and tailshaft etc but does not lock your cvs to the axles. the only draw back to this method is when in 4L, you will have 4L gearing which in some cases can be benefitial(reversing heavy trailers etc)
both scenarios activate pretty much the same parts except the ultimate ends (hubs or selector levers)
it is best to try both methods each month if you can, this will free up everything.
by using both methods simultaniosly, you are forcing you vehicle into 4wd when it is not needed, do not confuse 4wd with awl as they are 2 totally different things (even full time 4wd is different again)
if you have a manually operated 4wd system in your car or if you have a centre diff lock, do not engage this on high traction surfaces period!!
doing this creates alot of stess on driveline componenets and your weakest links will be put to the test (in most cases the weakest links are cvs or uni joints) this stress is created by traction.
in best case scenarios all is fine, but it is very common for 4wd to be difficult to disengage, if you suffer from difficult disengagement, slowly reverse in a straight line while trying to disengage 4wd either manually (with the stick) or by pushing the button. you will notice when it disengages by the feel of the car/steering.
worst case scenario, i have heard of cases in which transfer gears have been stripped needing a complete gearbox out overhaul.
the best method to solve this problem is to find a sand track or bush track once a month and go for a quick drive engaging 4wd (using both scenarios together), or better even... find a group of fellow 4wders and go for a full day trip or weekend away everymonth. not only will your 4wd thank you for it, but you will be released from the bounds of civilisation and feel better within your self for doing it.
cleaner air, good company, closer friends, socialisation, engaging 4wd, seeing this great country etc etc...... the real reasons to own a 4wd
