To:               Offroad@offroadlist.com
Date sent:        Thu, 4 Feb 1999 15:57:01 -0800 (PST)
From:             
Subject:          Re: Re[2]: 2WD and Locked Hubs
Send reply to:    Offroad@offroadlist.com


On Tue, 2 Feb 1999, SandJC wrote:

> I run it in 2wd with the hubs locked as a matter of course when I'm 
> expecting adverse conditions. I shift from 2wd to 4wd High as I see
> fit at speeds up 50 MPH. Of course you have to stop _completely_ before 
> shifting from 4wd High to 4wd Low or back.
>      
>      
>      I wonder what the problem is running in 4wd with the hubs unlocked?  I 
>      mean, I've heard this before, sure, but I don't get it.  If, on the 
>      road, I have a need for low range I don't hesitate to shift into 
>      low...don't need 4wd.
>      
>      I've thought about this and the only thing I can think of is that, if 
>      one of the axles is a little harder to turn than the other it might 
>      remain stationary while the other axle turns at twice the wheel speed. 
>       This would get your spider gears spinning pretty fast...not what they 
>      were designed for.
>      
>      Of course, you could solve this probem by locking one side.
>      
>      Joe Sand
> 
> 

Looking at the design of "most" 4x4 front axles ,,,,
the outer stub axles are not very well supported without
the hub locked. So if you spin it you may get some twist and yaw
in the stub and therefore hurting the small bearings that 
support the stub axle. 

Strictly a guess on my part.....


David Taylor
Portland Oregon - Yes it rains here all the time.
This is my own personnel account if you don't like my 
opinions then go get your own.........

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