4 Hi on streets with 231.

[ArmyGuy45]

I read in the manual that you are only supposed to engage 4 Hi on loose dirt roads only. Why is that? If both diffs come stock open they why can you not run around in 4 Hi on the streets?

[4.3LXJ]

That is a good question. With the front and rear drive shaft locked together, and identical ratios front and rear you would think this is not a big deal. But it is. A small difference in any one tire will make one axle turn faster than the other. Also, when you turn a corner the front tracks outside the rear, making it necessary for one to slip or something will have to break. Often it can

[ArmyGuy45]

That is a good question. With the front and rear drive shaft locked together, and identical ratios front and rear you would think this is not a big deal. But it is. A small difference in any one tire will make one axle turn faster than the other. Also, when you turn a corner the front tracks outside the rear, making it necessary for one to slip or something will have to break. Often it can

So is it the T case that will break in this?

[prerunner1982]

Correct, it can't compensate for the different speeds needed. The 241 can due to a differential in the tcase. If you run a 231 in 4as on the pavement and try to turn the front end will kind of hop. This is because the front is trying to turn at the same speed as the rear. Offroad there is enough slippage to deal with this, but on road is causes the system to bind.

[Mudderoy]

You can do greater damage but I think the common thing is for the chain to stretch and the gears that it rides on to have excessive wear. Plus it feels funky as hell! lol

[ArmyGuy45]

Ok thanks for the info.