I like many, don't have a ton of experience driving on streets like we just had.

Is there a mechanical danger to driving in 4 Lock on a street that is 50/50 snow/ice and pavement? My thought is if the axles are truly locked, and if the diff can't slip any in a turn of some sort (if some wheels are on pavement) that's not good.

Worried about nothing or something?

Charlie

4wd is fine. If you have your lockers engaged I’d say it’s a no no. It will actually create steering problems if your front end is on ice and the rear is is on dry. It will push the front end straight.

It could also break an axle.

News vehicles I wouldn't worry. If you have lockers like "Detriot Lockers" worry.

It's a '17 Ram Rebel, so Detroit Locker, it's not, but "Lock" just has me very unsure. I know my Pioneer doesn't like turning in 4WD Lock on dry ground.

Charlie

Think most of the newer ones have the limited slip. if it's binding changing the oil helps those friction clutches. It gets dirty also from heat and clutch material. Years ago in my Converted 6 cylinder to V8 jeeps, had the lockers and they were so light in weight it was a pita to turn um. Just slide around a corner and wanted to go straight.

Driving 4wd is fine but turn off the lockers. No need unless you get ditched. They could cause steering issues as mentioned above. Dont risk it

All 4wd is going to do is help you get started. Once you're moving, stopping, or turning it's of little to no value. It's actually going to be a hindrance to have the vehicle doing things you're not used to it doing on a surface you're not used to driving on. Just leave it off unless you need it taking off from a stoplight.

It is a true locker like a spool if the dodge is like the new Ford. The Ford is an electric locker and has no slip.

Sounds like bad advice unless your vehicle is front wheel drive. Rear wheel drive loss of traction = fishtail= wreck. That’s just my thoughts of little snow/ice driving I may be all wrong.

4H is fine just be careful with tight dry concrete turns. Normal turns should still have enough slip not to be to bad.

Mine worked fine, I like the auto function, if yours has it, in those conditions. Just be careful because it wont help you stop...

The biggest problem with driving on snow and ice with a 4wd is the driver thinking they can go fast.

Yup, I've never owned 4WD. Lived in the panhandle and dealt with this type weather more than once. Never needed it. Yesterday saw a few idiots that were most likely in 4WD driving too fast and sliding all over the place.

Have had 4x4 vehicles for last 40 hrs. Will get you going, but will not help you stop. That’s where most people get in trouble. Think they can drive normal speed limit just because they have 4x4, they are the ones to watch out for. 4x4 is great, but have to respect the roads and have the knowledge to use it properly. Just my

The Ram “4 Lock” is nothing. It’s just 4x4 High range. I just put 500+ miles on mine this week driving in “4 Lock” at speeds up to 60mph with zero issues. If pavement is dry or wet you can’t turn sharp, that’s the only issue

I agree - I started getting too confident with mine and had to slow down

just 4x4 is all you need, no locker, on dry pavement you will here the inside wheel start "clicking" when it locks/unlocks and that is hard on them if you let it keep doing it.

like said, it helps ya go but won't help ya stop, good thing tho is if you just lift the foot having all 4 engaged will help ya slow due to engine torque being on all 4 wheels.

snow off and on in 4 hi is no big deal, full dry and it may or may not hurt the diffs, depends on how the mfr. set it up.

my 14 f150 has limited slips and can lock electronically, only reason I use the lockers is to move the solenoid and other parts that normally don't and then only in mud or even just a wet road for short distance.
lockers are da bomb in mud, creepin off road etc. but pretty much suck on pavement.

had nothing but 4x4 for about 35-40 yrs. with 20 of that in colorado mts.

Yep, in straight line you are fine. I use it on dry pavement in a straight line if I have not engaged it for a while. Tight turns will cause binding. If you get to an intersection that is not snow covered and making a turn just disengage it

^^Same

2016 Ram in 4 High for several days straight.

Usually new vehicles don't have solid lockers because that disables the antilock brake function. One axle locked solid can't slow just one corner down with the brakes. Mastering the art of the "power slide" using the throttle helps with corners in four wheel drive if you don't have tight traffic.