can I shift to 4WD w/o locking hubs?

[1988_4wd]

I am new to 4WD and Toyota, and my truck did not have a manual when I bought it, so sorry for the basic question....

I have an '88 pickup with manual locking hubs. Sticker on dash says BOTH hubs need to be locked when shifting to 4-high, not just one. My question: can I shift to and drive in 4-high without locking either hub (sticker not clear on this point)? Reason: when I am driving in light snow on pavement, I want 4WD, but if I have to turn on a dry patch, it is hard to steer. Will I do damage if in 4-high without locking the hubs?

 

[HomeGrown]

when there is snow on the ground lock your front hubs in. you can shiift on the fly from 2wd to 4high i wouldnt be going any faster then 55. if you dont lock your hubs in you will not have 4wheel drive you will just still have 2wd. and if the ground is dry just shift it back in to 2wd. and unlock your hubs when you get home. this wont hurt anything in the 4wd system. you dont want to drive on dry pavement with it in 4wd all the time. if your hubs are locked in and you are in 2wd this wont hurt anything. the hubs are what locks the front axel in or gives the power to the wheels. and the t-case shifter is what gives the front axel power, so if you dont lock your hubs in and shift it to 4wd, all you are doing is give the front axel power but not to the tires. does that make sence...lol enjoy your toyota.

 

[woody]

with one hub unlocked, you may as well not bother with 4wd at all....any power transferred to the front will direct to the side with least resistance, namely the unlocked side.

Additionally, you lose ANY shift-on-the-fly abilities with only one hub locked.

If you have neither hub locked, then shifting into 4wd does absolutely nothing, since no power is transferred to the front anyways.

you WILL do damage if you don't have both hubs locked in and are moving....guaranteed.

To answer, the sticker is correct

 

[dylan]

i use to shift into 4 low with out the hubs locked on my 89 pickup just because i was to lazy to get out and turn'm in and didn't require 4wd

 

[1988_4wd]

Thanks for the information - now I want more snow!