Hey everyone. On Thursday when I went fishing, I locked the front axle so if I got stuck, I can just put it in 4HI and free the truck (This truck has to be rolling at slow speed to lock it in. Difficult to do when stuck). But I didn't have to put it into 4HI. But then when I drove 80 miles back to my apartment, I FORGOT TO UNLOCK THE AXLE! I didn't notice this until after I got back. I drove 80 miles with the axle locked and the transfer case in 2HI. I had no signs that it was still locked like noises or anything like that. I was driving fast also because I was on the highways. Could I have messed up my front axle? It was fully engaged (I can tell by the way it pulls and the fact that I can put my thumb on the metal part and not have it touch the black plastic parts). This weekend I needed it again and when I tried to engage it it was making noise when the handle was half engaged as I was pulling it to lock (which it sometimes does if I try to move the car if it isn't fully engaged), but I got it locked in properly and it disengaged normally as well.

 

No it wont mess up your front axle but it will drop your gas mileage

 

Funny you should mention that. I was getting 19.3, which is among the highest MPG numbers I have ever had with the axle locked. Very weird.