4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Tahoe 4WD, 4WD on hard surface.

Question
2008 Chevy Tahoe LTZ. Usually drive in 2WD on pavement. No off-road. Have tried 4WD on dry pavement out of curiosity and experienced noise from drive train (I presume) and steering characteristics change with front feels like its pushing and rears hopping on full lock. I am told this is normal and not to use 4WD on dry pavement. Do you agree with this and should I engage 4WD from time to time anyway for longevity of components.
Thanks
John

Answer
John,

You should use 4WD on occasion to make sure that it is working, and to help lubricate the components internally.  I have seen times when a vehicle has never been put into 4WD for years, and when it's needed, components have been frozen up due to lack of lubrication and internal corrosion.

As far as 4WD on hard surfaces, such as dry, or even damp pavement, this is true.  It is extremely hard on the transfer case and front differential components as this puts extreme stress on them, unless you have "full-time 4WD, or all wheel drive."  The pulling/pushing problem is due to the slight difference in the rotation of the front tires compared to the rear when turning.

You can go to an alley that is loose gravel, a nearby field with loose dirt, or a sandy area or beach to use 4WD once in a while, just to keep it working properly.

Carl