hey all,

just wondering if i would be able to drive on road when its raining in 4wd hi?? would this cause much more wear than usual, and most of all how will it drive?? all replys are appreciated

probably ya driving in 4 by 4 on a highway is asking for trouble

Go for it! People do it all the time. If you don't need it you get better mpg and tire wear in 2wd, but if you need it, do it. Tight turning on pavement is difficult, other wise it's fine.

Ahh. the Internet...

Driving on pavement in 4 wheel drive with a part-time 4 wheel drive system like the Samurai (and Tracker and any other 4x4 that is NOT SPECIFICALLY an all-wheel drive vehicle - there IS a difference) will eventually get you in a world of trouble.

While WET pavement might in some cases allow enough traction 'slippage" between the front and rear axles to relieve any "winding" caused by the different rotational speed of the front and rear axles during maneuvering, the second that you hit dry pavement you are putting yout transfer case in a situation where heat and stress will eventually cause failure.

The part-time 4x4 system on Samurais, Trackers, Sidekicks, Vitaras and similar variants are exactly that - for part time (Snow, mud or offroad) use only!

If you want all wheel drive, try the AWD Suzuki SX4.

True Story:

I once owned a Pinzgauer 710M Swiss Army Troop carrier.  When I bought it, it had severe wear in the 4x4 locking mechanism from the previous owners' habit of driving it on pavement in the 4x4 mode.

I completely rebuilt the 4x4 mechanism (see http://www.sdp-pinzgauer.org/html/drivetrain_overhaul.html for details)

Shortly afterwards, I sold the truck to someone from Virginia.  He drove the truck from Independence, MO to Virginia.  By the time he arrived, he had destroyed the 4x4 mechanism by, you guessed it, driving it on the road in 4x4 mode!  Not a very good way to treat a $11,000 truck...


Hope this helps! 

   I agree.Wet pavement is rough on a 4x4 and will cause mucho wear.No need to risk it unless it is bad enough to warrant it.