Haven't used 4WD in a while
 

Well I haven't engaged 4WD probably since last winter and was wondering if there are any thoughts of some maintenance before I put her into 4WD again. I've always heard you should engage it every so often to keep things lubricated/moving but unfortunately have neglected to do this. Maybe ease into it next snowfall with some slow maneuvering? Or just run it and hope for the best! Thanks for the input.

check fluid levels in the front and rear diff, and transfer case. take it to a dirt road, and test it, BEFORE you find that you need it. If you can't find a dirt road, just engage four wheel drive on a nice straight stretch where you can go slow. Parking lot would be good.

Get some good penetrating oil and spray all the linkage underneath too.

Testing it is good. We tested mine this weekend before going on the beach in the area right before the beach access. I didn't check fluid levels though, probably should've.... but it did fine.

Good luck.

its a very good idea to check the fluid at least every 6 months, more if you have ANY indication of a leak. if you run it dry in either 2wd or 4wd you'll burn up some bearings.

as far as using it - just shift and go, but try it out on dirt rather than dry pavement.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I checked the DIFs and that's as far as I got since we got about 3 feet of snow starting the night I posted into yesterday (I'm just outside Buffalo, NY). No chance for a test! Engaged 4WD to pick up kids and help neighbors and everything seems fine. I'll get up under there and do some checking when things calm down. Sure thankful it was ok, lesson learned to stay on top of things for the future! Thanks again!