Be patient folks--I'm a newbie here. Bought my 2004 4x4 Ram new (she's now up to about 93K miles) and have seriously started using the 4WD the last 2 winters here in "da great white nort". Personal opinion but I feel like I get better traction even on icy roads. Trouble is, I just replaced the front end (in particular the ball joints) a few months ago and when I asked what caused it, was told that it was either age or misuse of the 4WD.
Can anyone tell me the proper way to drive in 4WD so that I don't make another dumb mistake (if I indeed made one in the first place)?

Thanks in advance.

 

Yep, you do not use a part-time 4WD system on surfaces with good traction, turning with good traction is very hard on front end components as well as tires.

You use 4WD when you need to, it's not something you switch into for the full day because the forecast is for snow.

I found this some time ago and it explains it a lot better than I can:

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html