Inner Axle Differential

When is a time this should be used? Snowy roads, if you're stuck, never?

I've used it when I'm stuck with a slippery surface. It's not for long-time/highway use, just for the times you need that extra oomph.

I've used it when I'm stuck with a slippery surface. It's not for long-time/highway use, just for the times you need that extra oomph.

So when I'm driving I-90 from Cleveland to Johnstown NY, not advisable? Lol

When is a time this should be used? Snowy roads, if you're stuck, never?

Slippery surface, especially effective dropping an empty in the snow.

It's exactly the same principle as running 4WD on a pickup. You're simply engaging another axle. Use it anytime the roads are slick. Contrary to what some have said it's not going to bust to pieces or explode if you use it on dry roads or for longer periods of time. It wasn't built to be fragile or only to be used one mile per year. When you engage the second axle it operates the same way as the first axle does so you don't have to be shy about it. Use it anytime the roads are slick and you'd like the comfort of knowing you have two axles putting power to the ground instead of one.

It's exactly the same principle as running 4WD on a pickup. You're simply engaging another axle. Use it anytime the roads are slick. Contrary to what some have said it's not going to bust to pieces or explode if you use it on dry roads or for longer periods of time. It wasn't built to be fragile or only to be used one mile per year. When you engage the front axle it operates the same way the rear axle does so you don't have to be shy about it. Use it anytime the roads are slick and you'd like the comfort of knowing you have two axles putting power to the ground instead of one.

So I CAN use it when I'm blasting through the snow belt?

So I CAN use it when I'm blasting through the snow belt?

Consult the manual in the truck just to be safe but generally yes, if the roads are slick you can use it.

And by "blasting" I of course mean pucker butting at a snail's pace while white knuckling the steering wheel.

The way it was explained to me was that it provides equal torque to both wheels so if one begins to spin, the other will have torque going to it rather than having the spinning wheel take it all. The wheel with traction will still pull even if the other wheel on the axle is spinning.

I have used it a few times at low speeds when on slick or muddy surfaces and I needed traction. I also once drove with it on at highway speeds on dry roads for about 40 miles before I noticed that someone in the shop had left it on after working on my truck. It didn't damage anything.