I just had my transmission rebuilt & torque converter replaced. The proprietor of the shop who was an AMC tech at one time asked why I drove into his shop in 4 WD. I told him I keep it in that mode since I don't drive it that much & want to keep things lubricated. He said that is a big mistake since my Eagle/transfer case was not meant to be driven on dry pavement. He finished the job & reaffirmed that my 4WD is working ok. I got the car back in 2WD & he advised me to keep it there. I didn't ask if anything over a 129 model is supposedly ok to drive on dry pavement. I know alot of fellows slide the collar over to keep it in 4Wd so this should bring about some thought.
Well, the Eagle sales lit says "the four wheel drive mode can be engaged indefinitely without excessive wear on drive components". I personally only use 4wd when needed, because I have 200K miles on my transfer case, and viscous couplings are hard to find.
Let the proprietor know, he's 100% wrong.
The front and rear driveshafts are not truly "locked" together like in a part time xfer case therefore it is perfectly acceptable to run in 4wd mode all the time. The shop guy might have worked for AMC but that doesn't mean he knows 4x4 systems. Although he should "get it" being a tranny guy and all... ::)