In some of my past AWD/4x4 vehicles there has been an explicit recommendation made in the user manual to somewhat regularly exercise the low-range gearbox on some interval (lets say every 1000 miles) to ensure it is well lubricated and not static all of the time. I haven't checked the Defender manual regarding this detail yet but wanted the forum's input. She is predominantly a pavement princess with very few trips off road per year so very curious on this point to make sure I'm taking good care.

 

It is always a good practice to exercise the low range mode despite what the manual may recommend.

 

Frankly, I’ve done that with every 4x4 I’ve ever owned, even if they never saw crawl duty.

 

Lockers too.

 

This doesn't have to be done, as the Defender has infinitely variable center and optional rear locking differentials that are always locking and unlocking during normal driving. Go take a look at your 4x4i screen when driving around town. You can see how much lock is being applied to the differential. The MY2023.5 and forward replaced the center diff with an electronically-controlled clutch pack that acts in the same way as the previous infinitely variable locking center diff, but allows the front axle to be disconnected in certain situations. The rear diff lock is the same as before on the MY2023.5 +

 

How often/frequent? I don't think I have ever conscientiously done it, but probably a good idea.

 

Sadly I don't have a little lock symbol over my rear diff. Only the tcase has a lock icon.

I'm driving the poverty spec Defender up here bud

 

The lock symbol is for the center differential, not the transfer case. Like I said, it is infinitely variable and is always adjusting regardless of drive mode and whether or not the transfer case in low range. Putting the vehicle in low range doesn't automatically lock the center differential, as it will only lock when it is needed, or if you select the Rock Crawl setting, it will partially lock the diff(s) or if you have Configurable Terrain Response, you can manually lock the diff(s). However, even if you manually lock it with the Configurable TR, the diff(s) still does its own thing and will apply varying levels of lock, but will never be fully open.

 

Regular use of the planetary gearing in the transfer case has been shown to lower cholesterol, increase epinephrine levels, and lower stress. It's probably a good thing for the drive train too.

*If your lo-range enjoyment exceeds 4 hours, contact your cooler.

 

I slide my 3rd gen trucks in to low range about once a month. Even the supercharged l322 that will probably never see more than a dirt road