Question re: 4 x 4 use

[thommo77]

I have a 1993 2.4TD.
The vehicle itself is in pretty good nick and well looked after. I purchased it after having the head replaced and full service etc. It passed it's warrant of fitness check without any issues.
I know the following question may have been answered elsewhere, but please bear with me!

About a month after owning it, I ran it on 4 x 4 on the road for about 3-4 km.
I now realise I shouldn't run it on hard stuff!
Anyway, it ran ok until I parked it. Then, when taking off again, it felt like the brake was on. This coincided with me making a slow turn on full lock, at which point there was a horrible 'graunching' sound from the front end.
I stopped and switched the 4WD option off and returned the 4WD lever to 'N'.
I haven't run it on 4WD since.
My questions, please -

1. What would have caused the braked sensation and the horrible noise and have I likely caused damage?
2. can someone please explain the options on the 4WD gear selector, when and how to use them?
Thanks in advance.

[europa88]

You may have screwed the 4WD you may have not!

Try it on some reasonably slippery ground to see If it works ok. Never use 4wd on a second gen Surf on dry roads, as it hasn't a centre diff and your forcing the wheels on the front and rear axle to turn at different speeds, something they were not designed to do according to the laws of physics . OK for a short distance in a straight line, but as soon as you turn left or right......Well you know the rest.

A lot of new owners do this, most seem to get away with it once!

Hope your one of them mate.

[TonyN]

Was probably the drivetrain all locked up cos you where trying to go round a corner in 4WD, or just your steering stops need greasing, the drive train is stronger then most people give it credit for, if its ok now in 2wd, then its probably fine.

H2 for on the road, H4 for most offroad playing, L4 when its low speed really tough terrain.

[thommo77]

Cheers, lads!
I'll find some slippery stuff and try it out.
No noise from the front end on 2 wheel drive full lock, so Im hoping all's good.