Constant 4x4 vs Part time 4x4

[nivaman]

Can a part time solid axle 4x4 diff be used in a constant all wheel drive 4x4 set up?, ie remove free wheeling hubs and lock the hubs so the diff acts as a constant diff.

[4WDbits]

Part time 4WD vehicles generally don't have a centre diff, ie when 4WD is engaged the front and rear drive shafts are locked together and rotate at the same speed. Running a vehilce like that on the tarmac in permanent 4WD will lead to poor handling, rapid tyre wear and drive train component failure.
If you are just locking the hubs so the front drive train rotates but not actually engaging 4WD then there is no problem, maybe worse fuel consumption.

[rotordogg]

Can a part time solid axle 4x4 diff be used in a constant all wheel drive 4x4 set up?, ie remove free wheeling hubs and lock the hubs so the diff acts as a constant diff.

If your looking at putting a solid axle under the front of a full time 4wd, yes, Just leave the hub's in "4x4" or "lock" and on tarmac unlock your centre diff.
Going by your username, You doing this to a niva??

[nivaman]

Can a part time solid axle 4x4 diff be used in a constant all wheel drive 4x4 set up?, ie remove free wheeling hubs and lock the hubs so the diff acts as a constant diff.

If your looking at putting a solid axle under the front of a full time 4wd, yes, Just leave the hub's in "4x4" or "lock" and on tarmac unlock your centre diff.
Going by your username, You doing this to a niva??

Indeed, am thinking of fitting a live axle front end with the standard transfer case.

[NJV6]

Yes you can do this, this is the same way you can keep full time 4WD in a Pajero if you replace the IFS with a solid axle.