If I haven't used the 4WD system for a while, I like to turn it on every so often to keep it loose. It seems that is pretty common practice. ...

If I haven't used the 4WD system for a while, I like to turn it on every so often to keep it loose. It seems that is pretty common practice. This winter has given me quite a bit of opportunity to use it without trying to find a reason. But I have yet to use 4LO. The truck has a bit over 13,000 miles and is about 8 months old. Is it a good idea to use the 4LO once is a while or will putting it in 4HI take care of keeping the whole 4WD system loose?

My next question is in regard to TC and ST while in 4HI. I know it turns off automatically in 4LO, but if I am pulling something in 4HI, is it a good idea to turn off ST and TC? For instance, let's say I am pulling a stump?

IMO if you are pulling something, say a stump or a stuck vehicle, you should use 4LO. But if you did use 4HI, turning off the TC is a good idea.