Todd, my JD also is a quick disconnect FEL. However, I've never removed it. That would be like cutting the pockets off my shirt.
I seldom take mine out of 4WD.
In the five years I've had mine, the FEL has been off once -- and that was to see how difficult it was to remove and put back on.
As for 4WD, about the only time mine is taken out of 4WD is if I have to take it on the road to a neighbors, etc.
