difference between 4WD and 4WD Low Range ?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
difference between 4WD and 4WD Low Range ?
Hi
I need an advise
last Saturday I stuck with an trailer in mud and there were no possibility to drive forwards or backwards
So I need help from a Mitsubishi L200 
So now to my actually problem
what is the difference between the 4WD and the 4WD Low Range ? And what for possibilities there are to get out of mud ? (If two wheels stuck and rotate and the other two dont rotate because the differential)
Is there anyone who know if a l200 has a lock differential ? Why have a Ford SD no lock differential ?
thanks for any help 
best greetings
I need an advise
last Saturday I stuck with an trailer in mud and there were no possibility to drive forwards or backwards
So I need help from a Mitsubishi L200 So now to my actually problem
what is the difference between the 4WD and the 4WD Low Range ? And what for possibilities there are to get out of mud ? (If two wheels stuck and rotate and the other two dont rotate because the differential)Is there anyone who know if a l200 has a lock differential ? Why have a Ford SD no lock differential ?
thanks for any help
best greetings
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 4
From: Nowthen, MN
Low range is nothing more than lower gearing for when you need extra torque to the ground. It doesn't give you any more traction. Sometimes it can help you get out of a sticky situation, but usually if you're stuck, you're stuck.
Many SDs came with a limited slip rear diff, which helps in low traction situations. However, no SD that I know of ever came from the factory with a full locker. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)
The only Fords I know of that came with a stock locker are the Raptor and the FX4 Level 2 Ranger. These trucks are specifically designed to have greater off road capabilities than your typical truck, the Super Duty is not.
Many SDs came with a limited slip rear diff, which helps in low traction situations. However, no SD that I know of ever came from the factory with a full locker. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)
The only Fords I know of that came with a stock locker are the Raptor and the FX4 Level 2 Ranger. These trucks are specifically designed to have greater off road capabilities than your typical truck, the Super Duty is not.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 742
From: Here in No. Calif
I always equate 4 low with rock crawling and the like. I have never used it myself as I use 4 hi in snow and mud so I cant speak from experience but I believe 4 lo speed would be under 15-20 mph.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Central Alberta
Kitfox
OK maybe someone can help me with my 2005 F350 6L 4x4. When pulling my stock or RV trailer in soft feild conditions I have to put it in low range or the truck will just sit there and won't move. Even if I hold it to the floor it just won't move. As soon as I put it in low range it pulls it fine. I even run into this when starting a heavy load on pavement if I am going up much of a hill. I have taken it to several dealers and they say that is just the way they are. I find it hard to believe that you should have to put it in low range to start out on the highway and then put it back into high range once you get it moving. If I am starting out into traffic the truck also has no get up and go until it gets up to about 1500 rpm but then watch out as it takes off like a rabbit. Anyone also having this kind of thing happening?
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 80,535
Likes: 97
From: Norlina NC
OK maybe someone can help me with my 2005 F350 6L 4x4. When pulling my stock or RV trailer in soft feild conditions I have to put it in low range or the truck will just sit there and won't move. Even if I hold it to the floor it just won't move. As soon as I put it in low range it pulls it fine. I even run into this when starting a heavy load on pavement if I am going up much of a hill. I have taken it to several dealers and they say that is just the way they are. I find it hard to believe that you should have to put it in low range to start out on the highway and then put it back into high range once you get it moving. If I am starting out into traffic the truck also has no get up and go until it gets up to about 1500 rpm but then watch out as it takes off like a rabbit. Anyone also having this kind of thing happening?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 4
From: Nowthen, MN
I was wondering the same thing. You have to be stopped and in neutral or park to shift from 4H to 4L or vice versa.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Innisfree, Alberta
In 4 Hi your the same as in 2 hi except your front end is engaged. In 4Lo your transfer case has a reduction of 2.72-1 so you have considerable more power to the ground. The reason you do not move when you have a really heavy load is the torque convertor clutches are being overloaded. That is creating a tremendous amount of heat. It's only a matter of time before you destroy the torque convertor which will destroy the tranny. I towed a 12000 lb trailer with my 03 Excursion and it was slow getting going. But it was fine when it got rolling. You should either get a triple disk aftermarket torque convertor with a low stall or get new lower ratio(say 4.30)diff gears. The gears would definitely get you rolling quicker. And would take the stress off the tranny and drivetrain. If your truck is not moving at all in 2 or 4 Hi with a heavy trailer you may have already damaged your torque convertor.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Innisfree, Alberta
I do remember reading somewhere recently about a kit you can buy that allows you to put your truck in 2 low in order to get the truck moving. And once it's rolling you can shift back to 2 Hi. I'm not sure what brand vehicle it is for.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Central Alberta
Kitfox
Sorry for not getting back sooner but have been away from my computer for awhile. Thanks for the help. No I don't shift from low to high on the go. I just pull my trailer out to a place where I can start it out in high range pull over and stop and shift back into high range. I have had the truck to several dealears and they all say this is just the way the truck is. I am afraid that as soon as it is off warranty then something will quite and then they will repair it at great expence. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had the same problum?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572
Likes: 37
From: Carthage, Mo
I use 4 low frequently when I have a heavy trailer hooked up - backing the gooseneck into the shed, or picking up square bales in the field with the gooseneck. Usually don't lock the hubs unless there is a need to. The extra gear reduction keeps the tranny cooler & puts less strain on things. I have heard that you can blow a seal in reverse from too much pressure & the gear reduction with that too.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I don't use 4x4 low often but it definitely is needed at times. It's just a crazy gear for very low speeds and high tq. The original ******* had a great low 4x4 which made them ideal for WW2 and farming afterwards (those things were great in the field, actually seeking one now for a hunting vehicle). Low can be needed to get rolling but personally I've only used it at low speeds.