Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Low or high?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:46 PM
  #1  
VONxRUBENxLA's Avatar
VONxRUBENxLA
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Low or high?

Ok so finally getting some rain here and thinking of looking for some mud after work

So I'm wondering what do I use low or high 4x4??
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:51 PM
  #2  
barthel's Avatar
barthel
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
High, definitely.

The key to "muddin'" is to keep the wheels spinning. If you're in low, it's harder to keep the wheels moving.
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:52 PM
  #3  
barthel's Avatar
barthel
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
P.S.

You find any mud around here that you can bog in, you be sure to let me know. =)
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:58 PM
  #4  
VONxRUBENxLA's Avatar
VONxRUBENxLA
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by barthel
P.S.

You find any mud around here that you can bog in, you be sure to let me know. =)
I'm lookin. Lol.

Supposedly my homie knows a spot in LB he used to go to
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:11 PM
  #5  
Fosters's Avatar
Fosters
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
I managed to get the X stuck in some guy's back yard where I pay to store my car hauler... I went there to get my jeep off the trailer and thought I was gonna have to pull the trailer out... gave up on that idea and tried to drive the X out... no such luck. I found out the hard way you have to keep spinning them - counter intuitive - but the faster the better. The main reason I think is, the faster they spin, the more likely they are to clean themselves of mud; otherwise they get packed and become slicks. I realized this when I saw the owner come pull me out, and saw his half ton chevy going tokyo drift around me trying to yank out the big burly X :P

The jeep got off the trailer and got out without spinning once though... I guess the advantage is having mud tires, 4.5" lift, and weighing half of what the X did...

My gf was scared at the time that he was gonna crash, but in retrospect, was more fun than expected
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:18 PM
  #6  
texastech_diesel's Avatar
texastech_diesel
Token Redneck
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 350
From: Breckenridge, TX
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by barthel
If you're in low, it's harder to keep the wheels moving.
Want to try to explain that one?
 
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:41 PM
  #7  
maverick22's Avatar
maverick22
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
I disagree about spinning, it can clean the tires out but it can also just bury you even deeper. Speed helps as well as the momentum can carry you through a (short) bad spot. Whenever mine starts to spin too much and starts to bury itself I stop and put it in 4low - the lower gearing won't spin as bad and if you have any traction at all you might just work yourself out. Key is though to it before you're already buried up to your axle. I guess as long as you're still moving forward, keep them spinning to clean them out, but the second you start to bury yourself, stop.

I don't typically play, but as a general rule I start out in 4hi whenever I'm going someplace slippery and only use 4low when I have to.
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Nov 4, 2011 | 04:35 PM
  #8  
barthel's Avatar
barthel
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Originally Posted by texastech_diesel
Want to try to explain that one?
K, ya caught me. Spinning, not moving.

Maverick is right about momentum, it's very important. I have been wheeling since I was 18, and have had a myriad of "off-road" or 4X4 vehicles. That being said I have only been stuck (needing to strapped out) twice. Once when I entered the "pond" too slow and bogged, the second time was in my Jeep when my wife (unbeknownst to me) had put the TC in 4LO. Before I caught it I was up to my axles with no way to climb out.

When I was taught about driving in mud, I was taught 2 cardinal rules;

1: Keep the wheels spinning
2: NEVER let off the gas once you're in

Both have served me well and I do not hesitate to dive into a mud puddle (or lake) .
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 05:26 PM
  #9  
The Metal Panda's Avatar
The Metal Panda
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Plan on having mud in places youll never be able to get it out of. And having a horribly dirty engine bay. And not frying your alternator with big puddles. And rust....

But its totally worth it!

I mudded my old grand cherokee for the 3 years i had it. Buried it to the doors in mud numerous times. That thing had ****! She was one dirty **** afterwards though. I feel bad for the new owner... hehe

Get that bitch dirty, find the hole and go deep! And of course post some pics
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Thurter
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
37
Jan 10, 2021 08:54 AM
Always Learning
Computer Chips & Tuners
0
Jan 6, 2017 12:57 PM
Natefreebird
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
0
Jan 10, 2016 05:04 AM
bulla
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Dec 29, 2010 12:29 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:18 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE