when to use 4lo while off roading
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,510
Likes: 663
From: Sioux Falls Area
we found 4-low handy here:
actually the truck got us to that point in 4-high with no problem but he was in the throttle pretty heavy the whole time and once he started spinning we were done moving forward.
after that point we switched to 4-low and if he did lose traction the wheels spun much slower and didn't turn the snow into ice under the tires.
we drove the next 10 or 15 miles in 4-low at speeds between 10mph and 30mph depending on how bad the roads were.
I like to use it any time I have to use a ton of throttle to push through deep snow. keeps the wheel spin to a minimum and saves heating the transmission under heavy throttle. Aside from a little bit more mechanical noise, there is really no downside to using it.
it also works really well coming down steep logging roads. put it in 4-low, and lock the trans in a lower gear and never touch the brakes all the way down the hill.
actually the truck got us to that point in 4-high with no problem but he was in the throttle pretty heavy the whole time and once he started spinning we were done moving forward.
after that point we switched to 4-low and if he did lose traction the wheels spun much slower and didn't turn the snow into ice under the tires.
we drove the next 10 or 15 miles in 4-low at speeds between 10mph and 30mph depending on how bad the roads were.
I like to use it any time I have to use a ton of throttle to push through deep snow. keeps the wheel spin to a minimum and saves heating the transmission under heavy throttle. Aside from a little bit more mechanical noise, there is really no downside to using it.
it also works really well coming down steep logging roads. put it in 4-low, and lock the trans in a lower gear and never touch the brakes all the way down the hill.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
The Harley Davidson's and Limited's in 2011 did not have low range.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
the AWD setting, which is actually just Ford's control trac automatic 4x4. You can run it on dry pavement without issue. It engages the hubs but not the transfer case, except when it senses slippage, so once the rear spins it kicks in the front axle.
4x4 high locks it together for 50/50 TQ split.
4x4 high locks it together for 50/50 TQ split.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
Likes: 35
From: Semper Fi tell I die!
the AWD setting, which is actually just Ford's control trac automatic 4x4. You can run it on dry pavement without issue. It engages the hubs but not the transfer case, except when it senses slippage, so once the rear spins it kicks in the front axle.
4x4 high locks it together for 50/50 TQ split.
4x4 high locks it together for 50/50 TQ split.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
No, it uses an electric clutch to provide power to the front end. with speed sensors on both axles to notice any difference in speed.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 498
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe
Oh yes, you'll need chains! Trust me. Especially going off road in deep snow and ice for more than a short distance. Chains are really helpful when it's icy and/or deep snow.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
LOL fifty below zero? I can hear the headlines at the top of the hour now "Area man suffers extreme heat stroke injury in bizarre winter camping incident, weather at 11. Stay tuned!"
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 633
Likes: 4
From: Edmonton, Ab
I try to use 4 Hi in these trucks as much as possible. I do not like 4 Lo on these trucks in icy conditions. Anytime I have been stuck or close to it in 4lo I have found you have little control of starting stopping. It's hard to explain but compared to my older trucks, there is quite a delay when you are trying to move and jam on the brakes..... it just wants to keep on going. I had a close call on the side of a mountain last year, I felt more in control in high range.
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