4 low without hubs locked

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Mar 3, 2018 | 04:59 PM

blanes

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Joined: Nov 2003

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4 low without hubs locked

Hello all,

I occasionally pull a 14,000 pound trailer to some property we have. The last stretch of pavement has a steep pitch that slows the truck to a crawl even with my 4.10 gears. Putting it in 4 low without locking the hubs would be a lot easier on the tranny. With a steady foot on the gas (diesel) pedal I don't see any harm being done. In case I am missing something anyone have a comment to the contrary?

TIA,
Blane
1997 F350

Mar 3, 2018 | 06:38 PM

1979 Ford

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 3,495

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From: Not as far west as I want

No. I’ve done it before when I had manual transmissions and needed to back uphill or with a trailer.

Mar 3, 2018 | 07:22 PM

Slowpoke Slim

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Joined: Nov 2012

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From: Bismarck, ND

No problem, I've done it plenty of times in my old Powerwagon.

Mar 4, 2018 | 05:20 AM

WE3ZS

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From: Media PA

I ALWAYS use 2 LOW when reversing our 11K TT, I have the older 4R100 that sometimes overheats the input shaft seal when reversing while hot, this help to avoid that. There wouldn't be any issue with doing the same while going forward either, LOW range makes life much easier for the entire drivetrain in a situation like that.

Mar 4, 2018 | 05:33 AM

Chuck's First Ford

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From: very South Texas

.
designed this way... choices...
,

Mar 4, 2018 | 09:32 AM

HRTKD

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From: Wyoming

I used to put my prior truck into 4Lo to back up like WE3ZS does. No problems. And it didn't have hubs to turn, so it really was in 4Lo.

If it's a straight shot (no turns) I wouldn't have an issue with going into 4Lo. The spot I go hunting in has a steep section of dirt road with a couple turns. I'll be using 4Lo most likely in my F-350 but I'm going to try 2Hi first just to see how it does.

My '91 Ranger had manual hubs and I would use 4Lo without the hubs locked to pull stuff. Worked great.