4low without locking hubs
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4low without locking hubs
My 95 F-150 has manual hubs and a lever operated t-case...the book says that I should never operate it in 4low without the hubs being locked. But if I want to pull heavy loads on pavement, (and my Mazda tranny just doesn't have the granny gears), what would be wrong with slipping her into 4 low with the hubs unlocked? Granted, if would be easy to apply too much power to the 8.8" in the rear, but other than that, what can it hurt? The hubs shouldn't have any problem...When it's in 2wd, the outer hub spins way faster than the stationary inner hub...if the t-case is engaged and the hubs arent, the inner and outer hub should spin at the same speed, right? So it should be no problem... Any idears on why those Ford people don't like it?
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4low without locking hubs
I don't think FORD wants people over torqing the rearend or u joints and tearing up parts and givin them a bad reputation. I have a 96 and use 2WD LOW all the time. It is a big reason why I bought Ford over Chevy. It is handy when backing up trailers or any time slow speed is desired without slipping the clutch. My Dad has a 1990 F150 and has done this for years. Just use good judgement and you shouldnt have a problem. My cousin had a Ranger and would use 2WD LOW to yank a 22ft boat out of a pretty steep boat ramp. The truck was over taxed as it was and the rearend eventually gave out. I wish the Mazda tranny had a lower first gear.
Chris
Chris
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4low without locking hubs
I have been using two wheel low for years when off roading.With larger tires,(even with big HP) 2WD HIGH is often two high geared for hill crawling,but with good traction the need for 4WD LOW isnt necessasary,(especialy with long bed 3/4 ton rigs the locked up front makes turning a real project on anything but VERY VERY loose surfaces).I have never had any problems,but I have heard horror stories of "transfer case bind",(mostly from the same guys who swear they were abducted by aliens). I for one will continue to use 2WD LOW whenever the need.Just remember it doesnt take all that much power to destroy drive train components when using low gearing.The cautions mentioned in the earlier responses to avoid over torquing an un-modified axle or rear end on the pavement is the same in any high traction,low gear,power situation(the same as having a tire locked into a crevice,and applying to much power even in an off road situation),something has to give.If you need to use the lower gears to get your truck to perform the way you need,you wouldnt be the first one to try it, thats for sure.
Jeff
Jeff
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4low without locking hubs
I had a '81 F150 and used 4-low (without the front hubs locked in) to pull a rather heavy old boat up a steep ramp. It had a C6 auto tranny and 1st gear would sometimes break the rears loose on the driftwood and sand that was sometimes at the bottom of the ramp (even with my 33" mudlug radials).
Here's the big WARNING! Be gentle when using only 2-low. It is very easy to over-torque the rear U-joint. So use 2-low if your just going to do a short distance pull, but be gentle to your drive line.
Ferd
Here's the big WARNING! Be gentle when using only 2-low. It is very easy to over-torque the rear U-joint. So use 2-low if your just going to do a short distance pull, but be gentle to your drive line.
Ferd
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