just out of curiosity, what sort of speed do you guy`s go when in 4wd? what speed is to fast?

 

Since you should only be using it on slippery or unstable surfaces--no wet asphalt for example--you should be guided by conditions.

A muddy field without whoops, dips and holes would be a safer bet than the ice covered mountain pass with or without barriers....

A speed that is too fast for conditions is too fast. You know--bouncing out of control, can't maintain a line, can't turn, can't stop.

Stop. Remember, 4WD doesn't do much for your stopping distance.

 

This is really excellent advice. The downside of 4WD is that you can get stuck 4x as bad too.

The speed in 4WD high range is the same as 2WD if everything is tight and right. You can shift on the fly between them. 4WD low range you need to be dead stopped to shift to low range.

On a straight level piece of highway with enough ice and or snow to warrant 4x and light to no traffic I have maintained highway speeds. That's not a recommended speed on curves, hills and in snowing or traffic conditions. You will see others at highway speed, so it's wise to move with traffic when possible. You don't want to be blocking a lane causing swerving to get around you. Drive like your life depends on it because it does. Always maintain control and adequate stopping distance ahead.

 

I've never gone faster than 20 mph or so in 4WD.

 

That could be dangerously slow on an interstate mountain pass. You could easily be rearended.

 

Right you are. I used 4WD in the local neighborhood during icy conditions.

Last Monday it was icy in OKC. Driving to work at 0530 in my family truckster was dangerous. It was down to 15 mph on the highway.

 

on main snow covered roads, i may go as high as 40 mph in right lane with overhead light bar on. but i try to avoid main roads at all cost, even when nice, sunny and dry out. too many idiot drivers. i stick to secondary backroads if possible.

 

I should also be clear that when approaching highway speeds during 4x weather you also need aggressive winter tires and I like studs. Another advantage is long wheel base, so super cab or crew cab wheel bases track better and stay on line very well. For fun in an empty parking lot I once tried to spin out to do a broadie with studded snow tires and I couldn't break traction. All I could do is track. So it's also important to have the proper equipment and know your limitations. On black ice you should definitely slow down even with studded snow tires.

 

There's no such thing as too fast while in 4wd, as far as the driveline is concerned. Just the road conditions, as mentioned.

 

+1

I once drove 70mph on I70 from Mt Veron IL to Manahttan KS...with the rear driveshaft removed.

That was in a full-size Jeep Cherokee...but, same difference.

I owned the Jeep many years after that, and there were never any related-to-the-drive problems.

Roy

 

Another thing I will add is 4x4 does in fact give you a shorter stopping distance, tests have proven that.

 

unless you are on ice......then you are in for a free ride.

 

That's where the studs can help. Of course they are discouraged now a days. They say they chew up the pavement. But when they overlay pavement they grind off a layer to keep grade and ensure good bonding. Therefore we shouldn't have to pay studded tire fees...

 

Got a link to those tests?

 

Maybe, where you are. Where I live, everybody has them...or, wishes they did.

Roy