speed in 4wd?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,495
Likes: 2,809
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.
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.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,243
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.
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.
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,963
Likes: 512
From: Edmond, OK
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.
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.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,563
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
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.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,243
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.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
There's no such thing as too fast while in 4wd, as far as the driveline is concerned. Just the road conditions, as mentioned.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 854
Likes: 49
From: Maine
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
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,316
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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...