engaging 4X4
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 75
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From: Colorado
I believe quite some time ago they used to say 15-20mph, but if I remember correctly they're now up to around 40mph. This is only for 4H because shifting to 4L requires you to be stopped with your foot on the brake and the trans in P or N - for Ford SD's anyway. Personally, I wouldn't shift into 4-wheel over 20mph because there are just too many things that can go wrong. And, I know, I know, the technology has improved over the years, but physically, things still need a chance to mesh together properly.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Elverson, PA
Yea - I'd try to keep the speed as low as possible - and make SURE you're not spinning at all when you shift!! I'd keep the speed low especially with auto hubs, 'cause they don't engage the very instant you shift, (if everything is working right it should be very quick) but I would still give them a second. I have shifted mine (manual hubs though) on snowy roads going about 30-35 or so with no problems whatsoever. I'll have to look in the Ford manual and see if they give a spec. for that. I think there is a spec. for how fast you should go when it IS in 4X4???
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Northwest
The speed business brings up an important safety issue about going into 4WD. I had a stock 81 Bronco with truck 4 sp. & manual hubs that I learned an important lesson on. I needed to shift into 4WD on a snowy highway I was on in Oregon. I used to ride around with the hubs unlocked, which I never do now ... they're always locked, and started to slow down to shift it into 4WD after getting out and locking the hubs. When I took my foot off the gas at about 45 mph the truck started to fishtail on me. I wound up going backwards and looking back from where I was coming. Lucky for us, there was no traffic. After we stopped, 180 degrees off, I got out, locked in the hubs in, shifted into 4WD-high and had no more problems. Teaches you some safety factors related to slowing down suddenly on low traction surfaces with either manual or auto hubs. It's almost as bad as slamming on the brakes. I just leave my hubs locked in now.
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Dec 16, 2002 01:54 AM
