4x4 ???
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You shouldn't use 4x4 for any extended periods on hard (grippy) surfaces. You shouldn't even use it momentarily on hard surfaces if you're doing any hard turning. It's for getting better traction in slippery stuff like dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. (And some people use it for better traction in a straight line when launching during races, but that's another matter entirely...)
Duncan
Duncan
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From: Carlsbad, California
The only time I've used 4x4 when towing was pulling my toy hauler off road. That's a relative term because as you can see from my signature and avatar the trailer isn't something that you'd drag through anything too rough.
But pulling it through some sandy or muddy spots the 4WD does help. As soon as I get it on the pavement I turn it back to 2WD.
The exception to this is when pulling away from a stoplight on a rainy road, sometimes I engage 4WD through the first couple gears. **EDIT** I do also pop it into 4WD sometimes when brakeing in the rain. The downshifts of the T/H mode can sometimes cause the rear end to slip a bit when being pushed by the trailer and tossing it into 4WD for a sec can help out there too.
4Low does come in handy when backing the trailer into my storage location. The driveway is fairly uphill and 4Low makes it easier to push the trailer up the drive in a well controlled manor.
But pulling it through some sandy or muddy spots the 4WD does help. As soon as I get it on the pavement I turn it back to 2WD.
The exception to this is when pulling away from a stoplight on a rainy road, sometimes I engage 4WD through the first couple gears. **EDIT** I do also pop it into 4WD sometimes when brakeing in the rain. The downshifts of the T/H mode can sometimes cause the rear end to slip a bit when being pushed by the trailer and tossing it into 4WD for a sec can help out there too.
4Low does come in handy when backing the trailer into my storage location. The driveway is fairly uphill and 4Low makes it easier to push the trailer up the drive in a well controlled manor.
Last edited by darylhunter; Sep 13, 2004 at 02:11 PM.
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Originally Posted by darylhunter
4Low does come in handy when backing the trailer into my storage location. The driveway is fairly uphill and 4Low makes it easier to push the trailer up the drive in a well controlled manor.
Duncan
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From: Carlsbad, California
Originally Posted by Frobozz
This is the one situation where having the manual transfer case (not ESOF) comes in really handy. If you unlock your hubs but put it in 4Lo, then you effectively have "2Lo" and can do all the backing and turning and maneuvering you want without risking binding up the drivetrain (but you still get the mechanical advantage of the low gearing.) I've heard of people putting in vacuum line valves to their hubs with the ESOF system to be able to get this feature.
Duncan
Duncan
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by Frobozz
This is the one situation where having the manual transfer case (not ESOF) comes in really handy. If you unlock your hubs but put it in 4Lo, then you effectively have "2Lo" and can do all the backing and turning and maneuvering you want without risking binding up the drivetrain (but you still get the mechanical advantage of the low gearing.) I've heard of people putting in vacuum line valves to their hubs with the ESOF system to be able to get this feature.
Duncan
Duncan
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Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
That is very cool, I can do it with my X?
(Long ago I had a 1965 Jeep Gladiator pickup that actually had a 2Lo position for the transfer case lever. That was nice.)
Duncan
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: SW Montana
I have used low range without locking hubs in other trucks, and 4x4 low range for parking a large trailer in this truck. One concern everyone should keep in mind, be very light on the go pedal or you risk blowing parts. All these parts are made to handle a certian amount of torque, with a safety margin. When in low range, you are multiplying the torque by I believe in this truck, 2.6 times. And, instead of being split between the front and the back, its all going to the rear wheels. You can easily see why spun driveshafts, busted yokes, and failed u-joints can become a problem.
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