2 wheel drive low range?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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2 wheel drive low range?
an earlier post said that using 2 wheel drive low is a good way to snap an axle. I like to use 2-LO to back up my trailer because my truck is geared too high (backing up a heavy horse trailer in 2-HI gives a nice clutch smoke show). Am I really taking a risk?
it's a '90 F-250 with a 302 and 5-speed manual
it's a '90 F-250 with a 302 and 5-speed manual
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11
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2 wheel drive low range?
Are you not locking the hubs? I assume you are backing up on pavement. If you are just backing up for short distances without turning the wheels too much and you are easy on the gas, I don't see much problem. I have used low 4 to move things around, or pull a tree out. But I am always in 4 low, not 2 low. My f350 has auto locking hubs, so mine is always in 4 wheel drive when selecting low range.
JoeG
JoeG
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Nebraska
2 wheel drive low range?
It shouldn't hurt anything if you take it easy. I know of people who have been doing it for a long time with no problems. As long as you're not doing burnouts or anything in 2 low, you should be fine.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
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2 wheel drive low range?
What is your rear axle ratio and what is your transfer case low ratio?
Ford used a rear axle 3.55/1 as their towing ratio. Find out what your 5-spds. reverse ratio is, and multiply that number by 3.55, which will give you total gearing number that Ford felt was a safe overall gear number.
Multiply your reverse ratio x T-case low ratio x your rear axle ratio=overall ratio you propose to use.
Compare those two results, and remember that Ford probably had a 4-to-1 safety factor built in.
Eddie
Ford used a rear axle 3.55/1 as their towing ratio. Find out what your 5-spds. reverse ratio is, and multiply that number by 3.55, which will give you total gearing number that Ford felt was a safe overall gear number.
Multiply your reverse ratio x T-case low ratio x your rear axle ratio=overall ratio you propose to use.
Compare those two results, and remember that Ford probably had a 4-to-1 safety factor built in.
Eddie
