How to use 4x4

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Jul 18, 2002 | 10:54 AM

Cowboy68

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From: King Of Prussia USA

How to use 4x4

Hey everyone, I know this sounds stupid, but I have never owned a 4x4 before now and i have no idea how to use it. I think all I have to do is (and please correct me if im wrong) lock in the hubs, put the truck in neutral, shift into either 4hi or 4lo, put the truck in drive and go. my other question is should I drive with my shifter in 2hi or in neutral? and last but not least, when I shift into 4x4 I get almost a grinding noise as I am shifting any ideas what this is? thanks for your help everyone.

- - Joe

Jul 18, 2002 | 11:09 AM

woppini

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How to use 4x4

If you have a 205 transfer case, the grinding is probably normal. Mine does the same. Its a strong case, so it will hold up well. If you shift the case to neutral, and put the tranny in gear, you wont move. Yes, lock in the hubs first, and you can engage the transer with the clutch pushed in. This will keep the grinding to a minimal. On the 205, you can shift the trnansfer case to form 2wd to 4wd HI while driving. BUT to go from 2wd to 4wd LO, you must stop. This is where you may hear some grinding. If its tough to shift the 4wd lever, try draining and refilling the system. Maybe had an additive for low friction. I did this, and it went to unable to move the shifter, to working just fine. Hope this helps you.:-)

Jul 18, 2002 | 11:17 AM

KJKozak2

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Cleveland, WI USA

How to use 4x4

>lock in the hubs, put the truck in neutral, shift
>into either 4hi or 4lo, put the truck in drive and go.

Correct. Shifting the transfer case into 4hi or 4lo engages the front drive shaft (connects it to the transmission) which spins the fromt axle. Locking the hubs connects the front axles to the wheels.

Putting the truck in neutral releases the tension on the tranmission and transfer case gears making it easier to shift the transfer case.

It's kinda like shifting a 10 speed bike. You don't want to be pedaling with all your might while shifting, but you do want the gears turning.

>other question is should I drive with my shifter in 2hi or
>in neutral?

If it's in neutral, the transmission is disconnected from both front and rear drive shafts. Meaning you'll be going nowhere.

>when I shift into 4x4 I
>get almost a grinding noise as I am shifting

That's because (if you're rolling) the transfer case gears for the rear shaft are already spinning and the ones for the front shaft/axle are not.

Check out www.howstuffworks.com for a better description of 4WD systems.

Hope this helps.

Kevin K.

Jul 18, 2002 | 03:50 PM

Cowboy68

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From: King Of Prussia USA

How to use 4x4

So when I drive I should have my 4x4 shifter in 2hi? thanks alot you guys you really helped me out.

--Joe

Jul 18, 2002 | 04:40 PM

fatdaddy

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From: in the country

How to use 4x4

Also , I wouldn't be driving around on pavement , cement , etc. , while your in either range of 4wd-----you can tear something up on hard surfaces----there is a considerable amount of slippage(forgiveness!) in mud and or dirt------fd