Why the big no-no on using the 4x4 on dry pavement? Does the drivetrain need the "slip" of a low traction surface? And can I use it on a wet road(the new Ranger likes to spin the tires in the wet)?

mikeg81

 

Yes. The drivetrain needs some type of 'give' when you turn with 4x4 engaged, otherwise serious binding occurs in various components. Causes a LOT of stress, and causes more wear. If you don't turn, then it is okay to click on 4x4 in my opinion when a bit more traction is needed. I only do this if i am taking off from a stoplight. If i am mid way through a turn, i am light on the throttle. I wouldn't turn with 4x4 engaged on dry surfaces, or surfaces that don't give. Hope this helps!!

 

The only time you want to use 4X on dry pavement is to verify that the system is in fact working. Such time is normally when people are test driving used vehicles. I'm not sure why you would want to use 4X on wet roads either unless there was a mix of wet/icy road surface. I've never had a problem with tires spinning on wet roads in 2X unless I'm hitting the gas harder than needed.

 

2 words rain tires or mabe just like 5 lb less pressure in the back tires when ur not hulin real heavy loads

 

In a turn, the front & rear wheels rotate at different speeds just like the left & right wheels rotate at different speeds (in a turn). The big difference is that the Ranger does not have a differential between the front & rear wheels like the "all-wheel-drive" vehicles do. So driving in 4-wheel drive under conditions that don't allow the tires to slip is a big no-no.

Pat

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I thought it might be something like that...

 

Straight roads, or mild turns isn't that hard on it, you can tell when it's starting to bind, the front wheels will start jerking a little. 4 wheel drive is made for low traction situations, so I don't really see the need on dry pavement. I have a hopped up 4.0 with 4:10 gears, and a 5 speed, and I don't have a problem taking off on dry roads. Are your rear tires bald, or is your foot to heavy, you shouldn't be doing that much spinning on dry pavement.