Shifting to 4WD

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Dec 15, 2007 | 09:02 PM

#16

RogueSpear2023

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From: Carlos, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by redford

If you can drive faster that 55 why do you need 4 wheel drive?

I know some guys you 4wd when at the dragstrip for better traction, that would be the only need for going faster than 55mph, or when towing

Dec 15, 2007 | 09:31 PM

#17

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueSpear2023

I know some guys you 4wd when at the dragstrip for better traction, that would be the only need for going faster than 55mph, or when towing

True, but you're not shifting into 4H half way down the strip.

Dec 16, 2007 | 01:12 AM

#18

texastech_diesel

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Breckenridge, TX

I was just wondering at what speed things could start getting messed up. I've gone 30 in 4wd (going down a hill on a fire road) and I didn't want to flip in and out just to go down the hill.

Dec 16, 2007 | 01:41 AM

#19

RogueSpear2023

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From: Carlos, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by redford

True, but you're not shifting into 4H half way down the strip.

But that is what he is asking not at what speed he can go in as we have determined to be up to 55mph. But how fast he can go in 4Hi, I would say as fast as the truck can go, normally, as long as going in straight line on pavement, or if your going to make sharp turns you should be on gravel, or another slippery surface to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds.

Dec 16, 2007 | 05:55 AM

#20

Nikolai

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Joined: May 2007

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I've done 70 in 4wd before...doesn't hurt a thing. You guys are paranoid. The transfer case and front end don't care what speed you are going. And yes, there is a need. When it snows a foot on the highway and your doing 65 mph+ 4wd helps tremendously. It's a truck, not a Prius, lol.

Dec 16, 2007 | 10:49 AM

#21

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

Oh sure, as far as speed limit while in 4 wheel drive, just go as fast as you desire.

I'm talking about a speed limit to shift into 4 wheel drive.

Dec 16, 2007 | 11:25 AM

#22

texastech_diesel

Token Redneck

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Breckenridge, TX

So if you can go 70, is the warning card FoMoCo gives you paranoid also? The one that says using 4x4 on dry pavement will bind up your driveline. Cause if you're going 70, isn't there a chance you hit some pavement where all four wheels are gripping equally like on dry pavement?

Dec 16, 2007 | 05:34 PM

#23

RogueSpear2023

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From: Carlos, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by texastech_diesel

It only hurts you to drive on dry pavement in 4wd if you are turning, as long as you going in a straight line like on a highway, or interstate, your fine. It's turning that causes the wheels to turn at different speeds (i.e. outside tire moves farther and faster than inside tire) causing the driveline to bind up, or a tire will break loose and hop. Also turning to full lock in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement is bad. But as long as your going in a realitivily straight line, and not makeing shrap turns there isn't any problems. FoMoCo, puts that stuff out becasue the feel people are to dumb to put it back in 2hi to go around corners on dry pavement, which some people are. Ford is just trying to protect the idiots, basically like all the laws we have now do, with common sense you shouldn't break the law or destroy your truck.

Last edited by RogueSpear2023; Dec 16, 2007 at 05:37 PM.

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Dec 17, 2007 | 08:32 AM

#24

bfloyd4445

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Drain Oregon and Sacramen

Quote:

Originally Posted by texastech_diesel

Is 55 mph the fastest you can drive in 4x4? Not that I'm looking to actually see how fast I can go in 4Hi, just curious.

I used my ESOF a dozen times yesterday and the day before, about half with the hubs lock and half in auto. Never had a single problem with front locking in at all. And Wow I can feel the front tires grip when I flip the switch. In my Ranger the back tires would just stop spinning out when I put it in 4 and I could actually move on snow, but in this truck dang theres a real difference with those front tires digging in.

I can't remember when I have used the lock position, always just use auto. The lock position is nice if something were to go wrong but in almost 20 years of ESOF use I have never had a malfunction.