4x4 for dummies?
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4x4 for dummies?
Does anyone know of any websites or links to a sort of ‘4x4 for Dummies’ tutorial regarding basic four wheel drive capabilities for those like me who are only marginally knowledgeable about 4x4’s? For example when to use 4-low and not to use 4-high, what to use when hauling a trailer on icy pavement and etcetera? I recently picked up an ’02 Supercrew 4x4 and prior to this my only experience with four wheeled operation was an all wheel drive Honda Pilot.
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
How about reading your owners manual? If you don't have one, you can download one here. Click on owners manuals on the left hand menu bar.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/maintenance.asp Good luck!
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/maintenance.asp Good luck!
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I found the owner’s manual to be somewhat helpful, but I got the feeling that it only covered the top few critical instances regarding a 4x4’s operating abilities. I am hoping there is something out there that goes into much more detail or maybe gives some real life stories / examples. For example, prior to purchasing this awesome F-150 (I really wasn’t even looking for a 4x4 when I stumbled across this great deal) and reading the owner’s manual, I had no idea that it was very harmful to operate a 4x4 on dry pavement. Like I said, my driving experience to this point has been a dedicated all-wheel drive SUV where there is no switching back and forth between 4wd or 2wd.
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From: north shore, minnesota
Not much to it really. When you start losing traction, shift it into 4HI. You'll probably never use 4LO unless you're pulling your trailer out of the mud. Trial and error really, you'll figure it out.
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If you didn't plan on buying a 4wd in the first place, then it may be helpful to not put it in 4wd unless you use it or deem it necessary (obviously).
With that said, 4x4 locks both teh front and rear axles so you NEED slippage when turning so as the axle does not bind. In other words, 4wd is only good in snow, mud, ice, and okay in wet pavement (no tight turns)
4lo basically multiples your torque ratio using the gearing of the transfer case, rear end and transmission to give you a ridiculous amount of torque. There's a specific speed, but don't go over like 10 mph in it. It's good for slowing down on steep hills and inclines - 4lo and first gear.
Hope that helps, it's kinda the 4x4 for dummies. If not, google "how stuff works 4wd" or something similar. It'll give you the mechanics behind that and binding so you can use that knowledge to apply to your specific situation.
-rockstate
With that said, 4x4 locks both teh front and rear axles so you NEED slippage when turning so as the axle does not bind. In other words, 4wd is only good in snow, mud, ice, and okay in wet pavement (no tight turns)
4lo basically multiples your torque ratio using the gearing of the transfer case, rear end and transmission to give you a ridiculous amount of torque. There's a specific speed, but don't go over like 10 mph in it. It's good for slowing down on steep hills and inclines - 4lo and first gear.
Hope that helps, it's kinda the 4x4 for dummies. If not, google "how stuff works 4wd" or something similar. It'll give you the mechanics behind that and binding so you can use that knowledge to apply to your specific situation.
-rockstate
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Maybe I am making too much of this due to a lack of experience, but I just want to make sure that I don’t cause a malfunction with my F-150 that could have been easily avoided. For example, my area just received a couple of inches of snow on top of some ice. On my way home tonight I kept thinking that I needed to kick back into 2wd every time I came to a patch where the road crews was able to get the slush down to the pavement. But then I would be kicking on the 4wd every other block or so. Again, maybe I am making too much of this.
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Well, this is a great question - one that I don't really have experience in (will in a few days though)
If you're driving in a straight line, it should make no difference. If you have to make like a sharp right hand turn, I'd probably kick her outta 4 wheel.
Going in and out of 4wd does add stress to the drivetrain. Remember, 4wd ONLY helps you get going and some will debate whether or not it helps you stop and turn.
I for one think it helps you turn because it will help pull you through instead of just push. You have to have some slippage so as not to cause harm.
Do what YOU feel safe driving in b/c that's better than nothing. If you have good tires, I'd just chillax on those.
-rockstate
If you're driving in a straight line, it should make no difference. If you have to make like a sharp right hand turn, I'd probably kick her outta 4 wheel.
Going in and out of 4wd does add stress to the drivetrain. Remember, 4wd ONLY helps you get going and some will debate whether or not it helps you stop and turn.
I for one think it helps you turn because it will help pull you through instead of just push. You have to have some slippage so as not to cause harm.
Do what YOU feel safe driving in b/c that's better than nothing. If you have good tires, I'd just chillax on those.
-rockstate
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Runnells, Iowa
I just recently went on a 530 mile trip pulling a car trailer empty one way and loaded coming back. I used 4wd about half the trip. I ran anywhere from 30 mph to 70mph in 4wd. I did switch it out when I saw dry pavement other than that the pavement looked slick, I left it locked in. You can shift these trucks in and out of 4wd on the go but you don't want to be spinning out while doing so. I will agree that having the truck in 4wd will help you slow down especially if you down shift. Like said before, you'll get a feel for the truck and the way it handles in and out of 4wd. Feel free to ask anymore ?'s cause thats what we're here for. 
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As for 4 low I have no idea what someone who never goes offroad could ever use it for, since you have to be fully stopped to even engage it, it would be useless while driving, plus top speed would be maybe 30mph. I find it very handy on trucks with manual hubs but yours doesn't have that so I won't waste time with that. I use 4high on dry pavement when it is off and on snow/ice up to around 55mph. I figure if you an go faster than that there is no reason you need to be in 4wd or you are going too fast for the ice yo are on. When I am moving and need to shift in or out of 4hi I let completely off the gas and coast while it shifts, you will hear a small tick in the dash when it activates. If you have the truck in 4wd and it is too dry you will feel it in the steering wheel as it will jerk and buck the truck and wheel around. Even on snow and/or ice do not turn the wheel all the way in 4wd it is hard on it even with the slick conditions.
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