Help: 4x4 engaging question...

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Dec 30, 2008 | 09:25 AM

calazo

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 283

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From: Bogota, Colombia

Help: 4x4 engaging question...

Hi guys,

...Excuse mi ignorance, I recently got my 2nd Bronco and since I am used to All-Wheel-Drive vehicles I don't how how to engage the 4WD in my new Bronco (either 4L or 4H); my rig comes with the floor stick 4x4 system (upon recommendation by FTE's). Should I shift (A/T) into neutral and then...? Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL...!

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-1994 Bronco XLT: 302, E4OD, 3.08 gears, 31", Bi-fuel: Gasoline & Compressed Natural Gas: Since Dec, 2008...
-1992 Bronco XLT: 4x2, 300 I-6, C-6, 3.08 gears, all stock: 2001 -2005

Dec 30, 2008 | 09:40 AM

NWBronco

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 497

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From: Olympia USA

From 2HI to 4HI can be done while moving. Just let off the gas and let the drivetrain unbind, it'll shift fine. From 4HI to 4LO, you need to be completely stopped. Shiftting out of 4LO and 4HI can be done while moving, again let off the gas to unload the drivetrain first.

Dec 30, 2008 | 04:56 PM

helirich

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,274

Likes: 1

NW is correct, but I might add a few points.

1. From 2hi to 4hi or back while moving is no problem, IF THE WHEELS ARE LOCKED.

2. There is a netral between 4lo and 4hi. You can shift in to this netral while moving, but getting back in to 4lo or 4hi may be a problem.

3. There is curious situation you can get in to where the transfer case is in netral and the transmission is spinning in netral. (if there is no drag, the torque converter will get it going) If you try to shift the transfer case out of netral, it will grind. If you shift the traqnsmission to drive it spins faster, if you try to shift reverse or park, it will grind. The only answer at this point is to shut off the truck and shift the trans to park.

Dec 30, 2008 | 05:20 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

See the back of the drivers sun visor for a quick reference.

Jan 3, 2009 | 06:07 PM

Aciancio

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 282

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From: Broken Arrow

One thing no one has really brought up is your hubs, First off do you have manual or automatic locking front Hubs. If you have Manual hubs you will need to stop and lock in the hubs before you shift between 2H-4H. If you have auto hubs(and they still work) then you can shift the transfer case at any time, but once you are back in 2H you will need to drive the bronco at least 15ft in the opposite direction from what you where moving before you shifted back into 2H to unlock the hubs.

Jan 3, 2009 | 11:47 PM

75_92_95

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 140

Likes: 5

I try not to shift into 4Hi above 55 mph or so. Of course sometimes when you're in the mud you're spinning 55 and only moving 5.

Also, just curious about how you got the 4X2 Bronco listed in your profile? Toss the front driveshaft?

Jan 6, 2009 | 09:03 AM

calazo

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 283

Likes: 0

From: Bogota, Colombia

Guys, I finally managed to operate the 4x4. Since I didn't have the owner's manual or the quick guide on the visor I had to ask... My rig comes with auto-lock hubs; I shifted while the A/T on neutral to 4HI, no problem, then I had to try to move the car until the case clicked into Low Range and went up hill on a muddy surface easily. In fact, I was impressed by the climbing power it gave to my truck. On the other hand, note that both my rigs (my first and 2nd Bronco) are Venezuelan-built CKD models, with slight differences to those assembled in the U.S.; some of those Venezuelan Broncos (mostly equipped with a carbed 300 I-6) came 4x2 stock as did most o their F-150s at the time (late 1980s, early 1990s). The 4x2s were designed for hauling purposes and since 4x2s tend to be faster and more economical, some people prefer them and of course handling is better. Some people down here also tend to remove the front-4x4 drive shaft to have the truck drive faster and more economical. I once drove a '78 Bronco with the 351M and C-6 with this setup and it was a torque monster! Still, I prefer 4x4 models for any truck and even cars (I've been an AWD Subaru owner as well)... Thanks anyway...