4x4 low range question
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4x4 low range question
I have a 1993 F250 4x4 extended cab with 351/5spd and manual hubs. Just got the truck a while ago and It has lots of power and clutch feels good, no slipping.
But my question is when I put it in 4 low and start off in 1st gear the engine revs up high imediatly and the truck moves but not with the pull I'd expect. It seems to pull harder in 2nd or 3rd gear when in 4 low, just wondering if it just feels this way because the engine is red linning in first gear so quickly, or is clutch slipping, or something in transfer case slipping??
Thanks
mat
also with snow possible coming wondring can I drive around in city with hubs locked, but truck in 2wheel drive on dry/clear roads, and than just put it into 4 high or 4 low on the snowy icy roads. Wil this damage anything?
Thanks again
But my question is when I put it in 4 low and start off in 1st gear the engine revs up high imediatly and the truck moves but not with the pull I'd expect. It seems to pull harder in 2nd or 3rd gear when in 4 low, just wondering if it just feels this way because the engine is red linning in first gear so quickly, or is clutch slipping, or something in transfer case slipping??
Thanks
mat
also with snow possible coming wondring can I drive around in city with hubs locked, but truck in 2wheel drive on dry/clear roads, and than just put it into 4 high or 4 low on the snowy icy roads. Wil this damage anything?
Thanks again
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Olympia
You should be fine doing that. I drove around for a week with my hubs locked in and it didn't damage anything. A lot of people overreact, it takes a little bit more time to damage anything.
Elder User
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Actualy sounds normal to me. Your truck has the Zf 5 speed right. I don't think the 250's came with that crappy mazda trans. If so that trans has a low first gear already. Designed to get the truck rolling when loaded down. Unloaded you should only have a second or two before shifting to second. I don't use the first gear when empty. When in 4 low you have the additional low gearing added and that will make it rev alot quicker.
Yes you can leave the hubs locked at all times. Will wear more parts faster and hurt the Mpg's some. Northerners tend to do that. I have never minded getting out to lock them in.
Yes you can leave the hubs locked at all times. Will wear more parts faster and hurt the Mpg's some. Northerners tend to do that. I have never minded getting out to lock them in.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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Your Assesment if low range operation is correct.
Think of a ten speed bicycle, in the lowest gear possible, and notice how fast you can turn the pedals immediately, and how slow you actually go. Same principle.
Now, as far as running around with the hubs locked,,,,,feel free to do so. You will not wear anything out any faster.
The rear axle does not wear out very quickly right? It can last for several years and those are always experoencing power.
Some full time systems do not even have locking hubs.
Many owners lock the hubs in the winter and unlock them after the entire season is over.
Think of a ten speed bicycle, in the lowest gear possible, and notice how fast you can turn the pedals immediately, and how slow you actually go. Same principle.
Now, as far as running around with the hubs locked,,,,,feel free to do so. You will not wear anything out any faster.
The rear axle does not wear out very quickly right? It can last for several years and those are always experoencing power.
Some full time systems do not even have locking hubs.
Many owners lock the hubs in the winter and unlock them after the entire season is over.
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Thanks for the replies, thought it was ok in first, justfelt bit strange. My last 4x4 was a 3 speed auto so first was not such a tall gear and before that I just had 2 wheel drives.
Another, newbie question, just double checking, with manual hubs I don' t need to bother driving in reverse after going back into 2 wheel drive. That's just an auto hub thing, correct?
Another, newbie question, just double checking, with manual hubs I don' t need to bother driving in reverse after going back into 2 wheel drive. That's just an auto hub thing, correct?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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I did not intend to point fingers at "right" or "wrong", simply stating that nothing can be worn out from turning, or rotating.
Since the front output is not engaged, the front end components are just along for he ride, and really there is no strain, nor is there any torque applied to any of the components. This means that the amount of wear applied to them is mimimal.
Turning radius is no affected, since the steering stops are the only thing that can determine this.
If the front axle has some sort of traction device this limited turning, or other similar issues could present a bit of an issue, but none that would prevent the operator from going about a normal day to day drive.
When I ran a Detoit up front, I often drove the truck with the front hubs engaged.
Even today, when I am headed up to the trailhead, I will lock the front hubs early and drive with them locked, so that I can throw some lube around, and get some temp in the front end before I hammer on it off road.
Locking the front hubs and driving on the highway is a great way to get the tepms in the front end up a bit.
Mileage loss is truly minimal.
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Elder User
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I had some bad U-joint bind that always hurt my turning radius when engaged. Can't remember which axle that was though. 79 d44 or 89 ttb44. Actually now that I think a little it was my old 89 F150 with that damn ttb front with the good ole reliable auto hubs.
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Postmaster
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From: raymond alberta
my front hubs are never unlocked...more wear on anything is a myth...its all lubricated for a reason...
wont hurt yuor steering any like 75F350 said its the steering stops that will do that... but DO NOT adjust those stops, unless you find a higher radius steering box or something, if you adjust those stops to try and gain turining radius they become useless and now the steering box acts as the stops which can be incredibly hard on it and you usually wind up eating through the steerin boxes by doing this, not to mention this could also cause the axle joints to bind up, thats why the stops are there, not to lessen the turn radius but to protect the steering components
BTW the mazda junkbox trannys came in F250s but only behind the 302...other than that all F250/F350s were the ZF i believe (yes even the 300) and i think all f150s were the mazda (an f150 with the 351 might have a zf but i dont think so)
wont hurt yuor steering any like 75F350 said its the steering stops that will do that... but DO NOT adjust those stops, unless you find a higher radius steering box or something, if you adjust those stops to try and gain turining radius they become useless and now the steering box acts as the stops which can be incredibly hard on it and you usually wind up eating through the steerin boxes by doing this, not to mention this could also cause the axle joints to bind up, thats why the stops are there, not to lessen the turn radius but to protect the steering components
BTW the mazda junkbox trannys came in F250s but only behind the 302...other than that all F250/F350s were the ZF i believe (yes even the 300) and i think all f150s were the mazda (an f150 with the 351 might have a zf but i dont think so)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Except when doing a bit of highway driving, I always left my hubs locked in for winter up north.. It would knock about 2-3 mpg off though, but, that is with my smaller B2. The hubs locked in did make the steering feel heavier. I can't say it made any difference in bigger 4x4s. When you get 9.9 mpg city, it can't get much worse with a parasitic drag 
As for your low range function, sounds normal to me. If you had a real load, you would feel the power AND you would have to shift out of 1st gear sooner too. If my hubs were unlocked, I would drive a lot in 1st gear/4x4 low for creeping stop and go traffic with my manual trucks.
As for your low range function, sounds normal to me. If you had a real load, you would feel the power AND you would have to shift out of 1st gear sooner too. If my hubs were unlocked, I would drive a lot in 1st gear/4x4 low for creeping stop and go traffic with my manual trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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Thats funny. I do the same thing in my Yota. When I drive a Yota 4by in heavy Los Angeles traffic, I often pop the case into low range with the front hubs unlocked. Bumper to bumper traffic is no problem at such low speeds, and I seldom have to shift out of second gear, or use the clutch.
I can apply the brakes and almost come to a complete stop without ever pushing the clutch pedal.
Ive also gotten pretty good at shifting back onto 2wd high range on the fly.
Probably why I can get so many miles out of a clutch.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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Yeah, gotta get around somehow. The convenience of the little truck was too much to pass up. Ive always had a Yota around.
This was a great deal at 500 bucks. Too good to pass up.
I threatened to keep it stock and have done a good job, but it will get a Beard suspension seat (bench) and a solid front axle, along with a full cage. Ive already thrown in a late model axle with an e-locker, chro-mo shafts in the back, and just have to make some diac brake brackets to finish that.
That will be the extent of this build. Nothing crazy, just a nice little driver.
We know I cant leave anything stock, lol.
haha
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 788
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From: Cascade, ID
nice lil driver.....
you forgot to mention the blown 6.0LS motor and full coilover/four-link desert suspension.......
$500 is a smokin' deal, they are worth their weight in gold up here. Only ones that cheap are totaled......
Is that one the 22re or the 3.0 headgasket eater?....
I had taco for about 6 months, but at 6'5" it was too tight for me, and I didn't like the payments. Kinda wish I had one now though.
$500 is a smokin' deal, they are worth their weight in gold up here. Only ones that cheap are totaled......
Is that one the 22re or the 3.0 headgasket eater?....
I had taco for about 6 months, but at 6'5" it was too tight for me, and I didn't like the payments. Kinda wish I had one now though.