Quick easy 4x4 question?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
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Quick easy 4x4 question?
I've never owned a 4x4 so this is probably a dumb question. Plus I don't have an owners manual so I can't check there.
So say you have your hubs locked and your driving around 15 to 25 mph, can you switch the transfer case to 4x4? As of now I've always come to a complete stop and I guess I've always wondered if I needed to. I know the correct procedure for 4x4 low and that I know has to be done one way.
Thanks
So say you have your hubs locked and your driving around 15 to 25 mph, can you switch the transfer case to 4x4? As of now I've always come to a complete stop and I guess I've always wondered if I needed to. I know the correct procedure for 4x4 low and that I know has to be done one way.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
for 4H u can but not 4L... if u try 4L it will grind like hell and if u do manage to get it in u will be geating the steering wheel lol
u can shift 4H while driving thats why they are close together
u have to stop or slow way the heck down for 4L
u can shift 4H while driving thats why they are close together
u have to stop or slow way the heck down for 4L
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
You can go in and out of 4hi at highways speeds with no problem.
When you shift let off the gas, move the lever to 4hi and then back on the gas again. Saying it takes longer then doing it!
Same shifting back to 2hi, you don't have to let off the gas when you move the lever into 2hi but it will not drop out of 4hi until you do so. Best is to just do it right as you shift so you don't end up cornering, making sharp turns on hard pavement or hard packed dry gravel with it in 4 wheel. Doing so is very hard on it so avoid it as much as possible
When you shift let off the gas, move the lever to 4hi and then back on the gas again. Saying it takes longer then doing it!
Same shifting back to 2hi, you don't have to let off the gas when you move the lever into 2hi but it will not drop out of 4hi until you do so. Best is to just do it right as you shift so you don't end up cornering, making sharp turns on hard pavement or hard packed dry gravel with it in 4 wheel. Doing so is very hard on it so avoid it as much as possible
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Sterling, Va
ok not trying to hijack the thread. but can yall explain all the gears with 4wd and how to use em because i've never been in a 4wd so im alittle confused. i keep hearing you have to lock the hubs and drive backward to do it and other ways gets kinda confusing.
Thanks
Kyle
Thanks
Kyle
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
ok not trying to hijack the thread. but can yall explain all the gears with 4wd and how to use em because i've never been in a 4wd so im alittle confused. i keep hearing you have to lock the hubs and drive backward to do it and other ways gets kinda confusing.
Thanks
Kyle
Thanks
Kyle
Get a stiff u-joint or two and dirty lock out rolling back and forth may be needed to get them locked as well as unlocked agian.
Best to move in a straight line for a few feet either way just to make it eaiser for everything to slide fully into place, so you don't make a turn with a lock out half locked. Good way to break something.
If you are on a hard dry surface any surface the tires will get a good bite ovoid making sharp turns with it in 4 wheel, if you do you'll feel it and might even hear it. If you hear it you'll no doubt be unhappy you did!
On a hard surface you don't need 4 wheel anyway, you can have the hubs locked just take the TC out of 4 wheel.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,995
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From: raymond alberta
Well 2 and 4 hi are the same gearing 4 lo cuts the ratio in half. If the u-joints are all in good shape and the lockouts work like they should there is no reason to back up first. Just lock the hubs, pull the lever back and go.
Get a stiff u-joint or two and dirty lock out rolling back and forth may be needed to get them locked as well as unlocked agian.
Best to move in a straight line for a few feet either way just to make it eaiser for everything to slide fully into place, so you don't make a turn with a lock out half locked. Good way to break something.
If you are on a hard dry surface any surface the tires will get a good bite ovoid making sharp turns with it in 4 wheel, if you do you'll feel it and might even hear it. If you hear it you'll no doubt be unhappy you did!
On a hard surface you don't need 4 wheel anyway, you can have the hubs locked just take the TC out of 4 wheel.
Get a stiff u-joint or two and dirty lock out rolling back and forth may be needed to get them locked as well as unlocked agian.
Best to move in a straight line for a few feet either way just to make it eaiser for everything to slide fully into place, so you don't make a turn with a lock out half locked. Good way to break something.
If you are on a hard dry surface any surface the tires will get a good bite ovoid making sharp turns with it in 4 wheel, if you do you'll feel it and might even hear it. If you hear it you'll no doubt be unhappy you did!
On a hard surface you don't need 4 wheel anyway, you can have the hubs locked just take the TC out of 4 wheel.
i got stuck once in some real sticky mud, hubs were not lockd in and i was in 2wd, the truck immediatley sunk to the hubs so when i locked them in the ruts were so deep the wheels had no room to turn and my driver side hub got stuck, not locked in but not open either, the wheel was completely seized, it wound up stretching the t-case chain...
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
You need to reverse to disengage the hubs once you unlock them.
Don't drive with the 4x4 on dry surfaces, it'll tear up the front universals.
There should be instructions on the top of your drivers side visor.
Don't drive with the 4x4 on dry surfaces, it'll tear up the front universals.
There should be instructions on the top of your drivers side visor.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
when you lock the hubs in they wont completely lock in untill the wheel turns weather the t-case is in 4 wheel or not, as long as the wheels can move
When sitting still as in rear wheels just spin and front wheels have not moved? Sure they will provided of course the lockouts are clean, lubed and working right.
Lock your hub, without moving the truck reach in behind the wheel and turn the axle shaft, you will hear the lockout lock. If not you got work to do.
When sitting still as in rear wheels just spin and front wheels have not moved? Sure they will provided of course the lockouts are clean, lubed and working right.
Lock your hub, without moving the truck reach in behind the wheel and turn the axle shaft, you will hear the lockout lock. If not you got work to do.
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Posting Guru
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if you think your going to be needing 4wd get out and lock ur hubs before hand its fine to drive on like that when it comes time for 4wd just let off the gas or stop and pull it back into 4hi (the idea is to get all tires spinning about the same speed) or stop and go N or Park to go to 4Lo
for this time of year if there are roads with snow on em my hubs are always left locked, but i do avoid turning the steerin wheel all the way in either direction
for this time of year if there are roads with snow on em my hubs are always left locked, but i do avoid turning the steerin wheel all the way in either direction
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
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From: Rusty, Maine
That's funny. I do the same thing in or out.
