Using 4x2 Low Range for towing?
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Using 4x2 Low Range for towing?
I posted this in the towing section, however i wanted more info from the f150 crowd.
I was wondering if it would be feasible to disconnect the actuator for the front diff and use 4x2 low range for climbing the steep hills in the mountains, I understand that there will be speed limitations (top speed of 30mph) and I’m not trying to break any records, just trying to figure out how to minimize transmission temps and make it a little easier pull for the last 10-15 miles on the trip. I used to do this in my 1988 F150 (leaving the hubs unlocked) and it worked fine. As often as I go to this destination it wouldn’t make since for me to get a bigger truck as I am rather happy with the one I have, and it pulls the trailer just fine on regular trips.
Specs:
1997 150 SCSB 4x4, 4.6, Auto, 3.55gears w/ locker, 33” tires, trans cooler, 4 core alloy radiator. Intake, Headers, Exhaust, TB and Spacer.
Trailer is 5000-5500 lbs
Thanks.
I was wondering if it would be feasible to disconnect the actuator for the front diff and use 4x2 low range for climbing the steep hills in the mountains, I understand that there will be speed limitations (top speed of 30mph) and I’m not trying to break any records, just trying to figure out how to minimize transmission temps and make it a little easier pull for the last 10-15 miles on the trip. I used to do this in my 1988 F150 (leaving the hubs unlocked) and it worked fine. As often as I go to this destination it wouldn’t make since for me to get a bigger truck as I am rather happy with the one I have, and it pulls the trailer just fine on regular trips.
Specs:
1997 150 SCSB 4x4, 4.6, Auto, 3.55gears w/ locker, 33” tires, trans cooler, 4 core alloy radiator. Intake, Headers, Exhaust, TB and Spacer.
Trailer is 5000-5500 lbs
Thanks.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Yeah the 3.55 gears are a killer for sure, i am planning on 4.10's this fall along with a new transmission, i'm just looking to get it up the hill a little easier for the time being. i got a few more tirps planned this summer an 2 of them are at this location.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
A 5% grade is not too bad to pull on.
The GCW you gave is about max for your truck but is compromised with the larger tires adding gearing in the wrong direction (higher) not lower.
Using 4L will help pulling power greatly but slow you down with it's use. This may put you "in the way" of others on the road at some places where they can't pass you..
As well, the front wheels are locked togather and will 'hobble' around turns with any sharpness.
Otherwise it should be ok because the driving torque is now divided by 4 instead of just 2 rear wheels.
Trans fluid may heat a bit due to the slow speeds but a fan on the cooler will help that.
The Shifting/RPM program is also much different in 4L.
Btw, if you would ever loose the rear drive shaft, it is possible to run the truck on front wheel drive alone, on an emergency basis.
Good luck.
The GCW you gave is about max for your truck but is compromised with the larger tires adding gearing in the wrong direction (higher) not lower.
Using 4L will help pulling power greatly but slow you down with it's use. This may put you "in the way" of others on the road at some places where they can't pass you..
As well, the front wheels are locked togather and will 'hobble' around turns with any sharpness.
Otherwise it should be ok because the driving torque is now divided by 4 instead of just 2 rear wheels.
Trans fluid may heat a bit due to the slow speeds but a fan on the cooler will help that.
The Shifting/RPM program is also much different in 4L.
Btw, if you would ever loose the rear drive shaft, it is possible to run the truck on front wheel drive alone, on an emergency basis.
Good luck.
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Freshman User
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thanks for all the good info, i just asked my dad and he said that the steepest part is 16% grade, i'll be leaving early in the AM and there are slow lanes, and i dont plan on turning to sharp untill i get there, so 4low will work fine i think in a pinch.
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Freshman User
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So, put it Drive, and hammer down then? of course without overdrive. Cause that's what i plan on doing. I'm just making sure i have a back-up plan that works.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Montague, NJ
honsetly, if your planning on a gear swap and tranny swap in the near future, just ride it out as is. my trucks had 259k miles on it when i towed a 10,000lb trailer up a mile long 20% grade twice a day, for 2 days. and i got a 4.6, 3.55s and 31s. will NEVER do it again, but it lived. if your gonna replace the tranny anyway, just do it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
your goal is to keep the motor running about 2600- 2800 rpm i guess ?????? that gets you decent HP and keeps the water pump speed and cooling fan speed up.. you put it in 2 or 3 or 4 gear at whatever ground speed you need to get 2800 RPM.
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