How long can you drive in 4x4 low?

[Din]

How long could you drive the truck in 4x4 low mode? Also is 4x4 high the best to use when the streets is snow and icy? How long could you drive in 4x4 high?

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by Din

How long could you drive the truck in 4x4 low mode? Also is 4x4 high the best to use when the streets is snow and icy? How long could you drive in 4x4 high?

As far as I'm concerned:

4x4 Lo is for under 25mph, and very poor conditions.

4x4 hi or lo should NEVER be used on normal driving conditions, or it will wear on your drivetrain. Never use 4x4 over 45mph... if the roads are bad enough you need it you shouldn't be going that fast!

4x4 hi is intended for loose/slippery surfaces, such as snow/ice, mud, etc, and should not be used for extended periods of time. (Long road trips.)

I use mine for when I am plowing, or when off-roading, (only in mud/loose terrain) or driving in very poor conditions. (6+" of snow.)

Even in poor conditions, I usually leave it in 4x2.... only in really BAD conditions will I drive on the roads in 4x4.

These are the guidelines I use... IMHO.

[75' forty]

added some comments to clarify a few things.

Originally Posted by ToMang07

As far as I'm concerned:

4x4 Lo is for under 25mph, and very poor conditions.
yep, i only use low if high isn't moving me


4x4 hi or lo should NEVER be used on normal driving conditions, or it will wear on your drivetrain. Never use 4x4 over 45mph... if the roads are bad enough you need it you shouldn't be going that fast!
you can go faster than 45 mph in high (owners manual should give you the details your looking for), but he is correct if you can go 45 you probably don't need 4wd. i'd switch in and out as needed, only switch in and out if your at a steady speed (front and rear tires spinning at same rate of speed), if your rear tires are spinning on ice and you engage probably going to see some parts flying,


4x4 hi is intended for loose/slippery surfaces, such as snow/ice, mud, etc, and should not be used for extended periods of time. (Long road trips.)
no time limit on how long it can be engaged, if your on a slippery trail you can stay in 4wd if that's what you feel more comfortable in


I use mine for when I am plowing, or when off-roading, (only in mud/loose terrain) or driving in very poor conditions. (6+" of snow.)

Even in poor conditions, I usually leave it in 4x2.... only in really BAD conditions will I drive on the roads in 4x4.

These are the guidelines I use... IMHO.

[EPFD217]

There is no guideline about how long to use 4wd. Use it as needed. If you can get around in 2wd, then do it, no matter what the conditions are. 4wd isn't magic, it just turns more tires. If you lose control in 4wd its less predictable then if you lose control in 2wd. If you're having traction issues in 2wd, then try 4hi. That is your best bet, but it shouldn't be an automatic for driving on ice or snow. The truck is very capable without 4wd. Tires are the limiting factor to your traction.

4LO doesn't add any additional ability to the truck than 4hi did, it just provides lower gearing. Your tires will turn faster with less throttle input, it does nothing to make the truck more capable. It isn't stronger or better. If you're not sure when to use 4LO, then don't. You don't need it.

[Galaxie]

I use my low if I am working in someones yard and dont want to use a lot of throttle (to keep grass nice). Also, if I am using my truck to really move stuff. For example, I pulled some really deep poles out of the ground, Low was great, not much more than idle to yank them out.

High is used when it is crappy out. If there is a lot of snow, I am in high.

[Galaxie]

P.S. My Nitto Terra Graplers suck and I need 4x4 a lot more than I did with my BFs or even my goodyears.

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by EPFD217

The truck is very capable without 4wd. Tires are the limiting factor to your traction.
Very True.
4LO doesn't add any additional ability to the truck than 4hi did, it just provides lower gearing. Your tires will turn SLOWER with less throttle input, it does nothing to make the truck more capable. It isn't stronger or better. If you're not sure when to use 4LO, then don't. You don't need it.

4x4lo is going to make the tires turn SLOWER, as the gear is lower, and the engine will have to spin much faster to turn the tires. Think of it as driving in 2nd vs. 1st gear... 2nd you will go faster at lower RPM's. 1st gear you can go fast, but the RPM's will be much higher, and also there will be more power to the wheels. Same principle to 4x4lo. I dont think you could go above 30 in 4x4lo without blowing your heads out!

[smokersteve]

Originally Posted by Din

How long could you drive the truck in 4x4 low mode? Also is 4x4 high the best to use when the streets is snow and icy? How long could you drive in 4x4 high?

You can drive as long as you want in any setting. But if you can go into 2x4 do that to keep the longevity up from ware and tare.

Driving in a situation where you have to go slow. Start in 2x4. If you get stuck then you have 4x4high or 4x4low to get you out. If you start in any 4x4 and you get stuck, then you are stuck. The difference between low and high is only the gear ratio, there are no traction adjustments.

If you need 4x4 and are driving under 20 allot, use 4x4 low to keep trans temps down proper rpms for the engine to keep it from lugging around in first and second gear.

[VTski4x4]

4lo is meant for situations where you are stuck and need a lot of torque to get moving again. It should not be used over 25mph in any 4lo equipped vehicle. If you read the owners manual I'm sure it says that as well. Good info Mango

[smokersteve]

Originally Posted by VTski4x4

4lo is meant for situations where you are stuck and need a lot of torque to get moving again. But not for when you are slipping. Once the tires slip in any 4x4 situation, switching between the 2 settings will not regain tire traction. It should not be used over 25mph in any 4lo equipped vehicle. If you read the owners manual I'm sure it says that as well. Good info Mango

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