Posted: 4/7/2009 4:34:01 AM EDT
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For those 4wd guys out there, when should I use my low-range transfer case? If I can spin my tires in 4hi, would 4low even do me any good? |
| It helps a lot when you're using engine braking to descend steep grades. I've only had occasion to use it once, on a fairly technical route with lots of ups/downs, but it was invaluable for a ~25% grade I had do descend that was about 8 inches wider than my vehicle. |
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I use low range all the time. Probably over 1/2 of the time I'm off road. It offers a lot more torque to go up and over obstacles, as well as allowing you to approach the obstacle more slowly, without having to feather the clutch. You can adjust your speed down the trail with your transmission gear, I'll often cruise down the trail in 3rd gear, 4 low.
I use it all the time. Especially when pulling someone out. If you need wheelspin, however, 4hi is your friend. |
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just remember to be fully stopped before shifting into low range.  True, but it depends also. Some t-cases like you to be moving 1-3mph. I know the Dana 300 on my CJ likes me to be moving a tad, but the NP233 on my S10 likes me to be stopped..... Could be electric vs manual, or gear-to-gear vs gear-to-chain. My point of that confusing ramble was just to say that it depends as well.
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Most times if you need to spin your tires, or they are already spinning, then low range isn't much help... You need wheel speed to clear tread and move mud.
However, when you need to creep up steep rock obstacles, or put a lot of power gently onto something (Stumps, mentioned above) or are descending steep grades throw it in. |
| Pretty much what everyone said. I use low range when I want to crawl over or up something. Wheel spinning and low range dont mix, cuz you run out of motor and RPM to make it effective. Most wheel spinning is done to either clean out tires in mud or to keep momentum up climbing a hill or something. IMO, low range and hi range are like nite and day and are for diff. applications. If hi range works, it doesnt mean lo range will work better. If im going thru a mud hole, its hi range and a good bit of throttle, but if there is rocks or something I need to get up and over, ill use low range for better control. If its a long-ish type hill, ill probably go hi range, you dont really get the momentum with more low range gear boxes. Best thing is to go and play and learn the differences, just be safe and carefull. dont get in over your head. If you try climbing a hill in low range and dont get the momentum going, you could end up on your lid and thats never good. |
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Pretty much what everyone said. I use low range when I want to crawl over or up something. Wheel spinning and low range dont mix, cuz you run out of motor and RPM to make it effective. Most wheel spinning is done to either clean out tires in mud or to keep momentum up climbing a hill or something. IMO, low range and hi range are like nite and day and are for diff. applications. If hi range works, it doesnt mean lo range will work better. If im going thru a mud hole, its hi range and a good bit of throttle, but if there is rocks or something I need to get up and over, ill use low range for better control. If its a long-ish type hill, ill probably go hi range, you dont really get the momentum with more low range gear boxes. Best thing is to go and play and learn the differences, just be safe and carefull. dont get in over your head. If you try climbing a hill in low range and dont get the momentum going, you could end up on your lid and thats never good. +1 I only use it when creeping over obstacles or negotiating tight spots. If I am spinning, I lock out the rear end 
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| if im off pavement, im probably on a trail, so im in 4 low. 3rd gear low range has been the most wheel speed ive never needed to get through mud. If you are going fast enough that you cant use 4low, i think you really need to reconsider whether you need to be in 4wd at all. It just gives you more options. |
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if im off pavement, im probably on a trail, so im in 4 low. 3rd gear low range has been the most wheel speed ive never needed to get through mud. If you are going fast enough that you cant use 4low, i think you really need to reconsider whether you need to be in 4wd at all. It just gives you more options. Yup. 4hi for snow, really light trails. 4lo for anything else offroad. Easier throttle modulation, less strain on engine/trans, more engine braking. |
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if im off pavement, im probably on a trail, so im in 4 low. 3rd gear low range has been the most wheel speed ive never needed to get through mud. If you are going fast enough that you cant use 4low, i think you really need to reconsider whether you need to be in 4wd at all. It just gives you more options. Sound advice there, I see idiots that think because they have 4wd that they can drive 65mph in 3ft of snow and stop on a dime. |
| Whatever you can get into in 2WD you can get out of in 4WD. And plus I usually have more fun trying to get over things or getting through mud in 2WD, if you get bogged down..put in 4HI or 4LO. It pisses me off when people go from the paved road to a dirt road you could drive down with a civic and switch to 4LO going 3 mph. 4LO is meant for climbing or pulling where you're putting alot of stress on your tranny or clutch, also gives you some breathing room when you're in tight quarters its easier to go slow. |
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Simple,
Put it in 4-Low when you know a tow truck wont come back to where you are at or offroading by yourself without a recovery vehicle 
I cruise in 2wd most of the time and get unstuck with 4wd..Makes it more fun to get unstuck and push the 4wd buttons more often. Sometimes if you have to stop and put in 4hi to 4 low your already stuck, but worth a shot to try 4low. |