4WD Questions

philmeup1 · Post by **philmeup1** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 5:58 pm

Hello folks,

We're already well into winter here in southern Ontario, and with that being said I have a few 4WD questions that I really should have sorted out years ago. I've owned my van for almost 7 years now, and the 4WD is most excellent in the winter months. But I've never been 100% sure on how to properly engage & disengage this option.

I believe there's even a 4 low and a 4 high, but I've never tried it. When I want to go into 4WD, I stop the van, move the short lever forward and then begin driving again. I was told that in order to properly disengage the 4WD, you're supposed to stop the van, and pull the short lever back towards you. Then at this point you are supposed to put the van in reverse and back up for approx 10 feet to fully disengage the 4WD.

Is this true? And can you put the vehicle in 4WD while you are actually driving, or should you be stopped? is there a 4 Low & High? I'm always afraid I might break something, so I try to be ginger with the old girl. It is a '93 after all.

The other day I switched it into 4, and when I gave it some throttle, there was a loud banging sound coming from underneath. Everything seems fine, but I just want to be careful so as not to damage anything unnecessarily. I don't understand what Auto Free Hub means. And as you can clearly now see, I really don't know much about the 4WD at all.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Phil

Shaun Van Ramen · Post by **Shaun Van Ramen** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 8:41 pm

According to my manual ('91 L300)
Put the tranny in Neutral or Park - Shove the shorty stick into the desired 4WD setting and off you go. I do get the obligatory clunk every now and then. As for getting out - same thing - N or P then back up a few feet. You'll see your 4Wd indicator light turn off as well.
There are recommended speed restrictions as well. I believe 4H max 50KPH / 4L 30KPH. But i need to review the manual as here in Wetcouver I don't use it that often.

philmeup1 · Post by **philmeup1** » Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:41 am

Ok cool, Thanks Shaun. From now on I'll always do a little reversing when I take it out of 4WD. I'm also going to continue to stop before switching between 2 & 4. I'm also only going use the 4WD at lower speeds.

deskinthewoods · Post by **deskinthewoods** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 11:58 am

This from Growlerbearnz somewhere long ago:

-No maximum speed in 4WD 4H. (4L will be limited to 30kmh)
-Only use 4WD on slippery surfaces where the front and rear wheels can rotate at different speeds if needed. No dry, grippy pavement!
-If the "wheel lock" light is off, only shift from 2H->4H when stationary.
-Once the "wheel lock" light is on, you can shift between 2H and 4H and back at any speed (but try and be below 30mph to make it easier on the gearbox).
-Only shift between 4H and 4L when stationary.
-To unlock the auto hubs, shift to 2H and reverse until the light goes out. (If you were driving in reverse in 4WD, you'll have to drive *forwards* to unlock the hubs)

deskinthewoods · Post by **deskinthewoods** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 12:07 pm

Also...

Not unlocking the hubs after 4-wheeling isn't damaging. It just leaves the wheels engaged so the CV joints will keep turning with the wheels. It'll lower your fuel economy marginally and wear the CV joints marginally but not a huge issue. Mine has the permanently locked wheel hubs. I never need to worry about them seizing from lack of use! :)

I live on a dirt road with a steep-ish hill. Every day I pop it into 4H for the hill just to keep everything working well. (Don't be scared, Phil, they are built to be used!)

( You might want to get the transfer case oil changed if it hasn't been used in long time, check the level at the very least)

philmeup1 · Post by **philmeup1** » Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:28 pm

Thanks deskinthewoods, (and growlerbearnz). This is very detailed and most excellent:) I've really only needed 2WD & 4WD. I'm not an off road guy, so the 4WD is just for the 9 months of winter we get in Southern Ontario, lol. And man, what a godsend the 4WD has been so far this winter. I was coming from a gig in Newmarket back to Peterborough and it was snowmageddon on the roads. without the 4WD, I never would have made it. I wanted to kiss the ground and have a shot of vodka when I finally made it safe and sound.So I did have the latter.

Thanks for the information.

Cheers,

Phil

deskinthewoods · Post by **deskinthewoods** » Mon Dec 16, 2019 6:17 pm

Don’t ever kiss the ground in this weather; you’ll stick and we’ll find your dedicated carcass in the spring!