4x4

[marsgal42]

I've never exceeded about 50 klicks in 4WD. Super-select vehicles are different in this respect, and can travel at top speed in 4H unlocked.

Well, maybe just a liiiitte faster Those main-line gravel roads are pretty fun in 4 high But the last bit of Marsgal42's quote leaves me confused - If the tranfer case is set in 4 hi but the hubs left unlocked, won't the links to the front hubs simply spin uselessly and poise no threat to the gear on a grippy surface? I totally get leaving the hubs locked but not engaging the tranfer case until reaching a slippery section, but not the other way 'round.

The Super-select transfer case has two 4H settings, one with the transfer case differential free (4H) and the other with it locked (4HLc). That is the locked/unlocked I was referring to, independent of whether the hubs are locked or not.

I bought a copy of the JPNZ L400 owner's manual, just for fun, and it discusses the transfer case settings and when to use them at some length.

...laura

[Green1]

well I learn someting new every day on this site. I have manual lock as well but I didnt now that you could switch on the fly 2wd to 4H.(I have always come to a full stop before switching). Now is there a maximum speed specified ???or can you do this at any speed???Pierre

There is no speed quoted, but if you need to use 4WD, don't you have other concerns?

I've never exceeded about 50 klicks in 4WD. Super-select vehicles are different in this respect, and can travel at top speed in 4H unlocked.

...laura

I've frequently shifted on the fly at speeds of 80kph or slightly higher, just make sure you're travelling in a straight line when you do it. (good gravel roads)

1. Never drive on concrete or ice in 4x4 mode. The potential to break the xcase or axles is high.

Where I come from ice isn't considered a "grippy" surface, and as such you can use 4x4 on it with no problems...

[Bessie the Mud Slayer]

Clarity has been achieved. Thanks all for the responses, the wealth of knowledge here is awesome. We went for a drive on sunday and with the tips from you got it all figured.

[konadog]

2. Never drive with 4x4 engaged and hubs un-locked at high speeds or for a long period of time

Short of neglecting to disengage the transfer case or th e4 low slow creep advantage, is there a useful reason why one would leave the 4high engaged with the hubs unlocked?

3. Leaving the hubs locked in 2WD will create a bit of rolling resistance/drag on the front end (lower mpg)

I was surprised when ccautos Glen told me that our switching from the stock perma lockers to the Superwinch manuals would not result in a measurable improvement in fuel economy, but that the moving bits locked in constant play would likely last longer as they would hence forth only spin when the hubs are locked. I had hoped for a big fuel savings, but alas, Glen was right - drat!

1. Never drive on concrete or ice in 4x4 mode. The potential to break the xcase or axles is high.

The warning about ice surprises me too. Maybe at minus 50 something when ice is too cold to skate on (the friction can't melt the ice enough to form a water film), but all the ice I've even driven on has been plenty slippy!

[jessef]

Ice was supposed to be here

2. Use 4x4 on loose surfaces (dirt/logging roads/loose rock/mud/snow/sand,ice,etc...)

Short of neglecting to disengage the transfer case or th e4 low slow creep advantage, is there a useful reason why one would leave the 4high engaged with the hubs unlocked?

None.

I was surprised when ccautos Glen told me that our switching from the stock perma lockers to the Superwinch manuals would not result in a measurable improvement in fuel economy, but that the moving bits locked in constant play would likely last longer as they would hence forth only spin when the hubs are locked. I had hoped for a big fuel savings, but alas, Glen was right - drat!

Yep. The amount of resistance is negligible. But it is still there as far as moving parts go. Engaging the hubs whether they're auto's or manuals every once in a while is a good thing. Will cause the grease to warm up and loose/spread inside the CV's the lubricate the balls.

[FalcoColumbarius]

When I get onto a loose surface, like a FSR, I go into 4high. I do this because I want my steering wheels to be active for when I get into those corners covered in chatter & scree. Nothing like turning your steering wheel and still carrying on in the same direction. On a forest main the average speed is around 80 to 90 KPH, I do that in 4high and I think you will find that a lot of forest main drivers do that. On a hot & dusty Summer's day the great big ore or logging truck coming up on you does not see the vehicle in front of him, he sees a dust cloud. Dust clouds on roads are very deceptive and he may not realise that you are only doing 50 KPH ~ ka-bang! A new Delica hood ornament on the ore truck.

Regarding 50 degrees below zero, I suspect that the conditions that accompany that number will dictate that no one is going over 50 KPH. I know when wearing chains exceeding 50 can be dangerous.

Falco.