low range in 2wd
Submitted: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 00:46
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Member - Royce
So.... If you select low range without engaging 4wd do you do any damage? Working on the principle that the dumbest question is the one that isn't asked.
Stlll here... RoyceRoyce www.funshow.com.au
Reply By: Redjack - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 01:51
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 01:51
Royce,
What sort of transmission system is it? If it's a part time system with free wheeling hubs that aren't engaged, and for a short distance only, probably not. If your 4wd system requires the centre diff to be locked and you can't disengage the front wheels - probably yes.
I'm assuming your refering to the troopy in your avitar, which would be a part time system. Then you could use low range 4wd and leave the hubs unlocked for short distance manouvering and it would probably be Ok.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 02:00
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 02:00
All four wheel drive selectors will go into 4HI before they will allow you to select 4LO. The selection of 2HI4HI in most instances may be done on the move (see your owners manual for top speed at which this can be done, varies across different types of transfer cases). The selection of 4HI4LO should be done when stationary (no syncromesh). BE SURE TO LOCK YOUR HUBS
well before you think you might need 4WD!! (if you have manual hubs.)
You can do a "trick" 2LO by leaving the hubs unlocked and selecting 2LO...DO NOT DO THIS!!! It can place too greater strain on the rear differential and will result in premature failure. The damage is easy to see and will probably void your warranty.
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Reply By: Tuco69 - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 08:39
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 08:39
The increase in 'pulling power' that is achieved by selecting low range is because the available engine torque is multiplied by whatever the low range reduction gear ratio is. Because of the huge increase that becomes available, the majority of manufacturers engineer their systems so that the torque is spread over two (or more) axles when low range is selected. Applying all the extra available torque to only one axle could have detrimental effects.
However 'cheating' the system on a vehicle by not engaging the free wheeling hubs, in order to slowly reverse a trailer or caravan should not present any problem. This is because mostly you will only be idling the motor and not achieving the high torque that a wide open throttle would give.
Tuco
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