4WD Advice please!

[Hickesy]

So this guy says 4HI is an option for heavy rain? But all the other posters say no to that?

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[JeeperCreeper]

I would highly recommend getting on YouTube and watching a bunch of Engineering Explained videos.

Things to understand to really know the "why"...

-4wd/4x4 vs AWD
-transfer case (vs clutch packs vs viscous couplings, etc)
-differentials (locked vs open vs limited slip)

This is a good starter on the forces at play, that explain the foundation of your axles and 4wd system.



Just know, in your truck, in 4wd, the front and back axles are locked together even if the diff isn't. When you take a turn, all 4 wheels go a different speed (think like a tank turning but extra). Your 4wd transfer case, locked, will try to keep the front and back at the same speed. Your tires will try to go at different speeds.

Something has to give. On slippery surfaces, it's your tires. In worst situations, it's all the metal gears.

 

[mtbikernate]

my father is one of those people who refuses to buy a vehicle with 4wd because he says he'll never use it.

but then, when he's pulling his boat out of the water, he can't use gravel boat ramps.

I'm glad to have 4wd, too. I don't use it often, but there have been a few times it's been extremely handy. first weekend I had the truck, I was using it to get mulch and put it in my flower beds. my yard is pretty steep, and 4wd was super handy to avoid tearing up the grass or worse, getting stuck in my own yard. I do a decent bit of driving on gravel forest roads, too, and have found that using 4wd helps improve handling on rough ones. Not that it's necessary for them, but it helps keep the rear end of the truck from whipping around washboard turns and whatnot.

so far haven't had snow deep enough to feel like I needed 4wd for that. Traction control with RWD works a far sight better than RWD without traction control on slippery roads.

 

[KNI]

This is a good explanation - one that I have been looking for - thanks. So for an AWD (e.g. Subaru), all the wheels have power, but there’s a diff or 2 to allow the axles to turn at different speeds?

Yes.

This is a good start for 4WD beginners.

 

[mtbikernate]

So this guy says 4HI is an option for heavy rain? But all the other posters say no to that?

given what I understand about the Oregon climate, I'm not sure y'all get rain that's heavy enough to be the sort of thing that presenter is talking about

 

[Hickesy]

given what I understand about the Oregon climate, I'm not sure y'all get rain that's heavy enough to be the sort of thing that presenter is talking about

Roger that. Although I will say it gets pretty ridiculous up here at times lol

 

[KNI]

So this guy says 4HI is an option for heavy rain? But all the other posters say no to that?

I think that video is from Malaysia or something. Our heavy rain is their light shower.

 

[mtbikernate]

Roger that. Although I will say it gets pretty ridiculous up here at times lol

I've had friends from up your way who told me that the rain y'all get is usually the kind that's lighter, but goes on forever.

I've lived enough places where heavy individual deluges can be serious business. East TX, tornado alley, currently in the Southern Appalachians. And I've still never felt the need to use 4wd in the rain. If it's coming down that hard, I'm slowing way the hell down because I can't see, not for traction (even though traction would also be terrible).

 

[Kyp317]

Also my 1st 4WD so I appreciate everyone’s info & links they are sharing. Been reading all I can do I don’t mess the truck up lol

 

[9zero1790]

something to add in, all 4x4 vehicles are limited to the good or bad judgement (experience) of its driver. in general my ranger is more capable than i am. im not skilled or competent enough to drive the truck to its limit safely. even if i was, cant afford to. meaning be careful and learn slowly off road.
you did not waste a cent brother! you bought more capability to expand the use of the truck in your life! explore farther, camp deeper and take more roads and trails you would avoid in 2wd only vehicles. check out this pdf. it has some great info on using 4x4 and off road driving. it does have some advertising promo junk, dont let that ruin it lol .

https://dcadprod.azureedge.net/b2c-...panj-bfg-offroadguide-singlepages-webonly.pdf

 

[WOADKIL]

Several others on this site have gone offroading in Cleghorn so you can use it there.

Going with small group of trucks to Cleghorn Pass December 27 for morning run. Anyone interested?

 

[9zero1790]

Going with small group of trucks to Cleghorn Pass December 27 for morning run. Anyone interested?

If i was in the area i would jump at the chance to join!

 

[Cmar]

I used to use 4x4 in the rain occasionally, in my old Bronco although mostly just to turn over all the 4x4 bits and keep them lubed and less likely to freeze up. Doing it in the rain made it less likely i would damage anything as the tyres could easily slip when turning etc. I didn't do it for more control although the extra traction was noticeable. I haven't bothered in the Ranger because the front end turns over anyway in normal driving.

 

[OrangeStreak]

There is some helpful information in the Owner's Manual (pp. 161-167):
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

 

[Glocker]

I know you wrote that you're not in 4-wheeling, but I highly suggest you get out once with a group to see what your truck's capabilities are. If you're anything like me, the bug will bite you and you'll enjoy getting out and wheeling the Ranger! I became immensely impressed with the capabilities as I've been out and I'm learning too.

First trip out 4-wheeling the Ranger on 6/14/2020:

Last trip out 4-wheeling on 10/18/2021:

Can you tell I was bit by the bug? ?

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