4wd L vs 4wd H

[bigalxc]

This past weekend there was a good sized snow storm in new england. What is the best mode to drive in the snow? I was screwing around and 4wd L was pretty rough. 4WD H seemed better to drive better.

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[EJH]

I have only used 4 low when I needed to drive very very slowly. A couple times that come to my mind at the moment:

* backing travel trailer up my inclined driveway at a crawl speed.
* driving on very very rough forest roads at a crawl.

 

[LaBalbe]

A little over a year ago, there was a good thread on this question: https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/off-roading-order-of-operations.22857/

If you go about half-way down the first page, @Frenchy posted a bunch of links to Youtube videos that lay this out really well (post #10).

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Like @EJH mentioned, 4L should rarely be used and only at a crawl.

4H can be your friend in snow and will work well for you in most situations. It generally keeps the arse end from slipping out on you under acceleration or cornering on snowy roads. Don’t let it give you a false sense of security - it’s strength is on bare trails and fire roads - on snow and ice, it helps out but it’s no substitute for slowing down and being careful.

Just be sure to revert to 2H when you’re back on bare roads.

 

[Frenchy]

It really depends on what you speak of when it comes to snow. If we are talking about the street I would get some sand bags in the bed and make sure you have a good set of tires that are M&S Rated at minimum. If needed use 4HI.

For OffRoad it will depend as the conditions. 4LO is really designed for OffRoad Conditions that 4HI won't be able to handle.

 

[Newtomeranger2021]

This past weekend there was a good sized snow storm in new england. What is the best mode to drive in the snow? I was screwing around and 4wd L was pretty rough. 4WD H seemed better to drive better.

I've always been under the impression 4 l is for less than ~10 mph. Any faster and you'll mess up your drivetrain... source - brother drove my dad's truck on the highway in the snow in 4l and it blew up

 

[Frenchy]

I've always been under the impression 4 l is for less than ~10 mph. Any faster and you'll mess up your drivetrain... source - brother drove my dad's truck on the highway in the snow in 4l and it blew up

You can definitely do more than 10 MPH in 4LO. That said it will depend on manufacturer as to what the maximum speed is. For example my old 93 Pathfinder states in the Owners Manual to not exceed 30 MPH in 4LO.

 

[Newtomeranger2021]

You can definitely do more than 10 MPH in 4LO. That said it will depend on manufacturer as to what the maximum speed is. For example my old 93 Pathfinder states in the Owners Manual to not exceed 30 MPH in 4LO.

Gave a quick look on Google. Ford recommends only up to 15 mph in the f150 so I imagine the ranger is around there as well.

 

[got3fords]

I use 4Lo if needed when plowing. It can keep you from getting stuck in really slippery conditions. The idea is to keep the wheels from spinning.
I remember going to a jobsite once in a 4WD F150 and it was really muddy. A lot of contractors were getting stuck because they didn't know how to properly use 4WD. I just put it in 4Lo and gave it just enough gas to keep moving. People were standing around watching in awe!

 

[Jacob]

Ice low everything else hi

 

[btsmith52]

4 Low is good for pulling your buddy's Taco out of the ditch.

 

[Just Awkward]

I've gotten up to 25 or so in 4Lo, but I wouldn't recommend it. I was towing 30,000 lbs through sand at the time and couldn't stop.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Gave a quick look on Google. Ford recommends only up to 15 mph in the f150 so I imagine the ranger is around there as well.

The 5G Rangers will disengage 4L to 4H at about 22 mph. It will remain in 4H until you come to a stop, then it will re-engage 4L, if still selected. The same is true going from 2H or 4H to 4L on the move. It won't engage 4L until you stop. 4H can be engaged up to 68mph/110kmh.

 

[Grandaccess]

any time I have to hook up to someone to pull them out of a snow bank or pit I will be in Low, and deep snow just for the added control but being a 10speed we have pretty low gearing anyway 1-5

 

[03svt]

Good info here, and just my own practice but I've always engaged 4H from a stop and not on the fly. Ocassionally at a low speed when traction is needed in a pinch.

Does anyone know if there is any maximum speed threshold at which 4H disengages? Or at what speed the locker will. (I know - read the owner's manual)

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