My first 4WD-help with the basics please

[IdahoRanger]

A girl at my work a long time ago asked me if she could borrow a spark plug socket. We're started dating shortly after. Then I married her ?

Hopefully, still getting a spark...

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[weasel1]

Hopefully, still getting a spark...

Can confirm spark! Hardest thing right now is finding us time. Difficult when the kids are just old enough that they are going to bed near the same time as us.

 

[RoadBoss]

In Terrain Management, the front wheels behave as locked diff by anti-lock brakes to stop wheels in air from spinning...better than full time diff lock...

interesting perspective. I would say traction control is not as good as a proper diff lock because it requires the tires to start to slip before it begins to work. But I guess a proper front diff lock also requires you know what you're doing or it can make it worse.

also, to the OP. You're pretty much not going to use your rear diff lock until you get stuck, for now. once you get some experience off road and learn what the truck is capable of you can begin to switch it on when you see difficult terrain ahead, but when learning its best to wait to use the diff lock until you absolutely need it.

 

[Clump]

A tip for sand - Make sure to lower tire pressure. The stock Hankooks want 30 PSI normally. I would go to 18 or so for sand. It makes a huge difference!

 

[GTGallop]

A tip for sand - Make sure to lower tire pressure. The stock Hankooks want 30 PSI normally. I would go to 18 or so for sand. It makes a huge difference!

What is your air up solution?
How long / far / fast can you drive on 18psi when back on pavement? Thinking about to get to a gas station.

 

[Clump]

What is your air up solution?
How long / far / fast can you drive on 18psi when back on pavement? Thinking about to get to a gas station.

I carry a small compressor that I bought on Amazon - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MS75ZMY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It fits in the larger compartment under the back seat along with a portable battery pack jump starter. It takes a little while to re-inflate, but it's not bad.

My experience with sand driving is all at the Outer Banks in NC. There is a gas station very close to the beach with a pay air station and the County has a free air station a bit further away. I go to the free station, because it's much quicker.

I wouldn't want to run highway speeds at 18 PSI, but a few miles at low speed should be OK.

 

[RoadBoss]

What is your air up solution?
How long / far / fast can you drive on 18psi when back on pavement? Thinking about to get to a gas station.

I've been using one of these for the last 5-6 years. there are a few different brands of the same one, but it works great for the price.
https://www.quadratec.com/products/...vmecdHJ-RAEucqo-bFBqp5IC5yhR-2XkaAt6TEALw_wcB

if I do need to drive a short distance on the highway, I try and limit my speed to about 45mph and not longer than 10-15 minutes. Its heat that will destroy your tires, so the slower you go, the slower they build up heat, and the less chance they have of failure. obviously you can't go too slow on the highway, but if you're worried, pull over and check the temperature. they shouldn't be so hot you can't touch them. This also all depends on the ambient temperature. if its really cold out you can get away with driving a lot farther and faster at low pressure than if its really hot out.

 

[Glen]

I have had AWD but never 4WD and I read the manual but need some practical tips. I have the FX4.

We spend most of our time in warm areas so snow will be infrequent. That said I can see a few potential uses for the 4WD:

-Sand/dirt on beach or lake areas
-Occasional snow when we get caught in a late season snowstorm.

My questions:
1. The manual says do not use 4WD on dry pavement. When on a road that has some snow patches but more wet or dry patches than snow can I keep it in 4WD for the clear patches or switch back and forth or just use 2WD since unlikely to get stuck on a single snow patch or what?

2. I know what the diff does but when do you need to lock it (if ever) given my potential scenarios above?

I have driven 4 wheel drive Rangers for 20 years now and almost always only use in the snow, I don't drive off road. I sometimes use 4 WD in heavy rain, it helps to stop wheel slippage and gives me a chance to see if the 4 WD is working or not.

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