Off-roading order of operations

[Shoran12]

Just got a 22 xl stx with 4x4 and locking diff. This is my first 4wd vehicle. I’m wondering if anyone that off roads has any advice on when would I use 4hi, lo, and the locking diff. I have had trouble finding good info on this. I want to take the kids out and hit a few easy trails but would like to have a decent idea of where to start if 4wd is needed and how to approach when to use each mode. Owners manual told me how to use each but not much info on when. Appreciate any help for a beginner such as myself.

Sponsored

 

[Frenchy]

For high will be used anytime you are off road. That's the whole purpose of having four-wheel drive. As for four low that will be when you have more difficult Terrain to handle that for high won't handle. Usually heavy inclines or just tough obstacles where slow is the best way to be. The locker is also a great way to get through heavy obstacles in before high and four low. There's a video I will find that will help give you information on using a locker along with four high and four low. You just got to give me a little bit since I'm at work

 

[Blmpkn]

If you're that green, perhaps go with another vehicle that knows the ropes.

 

[Shoran12]

For high will be used anytime you are off road. That's the whole purpose of having four-wheel drive. As for four low that will be when you have more difficult Terrain to handle that for high won't handle. Usually heavy inclines or just tough obstacles where slow is the best way to be. The locker is also a great way to get through heavy obstacles in before high and four low. There's a video I will find that will help give you information on using a locker along with four high and four low. You just got to give me a little bit since I'm at work

Yeah that would be awesome. Appreciate it.

 

[Wes Siler]

Did you get FX4?

 

[Shoran12]

Did you get FX4?

No just the stx with 4x4 and the locking rear differential.

 

[Wes Siler]

Just a brief outline:

- 4h anytime you're not on pavement
- 4l BEFORE you hit anything steep (and take manual control of gears)
- locker BEFORE you get stuck
- drop psi to wheel size off road. Door jamb pressures back on
- slow is a smooth, smooth is fast

To buy:
- real Maxtrax
- air down tool
- boulder tool tire repair kit from Amazon
- ARB Weekender Recovery Kit from our lord and savior Jeff Bezos
- onX Off-road

You've got this.

 

[Wes Siler]

Oh, and two great YouTube channels for you:
- Ronny Dahl
- Robert Pepper Auto Journo

 

[Shoran12]

Just a brief outline:

- 4h anytime you're not on pavement
- 4l BEFORE you hit anything steep (and take manual control of gears)
- locker BEFORE you get stuck
- drop psi to wheel size off road. Door jamb pressures back on
- slow is a smooth, smooth is fast

To buy:
- real Maxtrax
- air down tool
- boulder tool tire repair kit from Amazon
- ARB Weekender Recovery Kit from our lord and savior Jeff Bezos
- onX Off-road

You've got this.

appreciate the info. Do you normally shift gears manually when in 4 lo? Looks like I can manually shift gears but it needs to be in sport mode. Would that be useful when in 4 lo?

 

[Frenchy]

The first two will suit what you are asking. The others are good tips and information.

I will add that I get a lot of good tips and information from this guy even though i dont own a Toyota. Definitely worth looking into

 

[Frenchy]

appreciate the info. Do you normally shift gears manually when in 4 lo? Looks like I can manually shift gears but it needs to be in sport mode. Would that be useful when in 4 lo?

I would advise staing out of sport mode when OffRoad. If you hit the + or - on the shifter you will bring up the gear indicator and you can lower the maximum allowed gear as needed.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Use the grey matter between your ears. If you encounter and obstacle that can be avoided then do so. Purposefully diving into something questionable on the path when there is away around it staring you in the face is a sub-set hobby (aka rock crawling, mudding, etc etc). It won't get you instagram hits playing the field smart, but something something live to laugh another day.

 

[BettaRanga]

For high will be used anytime you are off road. That's the whole purpose of having four-wheel drive. As for four low that will be when you have more difficult Terrain to handle that for high won't handle. Usually heavy inclines or just tough obstacles where slow is the best way to be. The locker is also a great way to get through heavy obstacles in before high and four low. There's a video I will find that will help give you information on using a locker along with four high and four low. You just got to give me a little bit since I'm at work

What about paved roads in the mountains with steep inclines with possible tire slips?

Then also what about wet or icy steep paved mountain roads?

 

[Wes Siler]

What about paved roads in the mountains with steep inclines with possible tire slips?

Then also what about wet or icy steep paved mountain roads?

You need to be on a slippery surface to use 4wd, since it must break traction to turn. Use your judgement.

A lot of the answer to your question is tires.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Look for some local off-roading clubs and check out their social media pages - some are hardcore, others are not and they might have some meet ups where you can learn the basics while someone has your back. Family-friendly kind of stuff.

You and your kids will probably make some great friends at the same time. Good luck out there.

Sponsored