How Fast?

[87Sturd]

How fast can you go while in 4HI with manual tranny?

 

[97ranger4x4]

I think my manual says you can shift the 4x4 on the fly up to 45 mph. I have done about 45 -50 in 4hi with no problems. Depending on the roads you drive that may be to fast. In the Sierra Nevadas its all turns so if its snowing you really shouldnt be going faster than 35-40. Do you have a manual transfer case or auto?

 

[fastpakr]

Simply going fast won't hurt the system at all. The question is a) how fast should you be going in the conditions, and b) how much traction is the road providing. If the road surface is sticky enough to cause binding in the driveline, speed is going to accentuate the problem.

 

[87Sturd]

Its a 87 manual stock tranny and transfer case. Im not sure if the transfer case a manual or auto...I have to shift it from 2Hi to 4Hi, neutral or 4LO, im not sure if that makes it a manual? Also, When I drive on the highway with 4Hi it feels shaky going over 30mph and the truck vibrates, this was on dry road. Also, ive read that youre not supposed to use part time 4wd on dry surfaces, is this true? Is my truck part time 4wd?

 

[fastpakr]

It's a part time system and you will cause significant damage driving on dry roads with it. There is no ability to differentiate speed between the front and rear drivelines (center differential, viscous coupling, etc) so the whole system binds up whenever you're turning unless the tension can be released by a wheel slipping.

You have a manual transfer case if there is a lever coming out of the floor to shift in and out of 4wd.

 

[87Sturd]

It's a part time system and you will cause significant damage driving on dry roads with it. There is no ability to differentiate speed between the front and rear drivelines (center differential, viscous coupling, etc) so the whole system binds up whenever you're turning unless the tension can be released by a wheel slipping.

You have a manual transfer case if there is a lever coming out of the floor to shift in and out of 4wd.

Ok. Now I understand. Im new to the whole 4wd scene. But, im learning. So, now I know not to use 4wd on dry roads. I didnt take it any more than 2-3 miles. Do you think my truck is ok? Also, what about when there is snow, slush or water on the road? Is part time 4wd safe and useful?

 

[97ranger4x4]

Your truck should be fine if you were primarily going straight. Another thing that wouldnt hurt since your truck is 22 years old is to change the fluid in the transfer case and the front and rear differentials. Refer to your owners manual for the correct type of fluid and amount.

You can certainly use 4wd in snow or slush. I really wouldnt use it if its raining since there is no point. Now if your crossing a river or a street is flooded then that is a different story. But be careful when crossing deep water. You have breather hoses on the rear diff, front diff, tranny, & Transfer case. It is very important that water does not get into these breather hoses. So if you plan on doing any driving in deep puddles I would suggest adding breather hose and running them all into your engine bay where they will not get water in them. Also you need to make sure you dont drive into deep enought water that your intake can suck water up. I hope you understand the ramifications this could cause...

Enjoy your first 4wd. They are fun and require a little bit more maintence than 2wd, but I could never have a 2wd truck after owning a 4wd!

Remember feel free to ask any questions, we all had to learn somehow, and its better to ask a "dumb" question than to learn the hard way! But you can also try the search menu since many questions have been covered once or twice before.

 

[87Sturd]

Your truck should be fine if you were primarily going straight. Another thing that wouldnt hurt since your truck is 22 years old is to change the fluid in the transfer case and the front and rear differentials. Refer to your owners manual for the correct type of fluid and amount.

You can certainly use 4wd in snow or slush. I really wouldnt use it if its raining since there is no point. Now if your crossing a river or a street is flooded then that is a different story. But be careful when crossing deep water. You have breather hoses on the rear diff, front diff, tranny, & Transfer case. It is very important that water does not get into these breather hoses. So if you plan on doing any driving in deep puddles I would suggest adding breather hose and running them all into your engine bay where they will not get water in them. Also you need to make sure you dont drive into deep enought water that your intake can suck water up. I hope you understand the ramifications this could cause...

Enjoy your first 4wd. They are fun and require a little bit more maintence than 2wd, but I could never have a 2wd truck after owning a 4wd!

Remember feel free to ask any questions, we all had to learn somehow, and its better to ask a "dumb" question than to learn the hard way! But you can also try the search menu since many questions have been covered once or twice before.

Thanks for the info! I will be changing the fluids from the transfer case and both fron and rear diffs. I have some Dex/Merc Domestic Multi-Vehicle ATF, will this be fine for the transfer case?

 

[Ranger#1]

transfercase yes dif no you need gear oil for thos

 

[97ranger4x4]

Yeh I just picked up a Gallon of 80w90 gear oil at my local autozone.

 

[87Sturd]

Yeah. I got gear oil for the diffs and the tranny. Im gonna go with a little heavier weight in the diffs than the tranny. Thanks guys!

 

[Brandon12]

yeah if you need to use four wheel drive, then the conditions are obviously bad or you are off road, and in both cases its probably not safe to go fast anyways. congrats on the 4wd. Its a lot of fun

 

[87Sturd]

yeah if you need to use four wheel drive, then the conditions are obviously bad or you are off road, and in both cases its probably not safe to go fast anyways. congrats on the 4wd. Its a lot of fun

Thanks for the info Brandon! I cant wait to build up my truck and take it off road! Hey, I noticed you live in snohomish county, wheres some good trails?

 

[Brandon12]

Well, Where are you at in Snohomish County?

 

[87Sturd]

Well, Where are you at in Snohomish County?

Im in Lynnwood...My truck is bone stock right now. Is there any stock friendly trails? I need to learn too...Ive never been off roading before.