how to propertly offroad with a standard?

[metalmacguyver]

The best way to do it is to go as slow as possible and not use the clutch pedal.


FWIW, I do the same thing as Sunk, I 2wd as far as I can and then put it in 4lo and never bother with 4hi.

 

[CJREX]

One other thing you NEED for wheeling a manual is a starter interlock defeat switch.

It's very easy to do one in a Ranger. If you don't need the interlock just get the jumper that is installed at the factory on auto transmission version of your truck. If you want to retain the interlock, mount a switch on the dash that bypasses the clutch switch (same thing the jumper does).

Basically, from the factory your truck has a switch on the clutch pedal that won't allow the starter to engage unless the clutch is depressed.

This will get you killed on a hill.

If you ever have to stop partway up a hill, you turn OFF the engine and put the truck in 4-Lo 1st gear. Then when you can resume going back up the hill you just turn the key with the clutch out and the starter cranks the engine with the drivetrain engaged.

If the factory interlock is still on, unless you have 3 feet the truck is going to roll down the hill slightly while you are playing between brakes, clutch, and gas. When the clutch engages you are likely to spin, losing traction and then all kind of bad things can happen.

IMO the interlock defeat should be the first mod to a manual trans offroader.

 

[reginald fairfield]

The best way to do it is to go as slow as possible and not use the clutch pedal.


FWIW, I do the same thing as Sunk, I 2wd as far as I can and then put it in 4lo and never bother with 4hi.

Yeah, 4-high has always been fairly useless in RBV's unless you got the 4.0 with 4.10's or something custom, especially in standard transmissions. Just use 4-low. I have a 3.0 4x4 with 3.73's, and a standard transmission. It is pretty bad.

The only thing I use 4 High for is if it is rainy or snowy (And it snows like once a year here. Maybe.)

 

[JohnnyO]

The best way to do it is to go as slow as possible and not use the clutch pedal.

Agree, thing is that first gear in a stick Ranger ain't all that low. When I had a stick Ranger I would do 90% of off-roading in low range with the transmission in 2nd gear. Especially in mud you don't want to change gears and lose momentum.

 

[dangeranger01]

Keep your foot out of the clutch. Plant your foot on the floor.

That is right, leave your clutch foot on the floor. You will be amazed how slow you can go without killing it or needing to push the clutch in.

 

[MikeWild]

You might also want to install a hand throttle cable so that you can manipulate the clutch & brake with your feet and the throttle with your hand on some steeper inclines that really require some finesse.

 

[jaycheetwood]

okay i have a question to add... i hear a loud whirling noise in 4low is that totally normal as i pick up speed?? my guess is its just the gears picking up rotations.

it almost sounds like i am driving a remote control car.

 

[MUDDING B-3000]

awesome thanks alot everyone

well CJREX is there like a site or somewhere i can read up a bit more on what ur talking about cuz i didnt really understand everything but i did understand alot but i just want to read up some more about that.

an thanks again, everyone has help me alot here i appreciate.

 

[compleckz]

Agree, thing is that first gear in a stick Ranger ain't all that low.

5r55e 1st gear =

 

[CopyKat]

One other thing you NEED for wheeling a manual is a starter interlock defeat switch.

It's very easy to do one in a Ranger. If you don't need the interlock just get the jumper that is installed at the factory on auto transmission version of your truck. If you want to retain the interlock, mount a switch on the dash that bypasses the clutch switch (same thing the jumper does).

Basically, from the factory your truck has a switch on the clutch pedal that won't allow the starter to engage unless the clutch is depressed.

This will get you killed on a hill.

If you ever have to stop partway up a hill, you turn OFF the engine and put the truck in 4-Lo 1st gear. Then when you can resume going back up the hill you just turn the key with the clutch out and the starter cranks the engine with the drivetrain engaged.

If the factory interlock is still on, unless you have 3 feet the truck is going to roll down the hill slightly while you are playing between brakes, clutch, and gas. When the clutch engages you are likely to spin, losing traction and then all kind of bad things can happen.

IMO the interlock defeat should be the first mod to a manual trans offroader.

You don't need one, if you know how to drive a standard. Sometimes you have to slip the clutch, no way around it. But for the most part they are right when they say to plant your left foot on the floor, unless you really need to go slower.

 

[CJREX]

You don't need one, if you know how to drive a standard.

He asked how to off-road a standard, so I guessed he probably didn't know how to drive one

Easiest way is to get the jumper from a junkyard truck.

It is located on the electronics box that is on the clutch rod.

Snap it onto yours and it will start with the clutch out.

Just don't drive through your garage wall by accident

 

[JohnnyO]

okay i have a question to add... i hear a loud whirling noise in 4low is that totally normal as i pick up speed?? my guess is its just the gears picking up rotations.

Yes.

 

[funkingonutz]

if your just screwing around on some trails like a state forest or something (always ask permission first) then 2wd 2nd gear is suffiecient if things get a little hairy then stop and put her in 4hi. ive had no problems with my 4hi it gets me places i want to go (on the trails that is) if things REALLY get interesting then yes 4low is your only option.

 

[MUDDING B-3000]

ok sweet an cjrex i learned to first drive on a standard but it was always cars no trucks and i just wanted to kno some techniques to help me on the trail lol but thanks alot for everything

 

[Mark_88]

I don't know much about 4 wheeling in mud, but I'm sure you can be Boggin down pretty easily...you may need to pay a New Fee in Barrie for off roading with the new government coming in...they are like a bunch of 13 year oids with a hammer on your piggy bank...