New to 4X4...how do you use it?

['99 ranger]

hey guys,

i just bought a 99 4.0 4x4 ranger! this is my first truck and 4x4 at that. im very new to this and i would like to know how to properly engage the 4x4 feature. i know this is a dumb ? but i wanna make sure i do it right.

thanks

 

[RangerSVT]

If you have the switch on the dash, you can go to 4hi anytime, but to go to 4low, stop completely, put the trans in neutral, and with foot on the brake, switch to low range, when the 4x4 low light lighs up in he dash, then you can put it in gear and go. Coming out of low range is the same way, complete stop, neutral, switch to hi, then go
SVT

 

['99 ranger]

if im not mistaken (i have the turn knob inside):
- 4 Hi: in drive, push the brake pedal, put from 2WD to 4Hi and just go?
To disengage 4Hi: in neutral, turn the knob from 4Hi to 2WD, put back in drive? (I'd rather turn the knob in neutral if that is okay? if not please let me know)

- 4 Low: put it in neutral turn it to 4 Low and put it in drive?
To disengage 4 Low: put it in neutral, turn the knob to 2WD, put it into drive?

when would you use 4 Hi vs 4 Low (for mud or soft beach sand)

 

[organic]

What svt said. from 2hi to 4hi and vice versa you can just flip the switch on the go. And 4low stop, foot on brake, tranny in nuetral switch from hi to low. Use the same process from going from low back to high. When your truck is loosing traction, lets say climbing a muddy hill in 4 hi, thats when low would be warranted.

 

[Bennybooster]

In my experience, I use 4hi in places like snow where Im not trying to get up somthing crazy I just want to stay in a strait line, when I go offroading Im almost always in 4lo, gives you lots of torque, its good for begginers because you can keep it slow without the rpms getting too low.


Oh and yes you have the procedure correct.

If you have any specific instances when you are wondering what 4wd setting to use, post up and we can give you some input.
Also alot of 4wd situations are all preference, so start small and try it both ways.

 

[GMillion$]

if im not mistaken (i have the turn knob inside):
- 4 Hi: in drive, push the brake pedal, put from 2WD to 4Hi and just go?
To disengage 4Hi: in neutral, turn the knob from 4Hi to 2WD, put back in drive? (I'd rather turn the knob in neutral if that is okay? if not please let me know)

- 4 Low: put it in neutral turn it to 4 Low and put it in drive?
To disengage 4 Low: put it in neutral, turn the knob to 2WD, put it into drive?

Just do what RangerSVT says!

 

[DavidY]

On my 2010, you only need to go into neutral for 4LOW. For 4HIGH, you can switch from 2WD while parked/still (recommended) or on the go (I try to stay in the lower speed range...30 mph = 50 kph or less).

All this is in the manual.

Dave

 

['99 ranger]

thanks for all of the input now i know how to use it....now i just need to learn to drive on different terrain.

 

[CheapThrills]

BUT make sure your 4wd works on your truck first. I also have a '99, and the 98-00 have been known to fail.