Safe speed in 4WD high?

[XMAN]

We just got 3inches of snow and supposed to get 4 more. What's the max speed in 4WD high I can run and not F--- anything up on my 3litre? Six inches is basicly a blizzard in Nashville. Can I run 50-55 mph on the interstate in 4WD high and be safe?

 

[02RangerXLT]

50mph is the highest I will go, around 45 or less is probably better.. if 6" is like a blizzard to you guys, chances are you don't have to go anywhere that fast anyway... keep the speed down so no-one gets in any wrecks.

 

[88gt]

in the snow there is no need to go over 45 period.

 

[bigcountry]

hahahaha today i just got back from picking up a 2008 chevy 2500 diesel 4dr and i was in 4hi and i was doing about 70 with out any problems but thats a S***Y chevy and yea it was making some weird noise when i got on it. so go under 50 and remeber its not speed that kills its when you come to a dead stop that does

 

[HareRazor]

If you need 4 wheel drive, you don't any kind of speed worth noting. If the roads are good enough to go 50, go 50 in 2wd.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah. My max speed in 4 Hi is 25-30 MPH. If the roads are good enough to go any faster safely, you don't need 4x4.

Best advice for someone not used to driving in snow is "If you don't feel safe, you are going too fast"

 

[Frank The Tank]

The manual says 45 on dry terrain...... (if I'm not mistaken, It's not really worth checking but I know it's in that range)

With a Manual Gearbox..... your a lot safer, you can gear down....... if you start breaking loose, you clutch.... I hate an auto in inclement weather!!!! the brakes will always grab harder on one side or the other. so I usually pick a gear, generally 3rd and kind of ride out the revs.... that away if you need to slow down, you release the accelerator and it slows you up gradually.......

I've been popping around here about 25-30mph with no problems.

The main thing is, when you are on dry pavement (just kick it in 2wd.....) it prevents driveline bind when turning sharp.
I just don't hard turn if it's not slick.... been cruising around in 4wd all afternoon.

the key thing is to always remember Just because your truck will go better than the cars, doesn't mean your brakes have 4wd too.... you scotch up and you might as well be a mustang hurtling toward a very abrupt stop

also.... when you get on a new road do a brake check!!! and an accelerator punch......... just to give you a feel of how slick that particular road really is..... whether they treated it heavily or not, or if its a naturally slick pavement can make a big difference in how you need to drive.

Frank

 

[88gt]

well said frank!

 

[heptofite]

actually, having 4x4 engaged would marginally improve braking, it would apply equal braking force to both front and rear axles, additionally the better front discs would enhance the braking in the rear.

i had to pull this trick whenever it rained when my master was bad and the rear circuit was out on my brake system.

 

[wahlstrom1]

If you need 4 wheel drive, you don't any kind of speed worth noting. If the roads are good enough to go 50, go 50 in 2wd.

What he said.

I drive winter condition roads a good 60% of the year, and do so mostly in 2wd. If you need 4wd to get going in town, great but at speed it's extra drag and cause's a lack of awareness to road conditions....sure I've been in icy road conditions and 'should' have been doing less then the speed limit, and used 4wd to maintain an unsafe high speed....but it's highly NOT reccomended.

If I were you I'd throw some weight in the bed and learn to drive with other drivers, it may be slow but it's the safest way to drive and avoid an accident.

 

[Nhaz]

actually, having 4x4 engaged would marginally improve braking, it would apply equal braking force to both front and rear axles, additionally the better front discs would enhance the braking in the rear.

i had to pull this trick whenever it rained when my master was bad and the rear circuit was out on my brake system.

I have to disagree. Your Tires are No better in 4x4 then in 2x4. and its the TIRES that are in contact with the road. Not the discs. not the drive train.

 

[XMAN]

I was trying to decide whether to take the back roads or jump on the interstate when I go back to work tomorrow. The roads vary so much around here in the snow. It has been snowing since 9.30am and it's 11.35pm now. Think I.ll take the back roads just to be safe and not wind it up on the int. in 4wd. I have some concrete blocks in the bed. I just never have owned a truck this light.

 

[heptofite]

I have to disagree. Your Tires are No better in 4x4 then in 2x4. and its the TIRES that are in contact with the road. Not the discs. not the drive train.

yes, i know that the tires are the important part, but the point is that your superior front brakes with force to spare will more evenly spread braking force across all rubber, rather than the uneven way it does when the 4x4 is *not* engaged. there's less chance for sliding during braking because as long as either the front or rear is still turning, the opposing end cannot lock up.

 

[rum66runner]

just throwing this out there you got push button 4wd right? use it when ya need it keep it off when ya don't. I get around just fine in my little 92 2wd and we've had alot of snow i have yet had a need to take the f-150 out.

 

[babytruck]

well Ill tell you what, we got about 12'' around christmas here and for Kansas thats alot but the 450 does great in the snow! but on the highway I would never use 4x4 but then the 450 has all kinds of traction control features.