4x4 with 2wd Lo, possible
#1
#2
#4
Think about this really thoroughly before you try this.
Can you imagine what would happen to the rear drivetrain if you hit the gas too much with only the rear wheels being driven in Low Range? Especially with a boat behind the truck? If the tires don't slip, the strain on the rear end will be immense. I have seen people snap their rear axles when they forgot to lock their front hubs. It ain't a pretty sight.
Why be afraid to drive in 4x4 mode on a boat ramp? The drivetrain on Fords are tough enough to be driven, even with the steering wheel hard over, at low speeds on dry pavement at a boat ramp. Besides, it's such a simple thing to just flip it out of 4L and into 2H at the top of the ramp. When backing down the ramp, it's better for you to be in 4H anyway. In 4L, engine torque can get you into trouble. In fact, backing down the ramp with your tranny in neutral is even easier on the truck.
Commercial charterboat operators launch and retrieve their boats in 4L on a daily basis here.
Of course, knowing Matt, he'll probably say something contrary to what I'm saying. He obviously doesn't think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to 4 wheeling, trucks, boats, politics, etc.
Can you imagine what would happen to the rear drivetrain if you hit the gas too much with only the rear wheels being driven in Low Range? Especially with a boat behind the truck? If the tires don't slip, the strain on the rear end will be immense. I have seen people snap their rear axles when they forgot to lock their front hubs. It ain't a pretty sight.
Why be afraid to drive in 4x4 mode on a boat ramp? The drivetrain on Fords are tough enough to be driven, even with the steering wheel hard over, at low speeds on dry pavement at a boat ramp. Besides, it's such a simple thing to just flip it out of 4L and into 2H at the top of the ramp. When backing down the ramp, it's better for you to be in 4H anyway. In 4L, engine torque can get you into trouble. In fact, backing down the ramp with your tranny in neutral is even easier on the truck.
Commercial charterboat operators launch and retrieve their boats in 4L on a daily basis here.
Of course, knowing Matt, he'll probably say something contrary to what I'm saying. He obviously doesn't think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to 4 wheeling, trucks, boats, politics, etc.
Last edited by Dennis; 10-15-2001 at 04:12 PM.
#6
#7
because it is less strain on the clutch and the boat ramp we got to is steep all the way past the parking lots. That is why I want to do it. Leave it in 4wd and start wraping the front raxles up pretty good. And to to from 4Lo to 2hi you have to stop and put the truck in neutral. That does not help forward momentum.
Thanks JMC. sounds easier than expected. Found the solenoids at the passenger side firewall. So I have a 4 wires there. Red & white/black on blue vaccum hose line.
How do you splice into them? Just cut one, install the switch? or run the switch between both wires?
Thanks
Thanks JMC. sounds easier than expected. Found the solenoids at the passenger side firewall. So I have a 4 wires there. Red & white/black on blue vaccum hose line.
How do you splice into them? Just cut one, install the switch? or run the switch between both wires?
Thanks
Last edited by Matt90GT; 10-16-2001 at 12:45 PM.
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#10
Ah, a stick shift. Better not pop that clutch when you're in Low Range 4x2 mode. There's a tremendous amount of torque going to just the rear drive train.
Sounds like Matt has bought the wrong truck to tow a boat. He either should have gotten it with an auto tranny or got a SuperDuty with a stick.
Sounds like Matt has bought the wrong truck to tow a boat. He either should have gotten it with an auto tranny or got a SuperDuty with a stick.
#13
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
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Matt,
I just realized something in your post. You may have to add a switch to activate the axle disconnect if you are already in 4x4 Lo when you flip the toggle switch. The way I have it set is that it will not engage the front axle. There is no gurantee that it will disconnect it once the axle is engaged, only adding vacuum to the disconnect will disengage it for sure.
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
I just realized something in your post. You may have to add a switch to activate the axle disconnect if you are already in 4x4 Lo when you flip the toggle switch. The way I have it set is that it will not engage the front axle. There is no gurantee that it will disconnect it once the axle is engaged, only adding vacuum to the disconnect will disengage it for sure.
Regards
Jean Marc Chartier
#14
Originally posted by Dennis
We're doing this whole discussion for a 2,000 lb boat??? You could pull that thing with a Pinto!
We're doing this whole discussion for a 2,000 lb boat??? You could pull that thing with a Pinto!
You have not seen the boat ramps at the lake I visit. Very steep, about a 8% grade all the way from entrance to ramp. Just less wear on the clutch by gearing down since I did not spend the money to regear the truck with larger tires.
JMC, thanks. I dont think I will wory about that to much, but good to know.
#15
i think what you're trying to accomplish makes sense matt. i have a 5 speed also. but my motivation is that reverse gear is way too damn fast. it is a higher ratio than first gear i believe. so for me, it is a way to back up slowly without abusing the clutch; sometimes it is because of a load, or tight quarters, or whatever.