I'm new to 4WD still and am curious how fast can I safely drive with 4WD Hi and with 4WD Auto? I got a 600 mile long trip in snow to make, and will likely use one of the two.

Also I noticed when backing into a snowy parking spot when I tried to turn 4WD Hi on the light would not turn on, but a switch to auto, then 2 hi and tried again with 4WD and it worked perfect. Just tested 4WD again and it went right on no problem.

 

You can go highway speeds in 4hi and auto... I would not go above 30mph in 4lo

 

by highway speeds do you mean 60 or 75? I mean 55 or 70...

 

lol highway speed around here are about 85 during rush hour.

years of owning 4x4s i dont think ive ever taken one on the highway when it was that bad where i needed 4x4. kinda wonder what happens if you do take it up to 100mph with it locked in 4wheel drive? probably just burn up the transfercase i would guess

 

One last question, at what speeds is it safe to change to 4x4. Should I always try to make the change when not moving or can I change to 4x4 at 75 mph?

 

if you can come to a stop to change it from 4x4 that would be the best in my opinion. i think it is the healthiest way to do it. but if it is not an option to stop (it does happen). I would try to at least get it under 45 to do it. I have switched it at 35 and it is smooth. But that's my knowledge. in my experience it is the way to cause the least wear. Good luck!

 

It is designed to change into 4wd hi 'on the fly,' but yeah I wouldn't engage it above a reasonable trail speed if it can be helped. 4wd lo needs to be done at less than 5mph and in neutral. I prefer to stop as it seems to help me, but some people roll it just a little to help it engage.

 

If you're going 75mph and think you need 4x4 you're definitely going too fast for the road conditions.


I have a similar opinion to Thogert: the system is designed to shift on the fly, but slowing down before shifting is a good idea. Also, if your 4x4 system has an "Auto" option just use that on the highway.

 

I tend to avoid the highway if I need 4x4, but then again most of my destinations are non highway. I have driven 55 - 60 in 4x4 by accident once, but it was less than 5 miles. The best source would be your owner's manual, if you still have one.

 

Owners manual just states don't use it for a long time for it can cause accelerated engine wear. I just drove the 600 mile trip bout 200 of which was in 4x4 going 60 mph. Seemed to handle just fine, and more importantly I wasn't one of the many in the ditch