1998 LC Center Diff Locked in High - MPH Limit?

[George 2000]

All,

Rough winter here in Boston. My 98 is handling it well, although I might have to spring for some new tires this week. Anyway, on those occasions when I lock the center diff (transfer case in H), what's the max speed limit? Reason I ask is because I was up in Vermont this past weekend and the highways were dicey. I was locked and doing about 50. What's the top limit on speed? Can't find the info in the owners manual. Keep in mind this is before active track, so I do find myself locking the center diff a bit more often that I had to with my 2000 hundy (Also, I don't have a lot of tread left on my Michelin LTs). Last question - do you slow down before locking in High? I generally go down to below 40 mph just to be on the safe side.

Many thanks.

 

[AimCOtaco]

Basically the same guidelines you would use for any conventional part-time 4wd in the sense that when you lock the center diff it's like a standard 4x4 in 4wd.

You don't want to use it where you have good traction that could bind the drive-train, speed is not the issue. Same for turning it on, speed does not matter but you don't want to be slipping aggressively when you hit the button.

 

[George 2000]

Makes sense.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

If you are driving over 50 on dicey roads with bald LTXs, the center diff isn't helping you. If anything it's making it more likely you will spin out.

Drive around a snowy parking lot with it on and off and you will see that you are much more likely to fishtail with it on. It's helpful in slower applications like going straight up a hill, towing something, or going 15 MPH through mud/snow. Going fifty down the highway, having the button depressed isn't helping. That said, you aren't damaging anything either, unless you are taking sharp turns on dry pavement.

 

[George 2000]

agreed. I have just enough tread left on those tires for the remainder of the winter - they still kick out the snow. won't be locked in high at higher speeds due to spin out, as you mentioned.

thanks