I have a dumb question for you guys. Went sailing today and to pull the boat and trailer off the steep ramp I shifted to 4wd low (with the hubs locked). Is it possible to put it in low and leave the hubs unlocked? The owners manual says to never do it, but I'm wondering what would happen. Thanks
4wd low question
- Thread starter 87cruiser
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You can modify the shift gate so you can have 2WD low so you can move the lever straight to the right instead of going down first.. When you pull the level down it engages the transfer case to 4 wheel drive which turns the front drive shaft.If you front hubs are not engaged you could damage the front diff. after awhile. Not exactly sure how much stress it puts on it but not worth it. Modify your shift gate for 2WD low or get out and lock the hubs.
Goodluck
Goodluck
NocalFJ60 said:
I would love to know how to modify the shift gate to do that. Have you done it? have any info?
Secondly, i might be wrong, but i just don't see the problem on having the car on low gear without the front hubs locked. The front transmision will spin freely and i don't think it can damage something, off course, this is if the tranny is well lubed and the knucles have their share of grease. Please, correct me if i'm wrong and show me why. (i just want to learn)
You won't hurt a thing by putting it into 4 low with the hubs not engaged. I do it all the time when backing a trailer or anytime I want to go slow and not slip the clutch. I would recommend 4 low when pulling out of a boat ramp to save the clutch. It is better to leave the hubs disengaged otherwise if you turn on the concrete you'll bind the drive line and could damage something.
you can modify the shift gate by taking it off completely.
I have always wondered about this. So it is okay to use lo position only if gate has been modified(removed) or can you go 4hi over to 4 lo?? If gate is removed, you can just go right not back and right?
When you remove the gate the transfer case lever moves in either direction - not limited to 2H-4H-4L. Doesn't hurt anything.
sandcruiser
....back in the saddle again....
2low is great for a variety of things-
better for tight turns on the trail if you have decent traction
better for driving a trailer on steep roads (had to back a uhaul up a steep driveway one time, 2low was perfect)
great for boat ramps
heck, I've even used 2low while idling in LA traffic where I knew that there was no end in sight. 2low in 2nd was just about the perfect speed to stay off of the brakes.
better for tight turns on the trail if you have decent traction
better for driving a trailer on steep roads (had to back a uhaul up a steep driveway one time, 2low was perfect)
great for boat ramps
heck, I've even used 2low while idling in LA traffic where I knew that there was no end in sight. 2low in 2nd was just about the perfect speed to stay off of the brakes.
REKCUT
SILVER Star
My 84 is geared high and with the added 33 12.50's my 1st gear is to tall to drive off road so I use low without locking in the hubs anytime I am not on pavement. It is to hard on the clutch otherwise. I have never had a problem.(BUt that dosent mean I am not just lucky and if someone knows for sure what it damages then I would reconsider)
Shifting from high to low changes which gearset is used to transfer power from the input shaft from the transmission to the output shaft in the t-case. Shifting from 2WD to 4WD just locks in the front driveshaft. It doesn't seem like 2 Low would hurt the t-case.
I guess you might hurt the rear driveline in a high load situation since all the power would be going through the rear driveshaft and wheels rather than being split evenly with the front driveline.
I guess you might hurt the rear driveline in a high load situation since all the power would be going through the rear driveshaft and wheels rather than being split evenly with the front driveline.
bhk said:
well, we all know that these cars in low mode with somebody not experienced can bend and destroy parts (driveshafts, u-joints, etc..) so i guess in that side we are all clear, but the good thing about 2low is that you can have reduction where you needed without the front driveshaft spinning.
Off course, just unlock the hubs and you're ok, but it'll be nice to see if the is a mod and end up just like stock.
all the gate does is block you from putting it 2lo, so it is easier to just take the gate off than to modify it.
