junkyardblacksmith

Will it damage any part of the vehicle to use 4WD-low for extended periods without locking the front wheels?

Thanks.

Glenn

No, probably not. What do you mean by extended periods?

Intrepid

No, the front wheels just won't receive power, the cv's and the d-shaft will still spin. Although, if you need 4 low for an extended period of time, it shouldn't be a big deal to have the front tires turning right? How long is "Extended" and what would you be doing?

Tofer

i think he just ment using 2LO until 4 wheel drive is needed... i dont lock my hubs till i need them just to see how far 2wd can get me, but use 2lo for the gearing / power.

Intrepid

I have always wondered why people bothered with that. I figure that since it is spinning it helps to get you over smaller obstacles with less abuse on the rest of the truck. To each his own.

ovrrdrive

I also do it all the time...

If I need more power to pull a boat up a ramp or go up a steep hill or curb, the truck can barely get out of its own way in H2 sometimes.

I also do it if I need more control when going over said obstacles.

I seriously doubt it will hurt anything.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I also use 2L all the time, with dual cases, I have a true 2L gear using the front reduction box in low range and leave the rear case in 2WD. Just need to watch out and not give it too much gas, since you are applying over twice the load to the rear axle alone.

bob200587

do both of your T case sticks fit in the same space as stock, or do you have to take the console off?

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Currently the rear shifter comes out of the front recess on the center console:


Shortly I'll be installing a triple stick shifter that will bring all the shifters to the front location and there will be 3 separate, single-function sticks, Rear H-L, Front H-L, 2-4. At that point the rear shifter hole will be covered and a console could be left intact.

junkyardblacksmith

This is exactly what I use this for. Helps pull heavy trailers up hills, and keeps me from having to burn up the brakes going down really steep hills under extra heavy loads. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't tearing somthing up.

junkyardblacksmith

Well.. there is no 2W-Lo marked on my transfer shifter.. just 2WD-Hi, 4WD-Hi, and 4WD-Lo.

I was just asking if it's alright to use 4WD-Lo without the hubs locked to simulate a 2WD-Lo gear.

junkyardblacksmith

By extended periods, I mean more than a few minutes. So far I have used this for less than 5 minutes at a time with no damage.

Glenn

No problem with that at all.

mike_d

it's no problem. it doesn't hurt anything.

here's another thread that asked the same question:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/its-bad-drive-4l-hubs-free-62590/

bob200587

I forgot about that little cup thing there. I dunno, when you get the other setup going I'd like to see. I know how useful the dual or trip cases can be.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Here is the prototype triple stick shifter:





Need to shorten the width of the shift rods in to the width of the blocks to ease installation. As is, will fit but requires lowering the t-case or raising the body for installation. Stock shifter is used up front with a new stick on each side of it for the two halves of the rear case. Totally sealed and should be as quiet as the stock shifter. In fact the shifter is so tightly sealed, will need to add venting to it (stock unit vents through the stick), that is the right angle fitting on the rear (white) shifter base).

bob200587

sweet...