4x4 - 4WD Video
In this video presentation you will see what a 4x4 system is and how it helps with your off-roading.
Lets say we are driving our 4x4 and heading off road. We are in 2 high mode and the front axle spins freely while full power is sent to the rear wheels. This is what we use for the city or highway and gives better fuel economy.
Driving in 4WD on DRY PAVEMENT is usually not recommended. In many 4x4 vehicles the transmission box is locked when engaged and this causes friction between front and rear since the rear tires travel less distance than the front tires do.
Now the road surface turns into gravel. So -- we engage the 4 high mode.
Shifting into 4 high while driving is usually possible but you should keep a low constant speed and not engage it while the driveline is under strain. Check this out with your particular vehicle manual -- so you don't break anything.
What happens under the body is of course more interesting.
Now the front and rear axles spin at equal speed and power is distributed between the axels.
Using 4 high mode gives your truck the awesome traction needed for the off road.
Standard 4WD sends power to the wheel that has the least traction. So -- lets say that one wheel is on ice and the others are on sturdy ground, the one on the ice will be the wheel rotated!
Because -- now it will start spinning and you will not move at all!
This is when you can lock the transfer case -- sometimes called diff lock.
Now the other axle starts working also and the front wheels - in this case - start moving.
Since the front wheels have traction you get out of the stuck.
Lets say the conditions are getting worse and you engage the 4 low. In 4 low mode the 4x4 is ready for extreme off-road situations, like mud, rockcrawling and heavy snow or sand. The lower transfer case gear ratio gives greatly increased power at the slow speed needed. The role of 4 low is to lessen the strain on the engine and driveline and make control more accurate in low speeds and difficult terrain
But what happens when one wheel on each axle looses traction?
Then they both start spinning and you are stuck AGAIN!
Now having lockers is a must.
Engaging lockers on the differentials makes each pair of wheels turn at the same speed and gets you out.
Lockers are the secret ingredient to successful off-roading.
For most 4x4s - lockers are an aftermarket add-on. And they are really only for the most extreme off-road situations.
When you have active lockers in your front drive, normal steering is highly affected. In fact for a 100% locked front drive turning on hard surface is almost impossible since all wheels are forced to turn at the same speed.
So -- in conclusion:
Get to know your 4x4 and the way the controls work. Test these things before you go on your next off-road adventure.
Thrandur
4x4OffRoads.com
