4wd max speed

nirvroxx · #1 10-10-2005, 07:22 PM

Hello everyone...im new to the forums, and had a general question about 4wd max speed. I recently bought a 94 rodeo LS and am very pleased with it...however, it did not come with a owners manual, so I have no way of knowing what the max speed I can travel while in either 4l or 4h...can anyone give me this info? thanks all

rodeo02 · #2 10-10-2005, 07:59 PM

4Lo really isn't designed for 'driving' at all. It's more or less for off-road, off pavement use. The engine would be screaming at 30mph in 4Lo. Most part-time 4x4's like ours recommend a max speed of around 65mph in 4hi.
G/luck
Joel

Cat Fuzz · #3 10-11-2005, 08:02 AM

I've driven at freeway speeds with my 94 in 4hi.

nirvroxx · #4 10-11-2005, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodeo02

4Lo really isn't designed for 'driving' at all. It's more or less for off-road, off pavement use. The engine would be screaming at 30mph in 4Lo. Most part-time 4x4's like ours recommend a max speed of around 65mph in 4hi.
G/luck
Joel

thanks for the info...i'll keep that in mind...I've heard somewhere that 4hi isnt recomended for wet pavement...is this true? I figured with the pavement being wet, 4hi would give greater traction....any info on this?

1 more question...when in 4lo or 4hi, should I keep it in "regular" drive mode or should I also shift it to a lower gear setting....for example if when in 4hi, should i stay in "drive" or shift it to 3rd...or if im in 4lo should I keep it in second or the "lo" setting? sorry for asking all these questions within a thread, I just didn't want to create 3 more threads with similiar questions. any info would be much appreciated.

Canucklehead · #5 10-11-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nirvroxx

thanks for the info...i'll keep that in mind...I've heard somewhere that 4hi isnt recomended for wet pavement...is this true? I figured with the pavement being wet 4hi would give greater traction....any info on this?

4Hi or 4Lo are not recommended for DRY pavement, as a matter of fact, owner's manual specifically states that 4Hi is for normal driving on wet, icy or snow covered roads.
As far as max speed in 4wd, the owner's manual doesn't really give one but it does say to stay below 60 mph with the vehicle running straight when shifting from 2Hi to 4Hi and back.

nirvroxx · #6 10-11-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

4Hi or 4Lo are not recommended for DRY pavement, as a matter of fact, owner's manual specifically states that 4Hi is for normal driving on wet, icy or snow covered roads.
As far as max speed in 4wd, the owner's manual doesn't really give one but it does say to stay below 60 mph with the vehicle running straight when shifting from 2Hi to 4Hi and back.

Thanks for the info!

so shifting between 4hi and 2hi is possible while running? i thought the only way of shifting back to 2wd is by stopping the vehickle entirely and backing up at least 1 meter so the hubs "unlock"...can you clarify? im kinda confused.

directory · #7 10-11-2005, 03:55 PM

it's a shift on the fly 4wd. you need to be moving forward when engaging and disengaging 4wd. let's say around 10-15 mph (or more if desired) the light on the dashboard will flash until the 4wd is engaged or disengaged. it will be lit the whole time 4wd is engaged.

as far as the regular transmission gearing.--i don't know. i use the regular [D] when "wheelin" through mud in 4hi. i don't use 4lo that much.

--one side note==you want to make sure you engage both 4wd drive gears (4hi and 4lo) at least once a month. keeps the gears lubed up.

Canucklehead · #8 10-11-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directory

it's a shift on the fly 4wd. you need to be moving forward when engaging and disengaging 4wd.

That is only for 4Hi. For 4Lo the vehicle is supposed to be stopped. It also says to engage the clutch (N for an auto tranny?).

directory · #9 10-11-2005, 04:36 PM

oops, you are right....

i told you i don'tuse 4lo that much....

marcre · #10 10-11-2005, 05:08 PM

Nirvroxx, you may want to see if you can pick up a manual off of e-bay. Lot of valuable info in there.

4lo in my truck has never been used for any real reason. I use it once in a while to use it. It is for severe conditions, like deep snow or mud. It isn't meant for high speed use. I never take my Rodeo above 10-15 while using 4lo.

My opinion of 4hi is only use it when needed. The manual says for wet conditions, but rain, I believe is not necessary. I have never had any traction issues in the rain. I use it for the rare off-road occasion and snow. Until I got the Rodeo, I've never had a 4wd vehicle. It is nice to not have to worry about getting stuck.

I never really thought about how fast you can go in 4wd, because if I'm in 4wd, it would be unsafe to go fast.

Marc

nirvroxx · #11 10-11-2005, 07:03 PM

thanks for all the usefull advice guys...it really is a help, since i dont have a owners manual...i was really just curious, as this is my first 4wd vehicle and want to know how to use it when the time comes. the info is really appreciated.
I actually am going to buy a owners manual off ebay..theyre about 12 bucks...which is alot better then what isuzu sells them for ($40)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

That is only for 4Hi. For 4Lo the vehicle is supposed to be stopped. It also says to engage the clutch (N for an auto tranny?).

I have an auto tranny....so does this mean I have to stop the rodeo entirely, put it in "N" then shift the 4wd to 4lo, then shift the regular tranny back to drive?

marcre · #12 10-11-2005, 07:25 PM

To go to 4lo, you must already be in 4hi. For 4lo you do have to stop, put the vehicle in N and then shift to 4lo. Same for going back to 4hi from 4lo, it is the same, stop, N, shift. You do not want the vehicle moving while moving the transfer case lever.

Marc.

nirvroxx · #13 10-11-2005, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcre

To go to 4lo, you must already be in 4hi. For 4lo you do have to stop, put the vehicle in N and then shift to 4lo. Same for going back to 4hi from 4lo, it is the same, stop, N, shift. You do not want the vehicle moving while moving the transfer case lever.

Marc.

i see...thanks! im gonna print this out and give it some practice runs!

Davejb · #14 10-13-2005, 06:00 PM

My personal opinion on using 4 hi in the rain: If you need it you either don't know how to drive or are driving way too fast.

nirvroxx · #15 10-13-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davejb

My personal opinion on using 4 hi in the rain: If you need it you either don't know how to drive or are driving way too fast.

well...i didnt know...thats why I asked. this is my first 4wd vehicle, and I figured activating 4hi, would give me better traction.

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