How fast when engaging 4WD?

[K15004X4]

I've got a 96 K1500 with the 4WD lever on the floor. How fast can I be driving when I put it into 4 Hi? I usually come to a complete stop and wait for the light to indicate that it is engaged. Is it safe to engage it at 10, 20 mph or faster??

[craigix]

Originally Posted by K15004X4

I've got a 96 K1500 with the 4WD lever on the floor. How fast can I be driving when I put it into 4 Hi? I usually come to a complete stop and wait for the light to indicate that it is engaged. Is it safe to engage it at 10, 20 mph or faster??

I'd also like to know this, and if it is safe to drive in 4x4 at say 80mph, or should it only be used when needed?

We should really find manuals on ebay

[K15004X4]

Someone's got to know the answer to this one.....

[MT-2500]

That one is not a ford shift on the fly so it is.
Kinda like crossing a rail road track in a bus or gas truck.
You need to stop look and listen and then put it in 4 wheel.
Never us it on dry payment in 4 wheel if you want your 4 wheel to live to a ripe old age.
MT

[thecackster]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Never us it on dry payment in 4 wheel if you want your 4 wheel to live to a ripe old age.

I really agree, it needs some slippage or it will get all bound up. I even have the push button 4WD and I still stop untill it's engaged. I just don't feel right driving when it's trying to go in, I could just see somthing snapping.

[2500HD4x4]

The manual says it can be engaged up to 55mph, however, like the others, I always come to a stop, or at least keep it under 10 or 20 mph.

[horse482]

You can safely put you truck in 4wd up to about 20mph, but not any faster. I would not drive any faster than about 45mph when in 4wd. I also agree with not on dry pavement. As for Craigix wanting to put in 4wd at 80mph, go for it, it gives quite a show. You will scatter your front diff. and t-case to hell and back, seen it, it makes quite a mess.