Manual 4-Wheel Drive

[beachrog]

Alright, alright, question my manhood if you want, but I really don't know the answer to this question.

I bought a 1997 Chevy K1500 in April of 2007. It has the four wheel drive on the floor. What is the proper way to shift into 4 wheel drive? Should I be in Park or Neutral before I shift it into 4 wheel? The only other 4 wheel drive I've owned was a push button on-the-fly.

Any guidance or tips would be appreciated.

BTW, it didn't come with a manual.

[mansopoor]

it's ok, VERY ONE, must learn at sometime. Ok going from 2hi to 4 hi you can shift on the fly (shift while your driving), but i would suggest you do it UNDER 80km/h, now for 4low, stop the truck and put it in neutral, then shift into 4low, same way for going from 4low to 2hi or 4hi. And dont forget, if you dont ask, you dont learn.

[beachrog]

Thanks for the reply.

Shifting anything on the fly makes me nervous. However, I'm assuming it's my lack of understanding how the system operates that creates this nervousness.

I look forward to trying this out on the way home tonight. Although I only get about 11.5 mpg right now, in 4 wheel, I'll be stopping at every station...

[mansopoor]

if you feel more comfortable stopping the truck first, thats ok to. in 4x4 you will go through MORE fuel but it shouldn't be that much, i have 2 4x4's on the go. 1-97 S10 blazer (wife) and 1-92 K1500(mine) and i live in newfoundland, canada where snow is just apart of life. so enjoy the snow and use the 4x4, it can be fun.

[beachrog]

I went out at lunch and tried it out. Shifting both in and out while on the go, kind of fun. Wish I'd have been more confident in pulling that lever on the way to work this morning. Everyone wouldn't have had to sit and wait for me at each stop sign, spinning and sliding...

[mansopoor]

now DONT FORGET shift it UNDER 80km/h and im not sure what that would be in miles.

[mansopoor]

hey would you happen to know where i could get 2 shock mounts (mounts shock to frame in the rear)

[beachrog]

What year?

There are so many websites that offer parts, whether they are specific to older restorations or purely suspension companies.

I was looking at shock mounts earlier for a '72 and found a site that offered them, but I'm thinking you probably a referring to something newer.

[beachrog]

Originally Posted by mansopoor

now DONT FORGET shift it UNDER 80km/h and im not sure what that would be in miles.

By the way, that's about 50 m/h.

[J-Ri]

For shifting into 4x4, my owners manual says 55mph. For shifting out of 4x4, any speed is ok... although I wouldn't recommend going nearly that fast if 4x4 is needed

[mansopoor]

beachrog: i have a 92 k1500

J-Ri: but that is half the fun, but then again, where i live most normal people stay off the roads, cause most very snow fall is a dumping, but its still fun