Where did you get that info? I always thought the center diff is only locked when in 4wd (with the diff lock switch on) and that it was always unlocked in 2wd mode.
4wd question
- Thread starter Paulie6909
- Start date
Where did you get that info? I always thought the center diff is only locked when in 4wd (with the diff lock switch on) and that it was always unlocked in 2wd mode.
JB.
New member
It has to be locked in 2wd. Unlocked, essentially no torque would get to the rear.
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Question for you, and I think the answer will help me better understand our 4X4 system. I know I can be driving at any speed in 4hi, but have to be driving slower than 62 mph to activate it. However, I must be stopped and in neutral to put it into 4lo and/or to lock the center differential.
But, if the vehicle is unlocking/locking the center diff every time it goes into/out of 4hi, then why can't I be moving when I want to lock the center diff in 4hi or 4lo?
And, sorry to hi-jack the thread, but I've been meaning to ask a question. Last winter, I was gone for a day and it had snowed the night before. The streets were plowed and very clear, so I wasn't in 4X4. As I pulled up to my driveway, which was snow covered, I noticed a berm on the edge of my driveway from the plow. Being very tired and stupid, I tried to drive over it and became quite stuck (truck wouldn't budge a bit).
Not knowing what else to do, I twisted the knob to 4hi and gently pressed the gas, which spun the tires. It, after a bit, clicked over to 4X4. I could now rock the truck, but it was still stuck, so I locked the center differential. Once locked, the truck drove forward easy as anything. From this, I learned to always have my truck in 4hi if there is any chance whatsoever of becoming stuck.
Why does the driveshaft have to be spinning in order for the 4th gen to lock into 4hi?
Could damage be caused from putting it into 4hi using the method I described?
Is there a way, or better method, of putting into into 4X4 if you find yourself stuck in 2hi?
Thanks
stanleybb50
New member
One quick note is that if you're moving in 4wd, you can lock and unlock the center diff on the fly (while moving).
Someone morw educated will need to answer the question on if the method you used would be bad (I don't think it would be). Thing is if you don't use 4 high that often, then it just takes a moment to engage, but you can be moving or stopped to engage in gear.
You can be moving or stopped in gear to engage anything except 4low (for that, must be stopped in neutral).
Hopefully this helps.
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JB.
New member
As Stanley said, center diff lock can be engaged under any conditions, though being in motion helps (traveling straight).
My truck is full-time 4WD so I'm not the best person to answer questions about the most effective methods of operating the auto disconnecting (front) differential (A.D.D) which is what enables the truck to run in 2WD. The simplest answer is to be in 4WD before you need it. I've heard many posters say that they leave the truck in 4hi for the duration of the winter. Running in 4hi is identical to 4hi in the full-time 4WD model. Mpg hit is small - less than 1 - and you get to enjoy the tracking and stability that goes with AWD.
Well, I'll be darned. I've studied the manual, and read countless threads, and I had it planted deeply in my mind that you couldn't lock the center diff on the fly. I've always stopped and put it into neutral. Thank you guys.
From the experience, I keep my truck in 4wd quite often now. I plan on keeping it in 4hi this winter.
From the experience, I keep my truck in 4wd quite often now. I plan on keeping it in 4hi this winter.
