ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: pharoe7 on June 02, 2012, 11:34:04 AM

Title: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: pharoe7 on June 02, 2012, 11:34:04 AM: I have an '87 Tin Top, I noticed on the transfer case instruction card it says "Do not operate this vehicle in 4 high or 4 low on dry hard surfaces". So here is my scenario... I live in the mountains of Colorado, during the winter season there are times when snow is falling on the hwy and roads. They do an amazing job of keeping the roads plowed and clear as much as possible dependent on how much snow is falling. Can I drive in 4 high on roads that are NOT dry but snow is falling so as to not be driving with just the rear tires for extra grip. Or will I ruin the transfer case? I drive to work about 28 miles one way and the weather can change drastically over the course of driving. Any help would be great as I don't want to cause a problem with my Zuke! If you drive in similar conditions please advise me as to what you do.

Thanks,

pharoe
Title: Re: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: keith on June 03, 2012, 05:21:36 AM: It is not recommended to leave it in 4wd sections that are not very slippery. A short straight distance may not be an issue but don't take turns or do it for long. What I would do is leave the hubs locked all winter and just shift between 2wd and 4wd as needed.

This link may help explain it better.

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html (http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html)
Title: Re: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: doughboy0379 on June 20, 2012, 11:56:04 AM: I agree with keith just leave your front hubs locked in and shift your T-case as needed, but make sure your front drive-shaft U-joints are in good shape and your front axle is good or you will get lot of vibration up there.
Title: Re: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: kbeefy on June 23, 2012, 02:04:52 AM: you'll be fine, just pop it into 2x for parking lots etc... as long as you don't have lockers in both ends theres still plenty of give left for driving on the road. Whatever snow/rain is on the road will allow your tires to slip the little amount they need to. Running your 4x is good for it anyways, keeps everything lubed up.
Title: Re: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: talonxracer on June 23, 2012, 04:50:20 AM: I would keep the hubs unlocked untill the snow really starts flying. The length I see people go to to not be inconvienced is truely amazing, LOL, maybe a Subie would have been a better choice?

I have NEVER encountered a situation where the weather went from a 2wd situation to one requiring 4wd without many minutes if not hours of prior notice that would allow me to stop, get out and engage the hubs and then get back on the road at a reduced speed.

That little bit of slippage can cause issues, ESPECIALLY at higher speeds, almost as deadly as a slip locker on a icey paved mtn road, engage 4wd and reduce the speed significantly.
Title: Re: Driving in 4 Wheel High question?
Post by: kelly mt on July 01, 2012, 09:03:43 PM: We need to run our rigs in 4x most all winter here. It's usually 4x out to the state highway, if it's packed snow or ice it stays in 4x high. If it's mostly wet with ice patches I'll take it out of 4x and if it's a run to town, 55 miles, I take the hubs out. No big deal to stop and take the hubs out, makes you appreciate the heater when you get back in.