When should you use all wheel, 4 wheel hi and 4 wheel low?

Answer 1

Personally, I use the 4 wheel drive hi range when the weather is really bad and there is snow and ice on the highway. Although it doesn't do squat for you in stopping, it does seem to give a lot more stability and traction on the road.

The only time I have a need for the low range is when I come up the very steep driveway at my house. It is just more stable and secure, and it just feels better.

Otherwise, I run the highways in just 2 wheel drive if the road is clear and dry.

Answer 2

When starting out in deep ( 1-2 ) foot snow conditions, pulling heavy objects uphill or pulling something in dry or wet sand, use 4 wheel low. This speed is not recommend for highway driving. It's an extremely low - low ratio gear. Speeds should not be expected to go over 5 mph. because the transmission is in a gear which is less than 1/4 the speed of the normal low gear. The trans. will not not shift out of low fwd. The normal 2-3-4 gear no longer works. To play around with this shift to low 4 whd. in a noncongested parking lot. You will notice the rpm's rise quickly and the truck barely moves. Do not over rev. the engine past 5000 rpm. Notice the trans did not shift up at all. For general day to day use 4 wheel high is fine.

Answer 3

You use all wheel drive in conditions where there's snow on the roads, or icy spots. You use 4 wheel hi in very rough conditions, like pure ice or deep snow, as well as mud. 4 wheel low can be used in sand or on steep roads/ hills. 4 wheel low gives you more torque, but you can't get out of deep snow or mud with that.
As a matter of fact, I don't think you should completely follow my adivce, these are just wild guesses.

Answer 4

in most cases, use 4wlo when you want to crawl over rocks, steep hills, and when you need traction in an off road situation. if you have full time 4whi, then that can be used in poor weather on highways. If you have 4whi NOT full time, then keep it for use only when you need traction as highway snow conditions when chains are normally needed. Don't use this type of 4whi when the roads are not slippery. This can cause a windup situation in your drive train and cause you to loose control unexpectedly.