(Home) 4WD. 4 x 4 is there a definitive answer

Regards the 2 wheel drive/4 wheel drive debate, I must admit, I'm still not sure what's best...
Various owners say various things about when you should and should not use the 4 wheel drive option.
Even my learned friends differ. My mechanic friend says only use the 4 wheel drive in snow and ice, to get you off a slippy road. My lorry driver friend says use it in winter, what's the problem, the difs are up to it, and can't be made of plastic ! On a ten mile run, with some snow, but perhaps mainly salted roads, do I hop in and out of the vehicle ? It's been suggested that I leave the hubs in 4 wheel drive, and just press the button on the dash, as and when required. Is that best ??? Any definitive answers anyone. ( don't have this problem on my goldwing, and yes, I do ride it in winter ! ) - (#1756) Kevin Savage, 1 Jan 02

Lock the hubs, then shift on the fly. That's what the manual says. The Townie doesn't have a centre diff, so running in 4x4 on dry ground is NOT advised, as the axles will bind up. If you take a tight turn in 4x4 on dry ground, the vehicle will bind to a standstill within perhaps twenty feet... - (#1760) david miller, 1 Jan 02

David, Thanks for the explanation but, does "shift on the fly" mean that 4WD is selected, when required, by the dashboard switch , provided that the free wheel hubs are locked and that the surface conditions are sufficiently slippery ? Also, does the 4WD drive, dashboard switch, "lock" the transfer box drive in and out, irrespective of the position of the Hi & Lo location of the secondary gear lever ?
Would I be right in assuming that if road conditions vary, at this time of year, say, from dry tarmac to frozen snow, the hubs can be left locked and 4WD switched, from the dashboard switch, at will, but always remembering to switch "out" the 4WD when getting onto a non icy tarmac surface ? I assume that, without a centre differential, slippage of one of the road wheels is essential to prevent damage to the transmission. - (#1762) John Davis, 2 Jan 02

Yes, John, you've got it.The dashboard switch engages drive to the front axle within the transfer case. The secondary gear lever engages low ratio, and that can only be applied if the 4x4 button is already selected. Easiest selection is with brakes off, tranny in neutral, vehicle not moving. One must remember to select normal ratio before disengaging 4x4, BTW.
The only reason for the locking hubs at the front it to disconnect the driveline, for better economy and reduced wear. - (#1763) David Miller, 2 Jan 02

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated. - (#1770) Kevin Savage, 2 Jan 02

scenario
it's snowing - do you bother to play with the 4WD or not? Don't want to get stuck - (which is dead easy in a 2WD Space Cruiser) but then; don't want the hassle of getting out again to unlock the hubs when you get to gritted road . .
Solution!- lock only the passenger side hub and drive away. If 4WD is required then engage 4WD, loosen seatbelt, open driver's door,reach out of opened door whilst in driver's seat and the hub is withing arm's length (mine) for engaging!
Advantages
- 1. you stay IN the car 2. it takes 10 seconds. 3. Front propshaft is not rotating when one hub is released.
Disadvantages:- 1. front diff IS still rotating and driver's hub is backdriving at twice road speed so probably only good for slow speeds and limited periods. 2. Risk falling out when leaning out of vehicle 3.risk of losing head by impact from the motorcyclist who couldn't wait while you fiddled with your wheels. er . . probably not such a great idea. sorry. but worth a mention if it can be done without damage to the vehicle . . . . any comments Dave Miller? - (#1839) mark adams, 7 Jan 02

Just leave the hubs locked. You're only in 4x4 when the shift on the fly button is pressed. Only locking one hub could damage the diff too- too big a ratio between wheel speeds. - (#1852) david miller, 8 Jan 02

if i leave front hubs locked, can i change into 4wd on the move, or do i need to come to a halt? also, when in 4wd with low ratio gears selected, can i change to normal gears on the move.
didn't like to try, just in case !! - (#1880) eddie arrowsmith, 15 Jan 02

With front hubs locked, you can switch into 4x4 at up to 50mph, but ONLY on slippery surfaces.
Once in low ratio, you can drive as normal
HTH - (#1883) David Miller, 16 Jan 02

thanks!! - (#1898) eddie arrowsmith, 17 Jan 02