T-Locster

So, I live in the NW and we've been in the 30's with fog causing a lot of black ice issues. I have a 2017 XLT Screw 4 x 4. I have 4H not AWD and I was wondering in it's cool to drive in 4H doing highway speeds (65mph) on the highways. Going to work this morning changing lanes while passing it tried to break loose (in 2WD) a bit is why I'm asking. Thanks.


R/
Travis

Ssls6

I would not do it. When you turn, the slower tire up front and the slower tire in the back are not the same speed thus you put the driveshafts in a bind. This bind will cause slippage when you would normally not have slippage.

4x4 system or rear lockers do not increase tire traction. Tire traction is only related to the weight of the vehicle and tire/road condition.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't matter how many drive wheels you have in those conditions. It's ice, SLOW DOWN. Studs would make a difference.
Just because someone is going slower than you, doesn't always mean he's an idiot.

Silver-Bolt

If you are losing traction in 2wd SLOW down. Yes you can run 4HI on the highway. Read your manual. I believe it suggests a top speed of 60mph. On ice it won't help much at highway speed.

Eduskator

Yes, why not?

Just don't engage it (from 2x4 to 4x4) at high speeds.


I use 4x4 only on extreme road conditions on the freeway, but again, when that happens, nobody's going over than 40-50 mph...

T-Locster

I'm obviously not an expert, but coming out my drive way in 2WD fishtail all over the place, but in 4H it doesn't, like I said, I'm no expert on traction control, but it seems this would be more than a coincidence, right? Also, on the highway the corners are gradual, does that make a difference? I'll stay in 2WD for the time being, thanks.


R/
Travis

Aj06bolt12r

I wouldn't do it. As others have said. Having one front wheel pulling and one back wheel pulling on ice is a quick way to end up facing the wrong direction.

Plus I dont think its great for the 4x4 system. I wouldn't use 4x4 unless there is literally not enough traction available to maintain your desired speed in 2wd.

EcoBooster71

I live in Canada where we have to use our 4WD all the time. Use your 4H on the highway man. When you get to a tight corner (off the highway) turn it off so your wheels don't bind.

You won't hurt anything by running it in a (relative) straight line in 4H. You will be much safer. Anyone who says having 4WD on will make you spin out doesnt have 38 years experience driving in snow and ice every winter.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

You're at very low speed when backing out, and yes, 4X4 helps you out there, but at higher speeds, sometimes that can not be a good thing. I'll repeat myself, SLOW DOWN. Always think safety!!!
50 years experience, 10 of it as a "heavy haul" truckdriver on ice/snow, 300 miles a day, every winter.

LoneWolfTrucker

The "running in 4H will hurt your drive-train" is overblown. I would not suggest running 4H 24x7, but in degraded road conditions there is no issue with doing it. Consult your manual (for max speeds, etc) but also remember, even those have more into them than just mechanical. Manuals are vetted by OEM's lawyers to minimize liability. "My manual said I could do 80 in 4H, so I was driving in snow in ice at 75, and I wrecked. Ford's fault!"

Even engaging 4H for short periods on dry roads isn't going to hurt. In fact, I encourage it occasionally to keep the system functioning. So many buy 4WD, never engage it, 5 years later go to engage it to sell the truck and it doesn't work.