I just traded my 4x2 Lariat for an FX4. This is my first 4wd truck, and I want to know how to use it. It is my understanding that 2H is for normal, everyday driving, 4H for normalish driving on non-paved surfaces, and 4L is for heavy pulling in low traction areas (like pulling a boat out of the launch.)

Is this the general idea?

Is there anything special that I need to know? I think that I can flip between 2H and 4H as I drive down the road, or from a stop, right? What about 4L? And does reverse change anything?

I probably won't use 4xd at all. We get ice/snow here 2-3 DAYS a year. Otherwise, I'll probably just switch to 4H when I drive down my parents 2 mile white rock gravel road. I don't really need it, but I have it so......


Any help is appreciated.

 

u dont need to use it down just a dirt road really u only need it when ur offroading dont use it if its not neccecary in my opinion and yes u have it right about the for low and as far as switching to it while driving i assume thats what shift-on the -fly means but i am no positive about it i would recomend only doing it from a stop regardless

 

Check in your owners manual. There is a section in there that will tell you how and when to use it.

 

I think you have the basic idea. Your truck should have come with a "Driving your SUV or Truck" supplement. There's general info in there and in your owners manual there is info specific to your truck.

4WD will not help you stop on slippery roads, although engine braking may help a little. It will let you get deeper into the woods for the tow truck to come get you.

 

you can shift from 2h to 4h on the fly by turning that 4wd switch. in 4h you can pull it out and lock your rear diff because you have the fx4 with the electronic locking diff. only use the diff lock in extreme situation when your only driving straight. no turns with a diff locked. 4l you must come to a stop and i believe have the truck in neutral to shift into it. I don't recommend driving for a long time in 4l. Only use 4wd when needed and it can get you in more trouble than you would have gotten into if you had a 2wd if you don't know what your doing.

 

You seem to have the basic understanding of when to use 4x4. Definitely check your owners manual, as it will offer up a lot of information on how and when to use 4x4.

Even if you don't plan on using 4x4 very much, you will want to engage it on loose surface road tops about once a month for a couple miles. It helps keep all of the 4wd components lubed.

Like someone else said, 4x4 does NOT improve stopping abilities. It helps you get going, but far too many people think that it helps them stop quicker, as well.

Best of luck to you.

 

You do not need 4wd to drive down a gravel road.....

Check your owner's manual.

 

Remember to use 4wd once a month to keep it lubricated. That gravel road would be a good place to use it.

 

Sand & snow = 4wd. If you don't want to get stuck, use 2wd, and only 4wd if you become stuck. 4wd will get you into a spot where you will need 6wd. I've never needed or used 4L, but I'm sure some have, and I'm curious under what circumstance. Anyone?
Sounds like you have the AWD option, which if not towing, is my preference. But that's what the Subaru is for.

 

I understand that I do not NEED it for a gravel road (I have driven down the road for years in my Mustang). However, if I understand it correctly, it is a situation where 4H could be applicable...a situation where I could use it without causing problems.