I put my truck into 4L and it would not shift out of 1st gear. is that normal for these newer trucks?

 

Well, it will eventually shift into 2nd, but in most cases that 4LOW is used, you're gonna be crawling. Its meant to be used going slow with a bunch of torque.

 

Yup mine does it

 

Something is wrong

 

i have yet to use 4L but in the f550 i drive at work it takes forever to get to second, if you have it, drop it into manual and shift into second that way

 

Mine does it as well. It will eventually shift but its not like my other 4wd vehicles that just shift right through the gears. It is normal for these trucks.

 

I've been told its designed to stay in first gear as long as possible in 4L. This is to keep everything running slow, optimize torque output and not wear the transfer case and other 4wd drive line components. You shouldn't be going fast enough in 4L to warrant being in second gear anyway IMO.

 

This.

Shifting gears while in 4L defeats the purpose of 4L. I could see shifting into second gear, but after that you might as well use 4H

 

Yep, exactly.

 

Indeed. The only time I use 4L is when I am using it as a descent control feature as I go down the trail to our family property. And staying purposely in 1st gear is designed to provide that slowing functionality without riding the brakes. Otherwise you should be in 4H.