Low range with hubs unlocked

[Gemini57]

Hi all and please ignore my supreme ignorance on this topic, but I have never been given a definitive answer by other 4WDrivers or mechanics as to whether or not you can engage low range four wheel drive without having the hubs locked. Basically, I want to know if when driving up a steep hill on the bitumen and find first gear not quite coping, can I engage low range 4WD without having to get out and lock the hubs. I wouldn't need the 4WD, just the lower range. Some people are of the opinion that I will chew out my free-wheeling hubs.
Thanks in advance,
Wolf.

[bansheebuzz]

so you have an older model hilux with free wheeling hubs? if so then it is fine to engage 4wd without the hubs locking in on the bitumen, either high or low dsoes not matter just dont do it with the hubs locked

[pisso01]

I wish the current hilux had unlocking hubs for this reason..

Cheers,

Chris.

[pisso01]

I wish the current hilux had unlocking hubs for this reason..

Cheers,

Chris.

[doyta]

No probs mate & no harm done. lucky you

[Gemini57]

Th.anks to all who replied. At least next time I am struggling up a steep hill with the trailer, I'll confidently put her into 4WD low range.
Cheers,
Wolf

[fgk228]

just make sure your not moving when you change to 4wd or 4wdlow as the transfer case is not spinning so crunch time
i use low range when im reversing and dont want to ride the clutch

[Gemini57]

Thanks fgk228. I have had many conflicting thoughts about this, but this forum seems to be unanimous in saying that it is OK to engage low range without having to lock the hubs. I was backing a trailer up a reasonably steep driveway and could smell the clutch. In future I will use low range. Cheers.

[Miller]

Yep, have hooked up a switch on the Ranger that prevents the front hubs from engaging, putting it in 2wd low range makes backing the car float a bloody breeze! Go for gold mate, when I'm feeling lazy I also use it in bumper to bumper peak hour traffic that is moving no quicker than walking pace!

[juzzo84]

could not have said it better myself, i miss my old LN106

I wish the current hilux had unlocking hubs for this reason..

Cheers,

Chris.

[SNODOG]

does anyone know if u can install a switch in the new hilux to allow the use of low range 2wd??? like the boys said reversing a fully loaded trailer up a hill slowly with ease

[strangenuts]

I think you can only do it with the Sr5.

[rosco01]

SR-5 has ADD - one wire .... a switch and you have low range 2WD...even turns out the 4WD light on the dash- there's a modification somewhere here in the forum - I did mine...absolutely marvellous for backing and setting a van up on hard surfaces....
Tested it many times on loose stones to make sure front diff was disconnected..... one of the greatest mods done...

frats,
Rosco

[SNODOG]

mines an sr can i still do it???

[rosco01]

Sorry, Snodog - think the SR-5 is the only one fitted with ADD... unless there has been an upgrade to later models.... mine was a Mar '09 build...

frats,
Rosco

[SNODOG]

oh righto mate... yeah mines a Mar 09 build too, and ive never heard of the sr having ADD....

[FuzzyM]

The thing to remember about using "L2" is that you have a lot of leverage against your rear diff.

They arent too bad for strength, but they certainly aint no GU Patrol pumpkin!

Normally when in low range you would generally be sharing the power/torque between two diffs.

So when you are doing it, avoid shock loads or could find yourself going crunch!

[rosco01]

Good point, FuzzyM..... probably more so with a manual trans... auto's are a bit "protected"... but under a lot of power - the "grind" would be almost the same.... and when used whilst turning - would be a lot of strain on one spider.....

frats,
Rosco