Dumb ? of 09

[Checkurhead098]

here it is: what is the maximum speed one can safely drive at while in 4wd?

 

[Glen4X4]

If you need 4wd I'm not sure you'd actually want to be driving very fast. In an answer to your question however though I wouldn't drive more than 55 I think that's fast enough if road conditions make you use 4wd.

 

[marragtop]

Yeah, 4wd drive doesn't make it stop any quicker....

 

[92exp4x4]

Ford designed the "touch drive" four wheel drive to be safely activated at any speed up to 55 MPH. I think this is the best answer.

Although, thats just shifting into 4x4. The mechaical components are only limited to the road conditions and driver skill. The truck itself could cruise all day long with the speedo buried in 4x4. Just don't expect to stop quickly or turn fast.

 

[Checkurhead098]

mechanically

thanks for the tips. i have just heard around that in most vehicles with 4WD regardless of vehicle make, that you shouldnt go over 35mph(or less) primarily for mechanical reasons. thats what im more concerned about whether or not the gearing or tranny etc. can handle higher speeds in 4wd.

 

[MrShorty]

In 4H, the drivetrain can handle most any speed you can throw at it. The main concern, as noted by others, is that, if road conditions merit the use of 4wd, then the conditions probably dictate slower speeds so that you can stay in control of the vehicle.

I would expect that those who are saying 35 mph or less for mechanical reasons are probably thinking of 4L. Most owners manuals that I've seen limit you to about 45 mph in 4L, though 35 mph often feels like a better upper limit (It seems to me that the engine would have to be really racing to get to 45). Basically, your limiting factor in 4L is how fast you want to race the engine.

 

[arco777]

I would not ever run 4WD on dry or almost dry pavement, or in rain.

That said, you should be able to operate 4WD at any speed you want, just keep in mind the extra spinning components and stress if you make a quick move. In Alaska it's not uncommon for the highway to be iced over and normal conditions otherwise so I can understand people wanting to use 4WD at 65-70 - they do all the time there for example. Last I read my 94's owner's manual (couple weeks ago) I believe it said that you were okay to engage or disengage and operate 4WD at any speed with either T-case option. I wouldn't engage it above 30 personally and I generally come to a stop to engage it, just to be nice to the parts.

 

[nitro71]

I ran my 08 Tacoma 75mph in 4wd in icy conditions with no problems. I've also ran my 95 X at hwy speeds in icy conditions in 4wd. I wouldn't shift into 4wd going that fast though. And it should be slick conditions.

 

[kifferarri]

so im going to go along with this question... cause i would also like to know, if im in 4wd, and cruising up to highway speeds, everything should be fine? here in canada, we get alot of snow and ice, and my route to work includes a 10 minute highway drive.

ps, thisll be my first winter with my explorer and a 4x4 , so i shouldnt get stuck anymore! lol

 

[ccbyrne]

we drove back from montreal in a snowstorm and speeds ranged from like 35 to top speed of 65mph, we drove 65 for a while than something happend, a loud 'clunk', and we lost all power to the car. we managed to restart it w/out four wheel drive and made it home but yea i don't plan on driving those speeds with 4wd again, its never been the same since

 

[arco777]

so im going to go along with this question... cause i would also like to know, if im in 4wd, and cruising up to highway speeds, everything should be fine? here in canada, we get alot of snow and ice, and my route to work includes a 10 minute highway drive.

ps, thisll be my first winter with my explorer and a 4x4 , so i shouldnt get stuck anymore! lol

Drive how you want. If you want to be easy on the car though, I'd recommend leaving it in 4WD as you get on the highway and as soon as you get up to your cruising speed drop into 2WD. Then don't make any sudden moves or accelerate quickly; just be very gentle with throttle inputs. 4WD really doesn't add any grip or stability at highway speeds, it will only make the back end slightly less likely to come loose while accelerating. If you have manual hubs it does not hurt anything to leave them locked while in 2WD, as long as you are not driving over 50 miles like that.

The Explorer is more forgiving than most cars I have driven, especially the 4 door version thanks to the longer wheelbase. When the back end lets go, all is not lost like in a Jeep Wrangler for example. If you notice the RPMs rise, hear or feel your tires break loose, or feel the car's rotation in the seat of your pants, you have a few moments where you can let off the gas and it will right itself.

 

[Glen4X4]

Wanted to ad to Acro's statement leaving your hubs locked in if you have manual will not hurt the truck any the way, I had a 92 and 94 sports with manual hubs and days I knew I may get into snow or there was snow on the ground I left them locked in and if the road was dry I drove 55-60mph its not a big deal most newer vehicles are setup in that way that the front axle is live all the time the only thing is it may hurt your fuel economy by around 1mpg.

 

[kifferarri]

the reason i ask is cause i dont want to to go from 4x4 to 2x4 for my highway drive, then back to 4x4 right after... call me lazy... lol, mind you if its icy i wouldnt be going highspeed, now would i? lol

 

[nitro71]

The less shifting into 4WD while rolling the better. Shifting in and out at a stop is better for your drivetrain, less wear. I just try not to be accelerating or at high speeds as I don't want some to bind at 70mph in icy conditions. Use 4wd in icy conditions at whatever speeds you like.