Proper way to use 4 wheel drive?

[BezersSLPSS]

Is it just as easy as flipping the switch on and off? Or is it more complex than that? I heard something about having to drive backwards for a few feet when you turn it off. I just need some advice on all these sorts of things. I know you have to be in park or nuetral. I am new to this 4x4 life and need some help so I don't screw something up. Thanks for everything.

 

[IAmTodd]

Seeing you have a '95, all it takes is turning the knob from 2WD to 4AUTO and its set. To disengage, just turn it back to 2WD. Everything else is taken care of. No need to rotate the car 360 degrees, flip it over twice and then roll back 10 miles. Going into low, the car must be in neutral, with your foot on the brake. Just that simple. Same proceedure to take it out of low.

 

[BezersSLPSS]

Sweet, then I did it right last night when I used it. I parked the car for a few hours. Is it bad to leave the car parked and it 4wd or should I always put it into 2wd when its gonna be parked for a few hours? I don;t want it to freeze in 4wd.....but then I guess if it was gonna do that it would freeze in 2wd as well. Any input on this?

 

[JasonF]

It can't really get stuck in 4 Auto because its an electronic clutch that activates the front wheels when needed. 4 high is fine to leave it in and is even suitable for wet roads. 4 low on the other hand has a shift motor and changes to a low gear, some people have gotten stuck in that. You probably won't be using 4low too often.


Jason

 

[Ray Lobato]

The driving backwards for a few feet is for pre 95 Explorers that have auto hubs. that is to disengage the hubs. You have a 95 and it does not have autohubs. It has solid hubs that are directly attached to the CV's which are attached to the front differential. You don't have to back up.

 

[BezersSLPSS]

Thanks for the help guys, I am alot less uneasy about using 4wd now!! I love it so far!

 

[briwayjones]

Originally posted by JasonF
4 high is fine to leave it in and is even suitable for wet roads.
Jason

I'd have to disagree with that. There is still plenty of traction on a wet road when turning tightly to bind it up and make it fight itself. I wouldn't do that unless you want to damage something.

 

[BezersSLPSS]

Can you turn 4 high on and off while moving or do you have to stop? If you have to stop it would be a pain cause its only snowy and bad on the secondary roads so I don;t need it all the time!

 

[Jefe]

2wd - 4 auto (or 4-auto to 4-hi) can be done on the fly (at any speed)

 

[dman726749]

you have a 95 explorer so you do not have 4hi you have 2wd 4auto and 4low. in 4 auto the truck sends power to the front wheels only when there is slippage detected at the rear so it would be fine to just put it into 4auto and leave it there untill you are sure you dont need it, and yes you can move from 2wd to 4auto without stopping

 

[BezersSLPSS]

Thanks so much guys, I now feel more confident in knowing what I am doing!

 

[Ray Lobato]

Originally posted by briwayjones
I'd have to disagree with that. There is still plenty of traction on a wet road when turning tightly to bind it up and make it fight itself. I wouldn't do that unless you want to damage something.

Normally we would all agree with you, but as the others pointed out, that he has a 95 and the 95 has 2wd-4auto-4Lo, him putting it in 4auto won't hurt a thing, because it will only engage when there is slippage and only under 40MPH.

BezersSLPSS, Like the others said, it's ok to run it that way. It won't hurt a thing.

 

[KPT]

Technically you can put it in 4 Auto at any time. I try to only when stopped though cause I don't like the BANG the vacuum actuator in the front axle makes as it locks.....