Shifting While In Low Range

[flyboy320]

guys is it safe / ok to shift while your in low range when using 4x4 , specially when u need torque and speed at the same time.. i was under the impression the low range was ideal only for 1st and reverse only...appreciate ur thoughts and comments..

[flyboy320]

guys any thoughts on the above post...appreciate ut knowhow...

[Hoonigan]

I assume you're in mud? I'm not 100% certain but I don't think there's an issue with it. If you're red-lining in 4L on 1st, I don't see why you shouldn't shift up if you need more tyre speed. Any higher and you might as well be in 4H I guess.

There are several members here who have clocked in more time offroad than I have that may be able to give you a definite answer.

[flyboy320]

well either mud or sand what im wondering , is there any negative impact on the transmission in doing so.. i knw running in low range for a long time can screw up ur trans..but i havent really tried shifting while i was in lowrange

[MrCat]

You can definitely shift up to any gear you like, as long as you are using low range where it is supposed to be used. Which surfaces to use 4L depend mostly on the design of the gearbox/transfer box/drive-train, but generally, it`s ok to be in 4L as long as you are not driving on a hard surface like tarmac.

1^st gear in 4Low is not very useful most of the time (unless you are pulling a very heavy load need to get going from a standstill, etc..), you will most probably be using 2^nd and 3^rd in 4L during normal 4WDriving.

[The Don]

well either mud or sand what im wondering , is there any negative impact on the transmission in doing so.. i knw running in low range for a long time can screw up ur trans..but i havent really tried shifting while i was in lowrange

I think the negative effect will be on the engine if you keep it at the red line too often. So if that is the case its advisable to shift up as the engine probably has enough torque to pull on a higher gear.