4 High Vs 4 Low Explained - ( How To Use Both Gear Ratios )

4 High vs 4 Low explained.
Do you know when to use 4x4 low and high range in your 4WD?
Great tips for beginners as it's explained how to use both 4 High Vs 4 Low gear ratios.
It's important that you learn the basic functions of 4 high vs 4 low range gear ratios in your 4WD.
This video, i explain the basic of how both 4 high vs 4 low range 4WD gears work.
It is important to select the correct gear ratio for the terrain you plan to drive.
From river crossings, steep tracks going up and down, rock steps, snow are just some of the track conditions that you will have to drive over in your 4WD.
4 High is the gear ratio for driving at speeds about 30kph. Dirt roads, had packed sandy beaches etc.
4 Low is the gear ratio for slow, controlled off road driving. 4 Low is handy for steep up and down hills, rocky 4WD tracks with rock steps, snow driving is ideal for using 4 Low for maximum traction and control in the soft snow.
Driving speeds of 30kph or less is the perfect time to drive in 4 Low.

[@bishopscore]

I love older guys with experience. No BS. Just spits facts!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks for that. Im glad you found the video helpful. I greatly appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@Gliw0306]

@@timbates4wdadventures hold my beer

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@Gliw0306 will do mate. Lol Cheers Tim

[@marcus1ford]

I've been wheeling for 6mths now and no one has ever explained this to me ever. So thx heap Tim awesome segment for new 4wders....

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats great you found the video helpful. I'm going to make another video on this topic soon. Thanks heaps for your feedback. If you have any questions, let me know mate. Cheers Tim.

[@gsxrgsxr-tm3ct]

Well done Tim, great viewing for the 4x4 beginers👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Cheers for your reply and feed back. Greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@nibzizintit]

On ya mate! Thanks for the well informed tips was easy to understand and great video all round mate! Thanks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday Shaun, Thanks mate. I’m glad you found the video helpful. I appreciate your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@ConnectFork]

Mate, your channel is such a valuable resource. I’ve learned so much from you already and only just stumbled on your channel today. As someone who is new to 4wd I really appreciate the beginners content. Especially the mechanical side of things. Cheers mate

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, That’s wicked you have found my videos helpful. If I can help you out with any info, let me know. Thanks a lot for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim

[@ConnectFork]

@@timbates4wdadventures legend! Cheers mate, nah no requests just keep making content and I’ll keep watching and learning. Cheers I owe you a beer.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@ConnectFork greatly appreciate your feedback mate. Thanks heaps. Cheers Tim

[@cezaryloj6678]

Great information for beginners! Gonna be useful in my 2006 Grand Vitara!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats great you found the video info helpful. I greatly appreciate your feed back and reply. Cheers Tim.

[@mikebarbee2217]

Greetings from the United States! Great video!!! I just bought a 98 Dodge Durango and it's the first 4 wheel drive vehicle I've owned. You answered a lot of the questions I had. Cheers!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday Mike Thanks mate for dropping in from the States. I’m glad you found the video helpful. I also have another video on this topic, with real time driving 4wd tracks over different terrain. Have fun with your first 4wd mate. Cheers Tim

[@mustafaelsewy8654]

amazing video man, thanx 4 sharing, just bought 4x4 liberty 2012 my first experience on the sand will be next Friday :)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks for your feedback, im glad that you found the video helpful. Sand driving is a heap of fun, you have a great trip later this week, Cheers Tim.

[@ford811]

great video Tim. I remember going out around Woods Point with a few guys and 1 cheeky bloke taught us all a lesson on reduction gears in the transfer up a hill. Was a good day out.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, Yeah they are amazing in hilly country. They work a treat. Thanks for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@stormman8393]

Brilliant. Cleared up a few questions I've always had.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, That’s great you found this video helpful. I have another video on this topic. But it’s really time driving and I’m talking through what high and low range gears I’m using on tracks in the Vic High Country. Thanks again mate, great feedback Cheers Tim

[@matthewtrigwell7803]

These videos have been so helpful for a newbie like myself. Keep it up mate 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday Matthew That’s great mate you found this video helpful. I also have another video on this topic. But I’m driving tracks and talking about when to use high range and low range gearing in real time. Thanks again mate Cheers Tim

[@marcomac8824]

Thanks Tim. Great video, and very informative.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. I greatly appreciate your feedback. I’m going to make another video on this topic in a lot more details. Thanks again. Cheers Tim

[@doggatas]

Beginner here. I'm bloody glad I clicked on this 4h/4l video. I'm set now. Thanks.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks very much for your feedback. Thats ace you found the video helpful. I also have another video on this topic where im driving tracks and taking about when and how to use 4h and 4l. Cheers Tim

[@1PeakMindset]

This video was bang on for what I needed to know. Thanks!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

That’s great mate you found this video helpful. I have another video on the same topic. But im real time driving 4wd tracks and talking about which gears to use in high range and low range. Thanks heaps for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Good onya Tim,good basic knowledge for beginners,and I guess a refresher for the rest of us.Low range is also good when you’re eating your pie and sauce on the run,less likelihood of it ending up in your lap,so there you go,I’m not a poet,I know.👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Wayne, Hahah :-) Yeah mate, that slower pace of low range will help that pie n sauce stay in your hands for sure. Would hate to loose it on the floor of ya rig. Lol Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@amosbanjocaretakers3598]

Another great tip for the beginner, cheers 👍🍻🇦🇺

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Amos, Thanks mate for your feed back, i greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@Michael_Mears]

"Don't want to go breaking things and get wheels off the ground." Tim, you'd be one of the few mentioning this and following your own advice. Good to hear and see. The river crossing advice is not something many others make mention, regarding clutch failure. Top advice.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Michael Mears Gday Michael, For sure mate. I try and keep wheels on the ground as best I can. Wheels off the ground and spinning in the air might look good, but not ideal for traction on steep hills, and best way to break front end components. I greatly appreciate your reply and feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@edgardorodriguez1314]

As i was reading your comment, he was saying it in the video lol

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great information and explanations! I’ll definitely be putting your advice to use. Going into some areas I’ll be using both High and Low. Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!👍👍 Howdy from Texas! 🤠 Love your accent. Gooday Mate! 👌✌️

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Charlie Boutin Gday Charlie, That’s great you found the video helpful. Thanks for your reply and feedback, I greatly appreciate it. How’s things going in Texas? Cheers Tim

[@charlieboutin3341]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures Thanks for the reply! Going great here. Temperatures starting to fall from the hot summer. Fish starting to bite. I’ll be traveling some soft, sandy and muddy riverbanks, and your information should help me from getting stuck (too much😅). 👍. Best wishes to you Tim. Have a great week!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Charlie Boutin Sounds amazing mate. I hope you can get onto a few fish when you next head out. Try not to get to bogged. Lol. You have a top day mate.

[@viewsONTRENDING]

Thanks mate you cleared up alot of confusion for me.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, No worries at all. I’m glad the video helped you out. I have made a new video on high range vs low range. While I’m driving tracks, Not sure if you have watched that one also. Thanks for your feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@fishpiana890]

super helpful and you made me laugh more and more at the end with the rhymes. thx. river crossing tomorrow for me.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats great you found the video helpful, i really appreciate your feedback. I hope your river crossing went well. Cheers Tim

[@dalexa6927]

Thank you so much ❤❤ I was at 1 point driving on a very steep & up hill gravel road & I used the 4 high range, still managed to go up safely but probably would've been better/safer with the 4 low range on 4×4, thank you again for sharing your video👍🌼

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah, by the sounds of the hill you were driving, low range would have been a better option. Thanks mate for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@prashantnz]

Thanks heaps sir. You are awesome. Love from Auckland.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, That’s great you found the video helpful. I also have another video on the same topic, with real time driving tracks and talking about what gears to use. Thanks for dropping in from NZ. I was in Queenstown last December. Cheers Tim.

[@lukesheppard1065]

Explained well mate good work

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks a lot Luke. Im glad you found the video helpful. Cheers Tim.

[@GregPalmer2]

Thanks for that Tim,l like to add a lot of people don't put it in 4x4 when they hit dirt roads,l generally do put it in on dirt because in simple terms gives you a lot better control.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Greg, Yeah mate, thats for sure. I do sometimes on dirt roads, specially if its loose gravel like on marbles. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@noelhogan6505]

Fair Dinkum 👍 Cheers fella - great tutorial.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Noel, Thanks very much mate for your feedback. Thats great you found the video helpful. I also have another video on the same topic, while im driving 4WD tracks and talking about high and low range for the terrain im travelling over. Thanks mate. Cheers Tim

[@PittwaterMowing]

Great tips Thanks mate

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Pittwater Mowing No worries mate. Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you found the video helpful. Cheers Tim.

[@archenoatontour]

Thx for another fine Video Tim!!!!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thanks a lot for your reply and feed back, i greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@SkyScourgexDD]

All my concerns were cleared 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate. I’m glad you found the video helpful. Cheers Tim

[@anthonycoleman1909]

Another great video Tim

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, Thanks for that, i appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@artaxerxe1]

Thank you, Professor!👍👍👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries at all. Glad you found the video helpful. Not sure if you have seen the other video i have on the same topic. It goes into more detail and real time driving. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@BostLabs]

That was very helpful. Thank you.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Stephen, Thanks mate. Thats great that you found the video helpful. Im going to make another video on this topic very soon. Cheers Tim.

[@TheBaratz]

Very helpful, thanks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries. That’s great you found the video helpful. I also have a more recent video on this topic while driving tracks, if you’d like to check that one out. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Super informative. Very well done. 👍👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. I’m glad you found it helpful. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@ESPLTD322]

You’re literally the guy I’ve always imagined Australians as lol I like it

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@jreazygrobinson7823]

Cheers for that helped heaps 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, That’s great you found the video helpful. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@chiphood2966]

Thanks for sharing mate.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Chip, No worries mate. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@philburns5044]

Loved this one, totally relevant to the 4x4 community,

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Phil, Thanks mate for your reply and feed back. Greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@natenader3815]

Thanks 🙏 This is my first time using it

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries. That’s great if you found it helpful I also have another video on the same topic, but in a lot more detail. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@SamoYo1]

very helpful cheers Tim

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thats great mate. Thanks for your feedback and checking out the video. Cheers Tim.

[@ShannonBeal80]

Great video Batesy

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Shannon, Thanks mate, really appreciate your feed back. Cheers Batesy.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Wow - I didn't know that engine breaking was the way to drive down steep hills - makes sense - thanks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. Glad it helped. Cheers Tim.

[@jrcflaus]

Excellent! G-day mate.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate. Cheers Tim

[@MegaWillinator]

Guys please remember, he's in Australia, so his instructions are upside down in America

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Haha lol Cheers Tim.

[@bullzye101]

Awesome stuff big thumbs up

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate, i appreciate your feedback. I have another video about high range Vs low range if you'd like to watch that one. Cheers Tim

[@tonesbones502]

Cheers Tim. Agree with all of that except going up hills in 4L (rocky hills yes, but not steep dirt tracks). I find holding it in 2nd gear in 4H is better for my n80 hilux because the traction control helps it climb beautifully. In 4L the traction control system is automatically shut off so you don't get the benefit.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, Thanks mate for feedback. Good feedback how yours handles between low range and high range. Thanks for that mate. Cheers Tim.

[@andrewford80]

That is a good point.

[@ishanok]

Damn. You are a good teacher.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@sinistra328]

Awesome video Tim. Is there any issue with changing gears in an auto during river crossings similar to what you stated about manuals?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, No, the auto trans is inside a seal box and doesn't have the same issues as a manual. With the manual, if changing gears mid way through a river crossing, water can get in between the the clutch plate and fly wheel, and can create slipping. Last thing you want to have happen. Thanks for your question mate, greatly appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU, I Learnt a LOT. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. (time I think to trade in the Fiat 500 and get my 2 door Jeep Wrangler !!!)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. Glad to hear the video was helpful for you. I have another video on the topic that you might also find helpful. Thanks for your feedback mate. Cheers Tim

[@bthompson1767]

Thanks for the good info

[@timbates4wdadventures]

B T No worries mate. That’s great you found the video helpful. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@bthompson1767]

@@timbates4wdadventures your a good man to pass on your knowledge

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@bthompson1767 Thanks mate. It's great passing on to help others out.

[@noelhogan6505]

Fair Dinkum 👍 Cheers fella

[@alanburchfield3269]

Very helpful for a beginner like me

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Alan, Thats great mate you found this video helpful. I also have another video about how to use high and low range 4wd. Real time driving and talking about both gear ranges. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim

[@bdora48445]

THANK YOU!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

B D No worries mate. Cheers Tim.

[@LINKPRODUCTIONS]

Great video and advise. Make sure you are normalizing your audio and not letting it clip and distort when recording. You have a cool Aussie voice, it's a bummer that the audio is distorted and almost unlistenable. Most cameras have an auto gain function. Use that when recording especially if you can't monitor your levels while giving narration. I still learned a lot from the video and that's a rad truck you have there!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday Chris, Thanks for your feedback mate. I appreciate it. That was a one off audio issue video. I have another video on the same topic while driving tracks. Check that one out also if you like. Thanks again. Cheers Tim.

[@rylanmahony5553]

another ripper vid mate. saw you heading out thurs morning. i was in the van headed to work unfortunately :( hopefully see you out on the tracks next time

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Rylan, Ahh righto, Im always heading up the highway to get to another location. Catch you in the bush some day for sure mate. Thanks for your reply and feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@sydp18]

Hi mate im just a beginner user of this 4wd driving. Thanks for your input. It makes it easier for me which one im gonna use on diffrent terrain. Thanks mate. Just thinking when do i need to use the diff lock?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, Thats great you found this video helpful. I have another video on this topic, where i go into a lot more detail as im driving the tracks. Might be worth checking out that one also. Only use diff locks in challenging terrain. But you need to be very careful when using them, specially if you haven't used them before. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim

[@kumulsoft1061]

Do one for 4low in deep mud, you'll love it.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

One day mate. Cheers Tim

[@cailleywitte3554]

thanks!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. Glad you found the video helpful. I have another video on this topic. More detail while I’m driving the tracks. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@Malc664]

I like your Datsun Patrol.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Haha :-) Just a nice little add that i put on a few months ago. Cheers Tim.

[@kankudiya]

Hi Tim very well explained really like it. However, i live in Dubai and have the same Y61 Nissan Patrol safari manual, we drive here in the desert which is what you have not covered in particular in this video. What i noticed from my experience in desert driving is that in high dunes i need to drive 4L and 3 rd gear to get to move my vehicle anywhere, although the speed is limited to 80 kmph w low 3rd gear. i think if i m driving in 4L 3rd gear it would not harm the engine that much right?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Rajat, Thanks a lot for dropping in from Dubai. Yes, using low range in a higher gear would work pretty well. That way you will minimise wheel spin a lot more than using a lower gear in low range. Thanks mate for your reply, i do appreciate it. Cheers Tim.

[@eliasaggeli1225]

4low: gets you out of any tricky situation 💪

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Most of the time it will. I’ve a new video made on this topic if you would like to watch that one. Thanks a lot for your feedback. Cheers Tim

[@eliasaggeli1225]

@@timbates4wdadventures so a 4:1 is considered a low gear ratio while a 1:1 is considered high gear ratio right?

[@doomdeth2]

For beach trips, example bribie island, would you throw it into low 4 to get through the soft pack sand first? Or can you still stay in high 4 and stay in lower gears?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Yeah good question mate. If you are going to use low range in soft sand. You might be able to use a slightly higher gear so as to avoid wheel spins. Only thing with using high range for the same example is. You might not get enough speed up to get through. Being on the beaches as you mention, at least it's going to be fairly flat. Hope that helps mate and thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@bitterroots7317]

Here in the northwest of the US we put lots of de-icer on the roads when the temps are too cold for it to work (we hate facts and science here) so 4 low is pretty good when they turn snow to grease. But if it's under 6 inches of snow I usually take my front wheel drive car just to make it easier.

[@Zindoo]

1. Can I Drive up with the low speed (on a climb) and wich gear? 2. When do I use Neutral swish?

[@benwilson2233]

Got a friend that got one of these, watched this because I didn't know about them before, just one question, if your in low 4 and need to go higher would you change to high 1 or high 4 I'd think high 4 but just puzzling me

[@Overallsbloke]

Thanks Tim. Hey where did u get the spare wheel carrier mate??

[@timbates4wdadventures]

+Overallsbloke Smith Gday mate, The rear bar and wheel carriers are made by Kaymar. Cheers Tim.

[@Nick-sd7um]

You mentioned not changing gears in river crossing etc. I think this point isn't stressed enough. People get stuck in bog holes, rivers etc and start changing gears forward and in reverse etc.. What will usually happen unless your gear boot is sealed is all that water and crap can find its way in via the clutch fork and blow all sorts of seals.. gearboxes.. clutches etc.. I would be interested to actually see a video on this point and what maintenance tips to look out for after bog holes and river crossings where you have been changing gears or even stuck for some time.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats wicked feed back you have mentioned. Sounds like you have a good mechanical back ground. You are spot on when you say it's not spoken about with a manual and changing gears while the gear box and clutch are under water. I might have to look into a video on that one. Thanks heaps for your great reply and feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@chiphood2966]

Ive had to reverse back out of a crossing, must have been lucky nothing bad happened

[@Nick-sd7um]

@@chiphood2966 whilst not ideal, it can be fine. It depends on how well sealed everything is. Sometimes that bit of water (especially if it was salt water) can enter by the clutch fork and then over time (rather than immediately) it'll do the damage to the drivetrain.. In the end everything can be rebuilt and the usual maintenance after adventures in mud/water will help

[@zivsuissaofficial]

THANKS

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries. Cheers Tim

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

So the lower gearing of 4lo is understood, however I keep hearing how 4lo improves traction. I do not see how the lower gearing affects traction unless you simply mean less speed results in reduced likelihood of "traction break away" (meaning the tire spinning so fast it can not grab the traction available to it).

[@zarcoquesada]

Tim, great video. In part time 4WDs like yours, where there’s no center diff, does the transfer splits 50/50 only in 4L, or also in 4H?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah, it only goes into 4wd when i select the small gear stick inside. Thanks for your feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@pouldoz7956]

tnx

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, No worries. I hope you found the tips helpful. Cheers Tim.

[@nimratpreet9253]

Hi Tim, you mentioned using 4WD Lo when driving on Steep hills in first gear, I have a automatic 4x4 vehicle, does that still apply to me ? should I switch from automatic to semi-automatic mode and drive in first gear while driving on steep hills?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate. In an automatic transmission 4wd, depending how steep the hill is. I would still be driving in 1st low range in your auto. So much more control at a slower pace. Thanks for your question mate. Let me know if you need any more info. Cheers Tim.

[@fahadaldowseri9821]

Thank for the translation couldn't understand anything from his accent although i liked it 😂.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate.

[@deltaphilip8611]

Is it okay to drive in 4W low, with the front hubs unlocked/free? I do this when I am driving in reverse. Reserse is geared higher than my first gear and I need to back up a hill to get out to the street from my drive way.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, I have done that with a trailer on the back. It was just a short reverse up a driveway in 4WD low and free wheeling hubs. The standard hubs on the Patrol are free wheeling hubs, where they don't need to be locked in to engage 4WD. I now have after market hubs, and i lock them all the time. Out in the bush, lock those front hubs in is the go. Cheers Tim.

[@cuzzyversace6199]

Just getting into 4wding if I come to a complete stop and put it in low range and select 2nd gear, can I take off ? Or do I have to start in 1st then clutch in and go to second? Cheers

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday mate, If you are on fairly level ground when you engage low range, you should be able to take off in 2nd gear. Generally 2nd gear low range is low enough for most 4wd’s to take off in that gear. Try it a few times in your 4wd, and see how yours goes. Hope that helps. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@jordangrant4105]

Hey Tim, if ur in soft powdery sand or just bogged on the beach, should you switch it to 4L?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jordan, In soft powery sand, i would be trying to get out in 4H in 1st gear. Only problem with being bogged in low range, the motor will rev a lot easier and there for you will spin the tyres a heap easier, and fair chance of digging you deeper. High range will give you a lot more torque and less chance of spinning those tyres deeper in the sand. All else falls mate, get those tyre pressures down to around 12-15psi and bounce out. Hope that helps a bit mate. Thanks for your question. Cheers Tim.

[@SteelmoonWatches]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures hi Tim, I thought that if you’re stuck in the sand low 4 - 2nd gear would be the way to try and get out as there would be less spin etc. Is there a way to simulate crawl control?

[@redneckwithajeep5001]

Was always taught to try everything in two wheel drive before trying 4 wheel drive to learn you and your vehicles limits

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Ahh righto. That’s a strange way to teach someone. Cheers Tim

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

Hi mate I am looking at buying a Ford Everest 2018 4x4. I only see a button that says 4x4 Low?

[@AdrianKurian]

That’s because it has a an active locking center diff that locks on its own depending on the terrain you are. For eg Normal mode in the TMS gives you 60/40 split I believe so the centre diff is unlocked, meaning you can use it on the black top without drivetrain issues. The other modes lock 50/50 depending on the mode giving you proper 4H

[@nasilemak868]

Was wondering, if it's raining heavily and I wanted to sped out of a roundabout junction (bitumen) without spinning just the rear tyres, can I shift into 4H upon coming to a stop? Vehicle is Triton 3.2 auto with Easy Select 4WD. Cheers.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

I wouldnt use 4H on the road at all. Cheers Tim

[@mlee7532]

On fairly deep ice and snow, do one use 4W low going up and down fairly steep hills?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

I would be using 4wd low range when driving snow for sure. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@Adonis...066]

Oh i didn't know 4L is better at steep hill better keep in mind thanks alaot

[@leejaehoon6598]

Hello, Thank you for the vedio. Hey when I shift my truck gear from 2H to 4L I hear something hitting.(sounds like something locking) I can even feel it. It is normal?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Lee, Are you stationary when you are moving between the gears in the transfer case? Thanks for your reply and feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@leejaehoon6598]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures Yes I stop my truck and gear is on N

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@leejaehoon6598 What model vehicle do you have? When i shift the low range transfer gearing in my Patrol, it moves between the gearing quite easy and without any noises or crunching.

[@leejaehoon6598]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures f 150 2018 brand new. I wouldn’t say it is noise and crushing. I just tried and it more likely clipping. I might be too sensitive.

[@leejaehoon6598]

I mean something sounds like very minor “click” but you can feel it.

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

ok i'm sure this is s stupid questions, so in 4wd hi its using the same gearing as 2wd, but in 4wd low do you also need to put your shifter from drive to 1st to get the lowest gear? does it still use the same d,3,2,1 on the shifter just it's all lower geared or is 4wd low basically just 1 gear selection all of it's own?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Change gears the same way in high range as low range. Just different ratios between high and low for different terrain. Cheers Tim

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

@@timbates4wdadventures thanks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@Thejohnnyoshow No worries mate.

[@canadianguy2612]

😎

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. Cheers Tim

[@lmalesci]

greetings from Florence Italy good evening I ask you a legitimate question if it is possible that you will be able to give me the right answer! (good morning can you tell me why many owners of 4x4 par time vehicles are called 4wd low in English! wet asphalt when it rains they insert the 4x4 hi the fast 4x4 since many 4x4 vehicles don't have a center differential??)

[@numb-lock]

What gear would you use for a recovery to pull someone out who's stuck in the mud, etc?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, It would really depend on how badly the stuck 4WD is that you are recovering. If it was a snatch recovery. I would be in 2nd gear low range with the bogged 4WD in 1st gear low range. Second gear low range in the recovering 4wd would normally be the go for maximum traction. 1st gear low range maybe to low and you might find the recovering 4WD will start spinning tyres. Hope that helps out a bit mate in what you were asking. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@numb-lock]

@@timbates4wdadventures I've never done a recovery and/or gone off road enough...videos like this one and your recovery gear video are valuable and excellent. Thanks for the great video and response.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@numb-lock No worries at all mate. If you have any further questions, let me know. Cheers Tim.

[@issakabukari4194]

2nd gear low range because it you need more torque

[@hf-ej5uc]

if im driving on a sandy desert its better to use 4wd hi right?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Depends on a few things. How steep the sand hills are. How soft the sand is. I sometimes you low range but start in a higher gear. Hope that helps mate. Cheers Tim

[@shanesalmo1163]

Good stuff. Should have talked about tyre pressure as well.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, I have made a number of videos on tyre pressures. Thanks for your feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@shanesalmo1163]

Sorry tim. Just thought it would have been good for the newbies. Happy traks mate.

[@loganberry7754]

Quick question if you are in 4wd High going down the road wont it twist your drivetrain?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Logan, It's not idea driving with 4WD high still engaged while driving on the black top. You can get whats called, driving line wind up and can be sometimes hard to get out of. How ever, driving on a dirt road in 4WD high range is fine. On the black top there's no slippage under the tyres when going around corners, where as on a dirt road, the tyres will slip on the gravel corners and not bind up. I hope that answers your question mate. Cheers Tim.

[@loganberry7754]

@@timbates4wdadventures Thanks is going to be snowing soon and figured it would be best to stay in 4wd High while on the backroads!!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@loganberry7754 Yeah for sure mate.

[@QUEENSLANDER4x4]

I need help please. I own a 100 series Toyota Land Cruiser, 2007, V6 Petrol, Model FZJ100L-GNPNKV, Engine 1FZ-FE My question is, does my front diff get locked if my transfer case stick is in high range and I press the central diff lock button???

[@AdrianKurian]

It doesn’t have a front diff lock.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Why don't you engage 4WD hi on dry dirt roads?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, I generally don't use 4wd on a dry dirt road. Absolutely nothing wrong with engaging 4wd High range on a dirt road. I might deflate my tyres on a dry dirt road for a softer ride. But a wet dirt road, i would use 4wd high range for sure. Thanks for your question mate, i hope that answers it. Cheers Tim.

[@poritushgogoi9267]

If am coming down a hill with slush on the road what gear should I be in?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, If you are talking about driving down a bitumen road with slush on it. Maybe in High Range 4wd in one of the lower gears. If you are talking about coming down a 4wd track with slush on it. I would be looking at Low Range and maybe 2nd or 3rd low range. 1st gear in that case might be too low a gear, and you might end up locking up tyres and sliding. Hope that helps with what you are asking. Cheers Tim.

[@atoieno]

The High Range 4WD (HR4) mode is a mystery for many. We've just travelled the Great Central Road in WA from Leonora to Ularu. it's over 1000 kms of gravel and corrugations mixed with sand. We stayed in HR4 the whole way. If you want control then HR4 is the safe way to travel...80 to 90 km/hr with sure handling when you hit the soft stuff and no transmission wind-up.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Mahn, Sounds like a wicked trip you have just done. Around that 80kph range would be tops for me in HR4. Sure gives you a lot more control on those dirt roads. Thanks for your reply and feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@atoieno]

@@timbates4wdadventures No worries Tim. Tyre pressures play a part as well but that's another episode!!!!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@atoieno Yeah for sure mate. Ive kind of touch on tyre pressures in other videos. But out in Central Australia, is anther story on tyre pressures .

[@atoieno]

@@timbates4wdadventures Absolutely. Horses for courses. That is the wonderful thing about what we do when we go off road. Understand the conditions and know your vehicle. You tell that story very well.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@atoieno Cheers mate. Thanks heaps for that feed back. Cheers Tim.

[@JustMe-sr1zb]

As an avid 4wd'er for the past 37 years I was told of 1 golden rule at the very start and that is 1 low down 2 low up never 1 low up as the vehicle puts down more torque and is more likely to break traction, I have driven some very difficult tracks in my time and never used 1st low going up,

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats great feed back for sure. 1st low for going down hills is the go for sure, stay off those brakes. About the only time i use 1 low is when driving up rock steps. With the reduction gears and 1st low, it's wicked for times like that. Thanks for your reply and feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@will-.-4316]

What scoop is that mate?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Its from HPD mate. Cheers Tim.

[@supremeoverlord4017]

Wish I knew before I crossed a river today in 4high 😭

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Mmm 4high sure isn’t ideal for crossing rivers. Hope it turned out ok. Cheers Tim

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherSH]

Strange, I didnt know this

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Hope it helps. Cheers Tim.

[@jarrod1687]

4low for soft sand in an auto, helps keep trans temps down, converter doesn't need to slip as much

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jarrod, Great tip mate, i didn't know that, with driving manual for a long time. Thanks heaps for your feed back mate. Cheers Tim.

[@ambermedina1368]

I accidentally drove my Cherokee on 4l in the snow for about 40 miles for the most part drove under 40mph . Could I have messed up my car?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

I wouldn’t think so. Cheers Tim

[@aadarshbhandari7508]

Sir , is 4h is more powerful than 4l

[@timbates4wdadventures]

I wouldn’t say more powerful. 4L is all about traction. Great gear ratio. Cheers Tim

[@iview5311]

where was the snow mate ?:)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

St Gwinear mate. It’s a good spot when the snow falls below 1000. Cheers Tim.