When can I use 4H??

[Momo6778]

So many smart people, but no one gave an answer to a clearly posed question. And “read the manual” will not interfere with advisers who do not have enough knowledge to formulate an answer simply and clearly.

When driving on mountain roads, particularly those that are steep, winding, or have rough terrain, it's generally advisable to use all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) rather than just two-wheel drive (2WD). Here’s why:

1. **Traction:** AWD/4WD provides better traction, which is crucial on steep and winding mountain roads. This can be especially important if the road is gravel, dirt, or has loose surfaces.

2. **Stability:** Using AWD/4WD can improve the stability of your vehicle on sharp turns and switchbacks (syspartines).

3. **Safety:** In case of sudden weather changes or encountering wet, muddy, or icy patches, having all four wheels engaged can help maintain control of the vehicle.

If the road conditions are good, such as well-maintained paved roads without steep inclines or sharp turns, 2WD might be sufficient. However, for peace of mind and safety, using AWD/4WD in mountainous terrain is usually recommended.

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[Mdozier]

Oh this should be good.
Who wants to go first?

 

[Brian_B]

In my opinion - there is no clear cut time you -should- use 4H. If you think it will help and it doesn’t violate the next part - feel free. A lot of
folks will only click it on if they start to spin, some turn it on as soon as they are on dirt or the pavement gets wet - nothing wrong with either approach really.

There are definitely times you should NOT use 4H. Dry pavement is the classic example - it could also apply to solid rock or concrete. Since it locks the front and rear axles your wheels need to be able to slip if they need to go at different speeds (like turning). If you feel the vehicle start to hop - that’s the axles binding and jumping to release the pressure between mismatched speeds. It’s very apparent if you try tight turns on not-very-slick surfaces. If you are on dirt / gravel / snow / wet pavement a wheel can just slip a bit and be ok, but if it’s getting too much traction and can’t slip it will hop, and that’s when stuff can start to break.

 

[Gnomad]

Ford really should have gone with one single AWD system with electronic locking for the center differential and low range. It's not like you even get a lever to shift anymore so they can't use that excuse, it would be better for patchy snow and ice, and they could have given us a GOAT mode for "off road locked up" for those who don't trust the clutching.
Before he Bronco there was a Landie LR3 and it was amazing off road and on snow packed or icy roads. It would have certainly helped with questions like this!
So, as for the original question-lots of good advice there. I find that on the trail rides sponsored by the Bronco the Mac crew I used 4H very sparingly, hardly needed it. Even at Holly Oaks we found ourselves accidently in 2H in the "Tetons" and I got going after having to stop in the middle of a hill. Didn't realize it until later. Good tires and the built in traction control works rather nicely.

 

[rdg04578]

To avoid confusion-- the Bronco is not an AWD system but a part time 4WD system --thus there is not a center differential -- it does not allow more than 50 % of the power to the front or rear wheels in 4wd. From there it uses lockers or traction control to limit wheel slippage and enhance traction. This is a much stronger system than an AWD system which is why it is used in trucks and larger SUV's. Thus by design it creates strain on the drive train when the front wheels turn--(since tire speed between the front and rear needs to vary to allow for turning--and the sharper the turn the greater the variance.) This why in high traction situations--pavement, hard surfaces, even wet pavement and concrete -- where the tires can not easily slip and 4 wd is not recommended since there is stress put on the drive train because the tires cannot slip to accommodate the difference speeds needed to turn. If you have 4A there is a clutch in the transfer case which allows some slippage to reduce drive train stress--however it comes at the expense of the reduction of the 50-50 split between the front and rear power. It's minimal but it can be a percent or two of total power and reduces fuel economy due to a higher rolling resistance.

On the flip side AWD systems allow the split of more than 50% of power to either front or rear wheels in certain situations and the best type of systems can allow almost power to a single wheel. these systems can be used on all driving surfaces but does increase drive train and tire wear-- while reducing fuel economy.

with that being said if you have situations where traction is reduced shifting into 4 wd will help you go-- but it does nothing to help with steering and stopping. You could argue it helps in steering --but if your tires are spinning they already have some traction and spinning them faster by applying power to them in 4 wd can both help or hurt --it comes down the the tires. The best tires for the conditions make more of a difference than how many wheels have power. For exampe studded snow tires will get you further on hard packed snow and ice than an allseason tire and 4wd.

 

[RBJRBJ]

Hey guys I’m new to the 4 Wheel community and I have some questions. My 4dr black diamond should be here in the middle of April, I did not add the 4A option to my bronco because I live in Southern California and didn’t feel it was needed.
This past weekend I was in Big bear and wondered to myself at what point I would be able to switch into 4H when driving up the mountain. If there is quite a bit of ice on the road can you use 4H or should you still stay in 2H?? I am new to 4 wheel systems and would love some help!!

thank you!

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