FordExcursions.com Forums
Mike Margolis
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• Hartford, CT, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 45 posts |
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 Posted:12/9/2005 19:37 |
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OK, I apologize, I have never had a 4WD vehicle before now, and just used the 4WD for the first time today, and have a couple of questions.
1. When I had the Ex in 4WD High and had the steering wheel turned all the way to lock, the vehicle was actually pulling the wheel out of my hands, almost as if one side of the truck was going faster than the other side. Is this normal? When going straight, or even close, there was no problem.
2. When you're in regular old snow, you should use 4WD High, not Low, right? I'm not pulling stumps out of the ground, just driving along on snow covered roads.
As always, thanks in advance for the help
2003 Excursion 5.4L |
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Andy Anderson
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• Jacksonville, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/17/2005 |
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• 77 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:12/9/2005 20:09 |
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4L is only for low speeds. 4H would be on snow covered roads if you are traveling over 15 mph. The turning issue is the fact that the front end is positive traction I believe and it is essentially binding up when you turn on a surface that is not allowing the wheels to break loose, like on dirt or snow. If I am wrong I am sure someone will point it out.  |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:12/9/2005 21:46 |
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Mike,
Congratulations for popping your cherry! 
To answer your questions:
1.) When in 4WD, try to avoid tight turns on dry surfaces to prevent binding. Sometimes you can't avoid it. This is happening because when the front wheels turn, your transfer case is expecting them to spin at the same speed as the rear wheels, but one of them can't because you've got 4WD engaged. When turning, the outer tire will spin faster than the inside tire, so you're either not spinning the front wheels enough as the rest of the drivetrain, or they're trying to spin faster than the rest of the drive train...all depending on which way you're turning and which side is engaged at the time of the turn.
If you're on a snow-covered road, where the front wheels can spin a little bit to avoid this binding, it's a non-issue. Just something to be mindful of when you're traveling at slower speeds on pavement where all wheels have traction.
2.) 4x4-High is for street cruising and highway speeds. 4x4-Low is actually a very low range gear, meant for crawling up steep inclines, obstacles, pulling something very heavy, etc. Your top speed in 4x4-Low is probably only about 15 MPH. There is a safety mechanism built into this where you can only switch to 4x4-Low when stopped and in neutral. You won't be able to accidentally switch to 4x4-Low while driving at highway speeds. Only 4x4-High is an on-the-fly switch.
Try test driving in 4x4-Low down your street one day. You'll be amazed at the low-range gearing. You'll be in overdrive in a matter of feet. Should you ever need to pull out a large tree stump, a stuck Chevy, or climb some massive obstacle, this is what you'll need to be in!
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:12/9/2005 23:37 |
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And as Eric alluded to, you can switch in and out of 4x Hi without an issue....
just understand the wheels have to roll a bit before it will engage,
and you have to unload the tranny by letting of the fuel a bit to allow it to unlock....
Some of those wild and crazy guys even launch their Ex's in 4x4 High at the drag strip...
can you say sub 2 second sixty footers on street tires in an 8K lb truck
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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Mike Margolis
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• Hartford, CT, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 45 posts |
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Posted:12/10/2005 06:42 |
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Thanks Guys, I understand better now!
MLM
2003 Excursion 5.4L |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:12/10/2005 17:58 |
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The other day we had a day ice frozen rain which basically makes all roads surfaces a sheet of ice and that's where 4 Low comes in handy for us,maximus traction! 
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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