I'm new to the 4x4 community. I just bought my Liberty KK, which I'm loving so far. Before I had an AWD Hyundai Santa Fe. So I'm trying to learn a bit about the applications of 4-Wheel High and Low range. From what I understand, 4-wheel low makes it easier for the vehicle to deliver more torque, like a low gear on a bicycle. I've also read that, for the most part, there's not many reasons to use 4-Wheel Low over Hi during everyday light off-roading (sand/loose dirt) or snow/ice. I've heard that low range is good for towing and extreme off-roading (rock crawling), but are there other uses for either that I should keep in mind? If I find myself stuck in some mud or sand in High range, will it help me to switch into low? Thanks, and looking forward to meeting all you!

Howdy - Welcome to LOST

Probably not - in sand/mud - wheelspeed is a significant factor - you want the tires to spin to throw mud off of the treads - as long as the engine torque can keep the wheels turning - high is better - that said - if it's for long the tranny will overheat.
(that technique works better on MT's than AT's or road tires)

low - is best for offroad slow movement over obstacles.

if you're in 4 low or 4 Part Time - the wheels are mechanically linked together - so if you go around a curve or corner on paved roads - something will break.

4 Full time - you can use that - year round if you want - 'Full time' from a driving standpoint = AWD (not from a mechanical standpoint)

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2005 CRD
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Thanks!! hmmm. I may or may not have (did) back the car out of the driveway and turn the wheel sharply in 4WD high mode and heard a clunk (transfer case?). I drove on the beach a couple of times after that and the 4WD seems to be engaging properly and working. Do you think I should still get it looked at while it's still under warranty?

if it shifts in and out and no oil is dripping out of the transfer case it's probably okay.

although if you do that often - expect the transfer case chain will break and try to exit the case (there's a really a good picture floating around - but that was after 20 miles on the highway)

_________________
2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

In sand I'd use 4low as wheel spin will get you stuck fast.

x2
On sand you should be ok with 4hi, until you get stuck. Then try 4lo, and go slow, you should be able to just drive right out..

Again, in your certain situations, you probably don't need to use 4lo.

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