Adding weight to your Deli for the winter

[jessef]

Does this mean when I hit the wet surface that I have to stop, put it in 2wd high and also unlock the hubs?
Tough to do in traffic.

Yes.

[Gibs]

That's what I thought, nice to be sure about it.
Thanks alot.

[loki]

Does this mean when I hit the wet surface that I have to stop, put it in 2wd high and also unlock the hubs?
Tough to do in traffic.

Yes.

yes and no, you need to put it in 2wd but can leave the hubs locked.

[The Pinkfingers]

But it's easy to do. They are auto locking hubs, not manual (unless you've done that mod). Technically, one should be able to shift in and out of 4wd on the fly (I believe Mitsubishi says under 80 km/h). Personally, I wouldn't do that. I'd wait until the next stop sign or red light, and when at a complete stop, shift into 2wd, and drive away. The hubs will unlock after about 10 seconds of driving forward, or a couple of seconds of driving backward.

[Green1]

The hubs will unlock after about 10 seconds of driving forward, or a couple of seconds of driving backward.

The hubs will NEVER unlock driving forward, only backwards. leave them locked, because once they are locked you can shift on the fly.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHIFT ON THE FLY IF THE HUBS ARE NOT LOCKED!

procedure for lousy weather driving:
1) start Delica,
2) engage 4wd
3) drive forward until the wheel lock light is lit
4) shift back to 2wd
5) drive normally until you need 4wd, then shift on the fly (make sure you aren't slidding or spinning tires when you do it, but no need to stop)
6) when you meet a grippy surface simply shift back to 2wd untill you need 4wd again (no need to stop)
7) repeat steps 5 and 6 as much as you want, never needing to stop.
If you back up for any reason, come to a complete stop ans start again at step 2.

To unlock the hubs simply put it in reverse and back up in a straight line for a few metres. but there is no need to do this, it simply helps with fuel economy (and not a whole lot)

[loki]

But it's easy to do. They are auto locking hubs, not manual (unless you've done that mod). Technically, one should be able to shift in and out of 4wd on the fly (I believe Mitsubishi says under 80 km/h). Personally, I wouldn't do that. I'd wait until the next stop sign or red light, and when at a complete stop, shift into 2wd, and drive away. The hubs will unlock after about 10 seconds of driving forward, or a couple of seconds of driving backward.

I would not wait till the next light either, depending on how far that is and the speeds you are going you could do serious damage to the transfer case. as stated as long as the hubs are locked (autos will stay that way untill you reverse in 2H) you can shift on the fly (under 80km/h if it is slippery enough to use 4H you should probably be going slower than that anyways :)) and should take it out of 4H as soon as it is not needed anymore.

[The Pinkfingers]

Japanoid told me a completely different story on my test drive with them. I'm going to have to check it out further.

[The Pinkfingers]

procedure for lousy weather driving:
1) start Delica,
2) engage 4wd
3) drive forward until the wheel lock light is lit
4) shift back to 2wd
5) drive normally

Don't know about you, but when I do this and drive only forward, the light goes off after about 10 seconds. Again, it was on the test drive with Japanoid, so I'll double check when I get a chance. Perhaps the light is not wheel lock but 4wd mode?

[Green1]

Perhaps the light is not wheel lock but 4wd mode?

there are 2 lights, at the bottom of the stack of lights that indicate what gear you are in there is a little symbol that looks like 4 wheels and a transfer case, that indicates that you are in 4wd, the other light is more to the right and says "wheel lock"

[jaggedfish]

Just a sub-note to Green1's comment... it seems very common that the 4WD and Wheel Lock lights do not function at all due to the vulnerable wiring at the transfer case or burnt out bulbs - mine is in this category and due to be fixed.

After having stopped and shifted into 4WD the first time, you will hear the hubs lock relatively loudly just after you drive forward (usually 2 clunks unless they miraculously lock at exactly the same time - then it's one clunk). When you shift back out of 4WD and continue forward, your hubs will remain locked but your 4WD light should show you are not in 4WD and there will be no clunk sounds. If, however, you reverse in 2WD for a short distance, you will hear the hubs disengage with the same wonderful clunk sound (sounds like something falling from the bottom of your van) and your wheel lock light will go out if it's working. The clunks are the tell-tale if your lights don't function.

Test it out, but try not to do it on pavement as this is hard on the drivetrain. Dirt roads or driveways provide enough slippage to loosen the traction enough to not harm things.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Just a note, I had some kick-ass chains made for the Miss Lil' Bitchi and I keep those chains over my rear axle ~ they weigh a fair amount and they don't leak any sand, fortunately. Should That not suffice then I can always put them on.

Falco.

[marsgal42]

Another note: the steering feels different in 4WD, lights or not. The whole van feels different. It has that characteristic sure-footed feel that only AWD vehicles have. Drive somebody's Subaru or Previa/Estima to see what it feels like, if you're not sure.

...laura

[Ozibatla]

The hubs will unlock after about 10 seconds of driving forward, or a couple of seconds of driving backward.

The hubs will NEVER unlock driving forward,

Well mine does!

[Green1]

The hubs will NEVER unlock driving forward,

Well mine does!

Then get them checked asap! because I wouldn't trust them to stay locked in 4wd either in that case! (and are you sure you are looking at the "wheel lock" light and not the 4wd light?)

[Golf Cart]

I woke up to 11 inches of snow Sunday morning. Threw the shifter into 4H and moved ahead locking up the front hubs. Minor clunk, same as my Ford XLT. I was pleased at how it handled.

I took it up to the highway to see how it felt at higher speed and to check how it reacted to shifting in and out of 4 wheel on the fly. It performed great. I usually take my foot off the gas and then once I'm coasting I'll disengage. Worked like a dream at 20, 50 and 70k. In and out with no problems .

One thing I did notice is when I was in 2wd I had squat for traction. Once I flipped to 4wd it charged along with no problems, no sliding , or side shifting in and out of grooves. I think I'll still add weight in the form of wet sand in those tupperware tubs if I know Im going to be in the fresh stuff.