Switching from 2WD to 4WD

[philmeup1]

Hi folks,

Here's a question that's easily answered..

I've had my '93 Super Exceed for a little over a year now and have used the 4WD option sparingly. It's my understanding that when you go to switch from 2WD to 4WD the van should be stopped and in park?? I've never needed to use the low or hi option as of yet...

So am I right about this or can you switch it on the fly?? I'd rather be safe than sorry and wreck something...

Cheers, Phil

[bosc]

Yes, you must be stopped for 4wd to engage. You can switch back to 2wd while moving, but your wheels will remain locked until you back up a few feet. 4 Lo requires you be in neutral.

[yojimbo]

As above, but, once the wheels are locked I think you can switch on the move at round town speeds, but I dont have a reference to back that up.

[sub-arctic]

if you have manual locking hubs and they are locked, you can shift on the fly between 2H and 4H. to shift into 4L you need to be stopped and in neutral. The auto hubs stay locked until you reverse in 2H.

[davidwwc]

Please see this post.


www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18735

DC

[philmeup1]

Alright, thanks folks. When I've switched it back from 4WD to 2WD I've always been stopped and in park. I've never backed it up as part of the process though and it seem to disengage fine. It says Auto Free Hub in the center of my front rims.....

Sorry if these are stupid questions. I've never owned a 4 by 4 before. Let alone a Delica...

I'd be fu#@ed totally if not for you guys and this website...

[yojimbo]

Please see this post.


http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18735

DC

These instructions are for the l400 though that has a totally different transmission by design.

[nvanadm]

There are lots of 4wd posts on delica.ca and the proper way to use.

But like mentioned above,

With Auto Locking Hubs you have to be stopped to engage 4wd for the first time. Once the auto hubs are locked (you should see the "wheel lock" light on your dash) you can then switch on the fly between 2wd and 4wd up to 80km/h. If you're doing 80km/h do you really need 4wd on the fly? Probably not. Would it be safer to switch back into 4wd moving slower? Probably.

As long as the auto hubs are locked going from 2wd to 4wd or vice versa is ok. Once you are finished using 4wd put it back into 2H and reverse for about 10 feet or so. The "wheel lock" light should then go back off. There is no harm driving around in 2wd with the "wheel lock" light on, but with Auto Locking Hubs you are bound to reverse at some point in 2wd so it will eventually go off anyway. Then start over next time you need 4wd. Simple.

[philmeup1]

Wow, ok this is totally cool and thanks for the clarification. I've never needed to switch from 2WD to 4WD on the fly anyway... On the snowy days I need 4WD I just put it in before I start driving.

Now I'mm gonna put it reverse after using the 4WD option seeing as I now know better:)

Thanks

[yojimbo]

Bear in mind that due to the nature of the drive system in the 300 you shouldnt use 4wd on hard surfaces that wont allow any wheel slip. Ie tarmac vs snow/mud/gravel.

[philmeup1]

Well I didn't know that either. But I hardly use 4WD as its harder on fuel and not necessary most of the time anyway...

It sure is nice to have it when you do need it though:) And apparently we're in for one helluva winter this year...... :(