Daft question post #2

Hi all,

I am going to look at a Maverick tomorrow, and want to ask something really really dumb...

I have never had a 4x4 before.
How do I test the high/low/difflock(?) on a road test ?

What do I do in what order ?
Does the main gearstick stay in neutral etc etc ?

Haven't a clue

In my first post here someone said
"test the 4wd FULLY if you can. hi and low OK for short test on road"

Should you not play with hi and low on the road ???

Sorry for the stupid questions

Daniel.

[zippy656]

you need to feel "wind up" in high 4WD and low 4WD..


also there shouldn't be any odd sonds from any where..


LOOK under see if the staring stops are ok. its simple to keep them happy.

[extreme-4x4]

Originally Posted by amnesia

Hi all,

I am going to look at a Maverick tomorrow, and want to ask something really really dumb...

I have never had a 4x4 before.
How do I test the high/low/difflock(?) on a road test ?

What do I do in what order ?
Does the main gearstick stay in neutral etc etc ?

Haven't a clue

In my first post here someone said
"test the 4wd FULLY if you can. hi and low OK for short test on road"

Should you not play with hi and low on the road ???

Sorry for the stupid questions

Daniel.

just turn the front drive shafts by hand they should turn half a turn then engage. that will test the auto hubs

to test the front dif transfer box mark the diff with chalk or pen at bottom and move car in 4wd a little..... then see if they have moved

they dont like 4wd on tarmac but keep the speed to bellow 30mph for a mile or so is fine

of set the seller to drive it in 4wd and watch the drive shafts

if they move they are fine

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

no dif lock on r20 models.

put in 4wd (4h) should feel resistance if try to steer.

in 4lo vehicle will be much slower / crawling.

lsd on rear can be tested in 2wd 2hi by jacking up one
rear wheel, gently apply power against jack and wheel
on ground should try to move truck.

Cheers guys.

So are high and low fixed ratios... ie you don't use the main gears (leave in neutral or leave in 1st) ?

[Liam]

Originally Posted by amnesia

Cheers guys.

So are high and low fixed ratios... ie you don't use the main gears (leave in neutral or leave in 1st) ?

No,you do use the main gears. Probably simpler to have someone with a bit of 4x4 knowledge with you when checking a vehicle i.e. 4x4 mechanic or friend who owns a 4x4. It's difficult to explain how to check all is well,much easier to show you. Do you know anyone with a 4x4 or any members live close who might be willing to give you a look at what needs checking?

[Liam]

Zippy,do you know of anyone near Bournemouth that could help?

[zippy656]

Im the closest, from looking at the map,. but still 60 to 80 mins a way

[BigBlack]

Probably simpler to have someone with a bit of 4x4 knowledge with you when checking a vehicle i.e. 4x4 mechanic

Im the closest, from looking at the map,. but still 60 to 80 mins a way

Zippy656.... Pajo said some who KNOWS about 4x4's!

The one I am looking at tomorrow is in Bath.

[BigBlack]

Ok, dont shoot me peep's, but this is how I would test the 4WD....

Checking engaging/dis-engaging
1) Drive forward in 2WD as normal
2) Stop, put car into 4WD, drive forwards, check dash light come's on
3) Stop, put car into 2WD, drive forwards, check dash light goes out - if it doesnt, stop, reverse a few feet, then go forwards again
4) Stop, put car into 4WD-LOW, drive forwards and you should feel the difference
5) As -3
6) Find a nice muddy steep bridleway.... rag car up it in 4WD... if it gets stuck get out and walk away!!!!


Also whilst out in it find a nice big (empty) carpark.... in 2WD reverse in a semi circle with full lock on, and listen for any grinding or banging, then try same in 4WD, if it does prob means the rear diff needs an oil change (easy)... or worse! AFter this make sure you put it back into 2WD, and drive forwards to un-wind the rear diff's!

Originally Posted by BigBlack

Ok, dont shoot me peep's, but this is how I would test the 4WD....

Checking engaging/dis-engaging
1) Drive forward in 2WD as normal
2) Stop, put car into 4WD, drive forwards, check dash light come's on
3) Stop, put car into 2WD, drive forwards, check dash light goes out - if it doesnt, stop, reverse a few feet, then go forwards again
4) Stop, put car into 4WD-LOW, drive forwards and you should feel the difference
5) As -3
6) Find a nice muddy steep bridleway.... rag car up it in 4WD... if it gets stuck get out and walk away!!!!


Also whilst out in it find a nice big (empty) carpark.... in 2WD reverse in a semi circle with full lock on, and listen for any grinding or banging, then try same in 4WD, if it does prob means the rear diff needs an oil change (easy)... or worse! AFter this make sure you put it back into 2WD, and drive forwards to un-wind the rear diff's!

That's what I was looking for... thank you !!!

[BigBlack]

Oh, when you get in the car pull the front sun visor down.... should all be wrote on there how to get the various gears

[zippy656]

Originally Posted by BigBlack

Zippy656.... Pajo said some who KNOWS about 4x4's!

well, i know they got 4 wheels...

[BigBlack]