Using 4 Low with Unlocked Hubs

[Warren]

Hi All,

Around my house I've got some steep driveways and such, and going up them, particulary backing up, is an exercise in pain and clutch torture (I have the 3 speed tranny with 33" tires).

So, if I leave my front hubs unlocked, can I stick it in 4 Low, on concrete/asphalt and drive it on up?

Thanks! :smile:

[GP4Play]

You can put your transfer in 4 high or low without locking your hubs in.Just remember that you need to be on level ground to shift in or out easy

[OU812]

How about in a YJ? Can I drive around in low range with out the front hubs engaged whithout causing any damage?

[Warren]

You can put your transfer in 4 high or low without locking your hubs in.Just remember that you need to be on level ground to shift in or out easy

Cool, that'll really help!

The 3 speed tranny and 33's really kind of bite when you need to go slow in a steep hilly area.

[Jerry Bransford]

How about in a YJ? Can I drive around in low range with out the front hubs engaged whithout causing any damage?

Absolutely, I do that all the time to take my front locker out of the equation when easier steering is needed. You're talking aftermarket hubs and not the standard YJ axle disconnect right?

[GP4Play]

I've never owned a YJ or TJ but I know you need to take care in 4 wheel low on pavement.In 4 wheel high is supposed to be ok,but I don't recommend it unless your your on snow or ice

[OU812]

Im just talking about not locking the hubs and shifting the transfer case into 4Low on a stock jeep. Will that work?

[ECV Jeep]

It will work just fine.

[GP4Play]

Sorry I was slow getting back to ya,only have computer at work,Boys broke home one.theres no problem with shifting into 4 low or high and not locking hubs

[OU812]

A wise friend gave me a good piece of advice about this. He basically said... yes you can do this BUT, low range was intended for 4wd when both axles are sharing the torque load. In low range 2wd you may be more likely to break axles. So up the drive way should be cool, but in the rocks might not.

[Mr. Orange]

It's fine. Just use common sense with it.
I used to have a yj and I put the 'posi-lok' in it....I did the same thing...used to live up a really steep hill and for the little four banger, it was a real task, especially riding the clutch to get it started.
Same concept as not locking hubs, with open front diff (and rear..) and the front axle not engaged (old yj system with two piece pass axle)...I had 2whl low.
Worked great on a trail with tight turns or turn arounds..