2 wheel or 4 wheel drive?

[Bscman]

I hunted for years in a 2wd '89 Dakota.
With a locker, an innertube full of sand in the bed, and decent quality tires it did very well. I can't count how many times I met up with guys in 4x4 rigs that had no idea how I made it as far as I did.

That being said, the current rig is 4x4 and I am much more at ease when I take it into the woods. I wouldn't choose to go back to a 2wd, as it can get pretty stressful when conditions get rough....but 4x4 (for me) is only useful in about 10% of my offroad adventures--and most of that account for SNOW.

There are just too many gates in Western WA to get your truck very far back into the rough stuff.

[boneaddict]

I got the same advice Goldtip, and followed it just like you did. 

[ICEMAN]

Actually, one of the main reasons I like having the 4wd, is to save on brakes. Dropping it into lowrange on all those steep hills. I smoked my front bearings and brakes in my old 2wd truck, learning the hills around Leavenworth. (  Steep!  )

[bobcat]

Great point Iceman. I would hate to be without low range. In fact most of the time with my Bronco II I drive around the woods in low range without locking the hubs in. I don't need the 4wd but the low range sure does help. A lot of the time I may be in 4th or 5th, but for those steep hills it's sure nice to shift it down into 1st and go into a slow crawl.

[Intruder]

I got the same advice Goldtip, and followed it just like you did. 

+1  (most of the time anyway)

[Bscman]

Great point Iceman. I would hate to be without low range. In fact most of the time with my Bronco II I drive around the woods in low range without locking the hubs in. I don't need the 4wd but the low range sure does help. A lot of the time I may be in 4th or 5th, but for those steep hills it's sure nice to shift it down into 1st and go into a slow crawl.

Be careful doing this.
I've seen more than my share of blown up transfer cases from people leaving their rigs in low range but cruising along in 4th or 5th at a decent speed. Losta guys new the offroading do this between trailheads, and it puts a LOT of stress on your T-case and can create a lot of heat.
It's a lot like cruising around at 80mph on the freeway, in high, with 4x4 engaged...the transfer case is designed for low speed, no high.

Also, I was always taught NOT to engage 4x4 when the hubs aren't spun in.
However, it is okay to be in 2wd with the hubs spun in...you just won't get as good of mileage, and have to mind your tight turns.

[bobcat]

OK, but how would driving in Low Range and 4th gear be different than being in High Range and 1st or 2nd? Either way the transfer case is engaged. 

[jackelope]

OK, but how would driving in Low Range and 4th gear be different than being in High Range and 1st or 2nd? Either way the transfer case is engaged. 

t-case and engine is spinning a hell of a lot faster in low range. 4low should be maxed around 25mph and not used at all on dry pavement IMO.

[jackelope]

I got the same advice Goldtip, and followed it just like you did. 

that info works great as long as you don't have manual locking hubs. you can leave the hubs locked in but t-case in 2wd though for short periods of time. manual hubs that i've always had, the wheels have to make a revolution before they engage.

[MuleySniper]

What are you guys talking about?!! The PT Cruiser is the ultimate hunting rig. Who needs a 4x4!?? All jokes aside, I'm willing to bet 99% of the people on here will tell you its a no brainer I honestly think any 2wd truck is a waste of money.
MS
 

[rainshadow1]

You don't always need a 4x4. But when you need it, you need it!

Prior to getting into predator hunting I could sneak around and get alot done with a 2wd. But now my hubs are locked in all winter long! Couldn't live without it!

[M_ray]

I'm with some of the others and have always said "It aint a truck unless it has 4 wheel drive"!

[bobcat]

OK, but how would driving in Low Range and 4th gear be different than being in High Range and 1st or 2nd? Either way the transfer case is engaged. 

t-case and engine is spinning a hell of a lot faster in low range. 4low should be maxed around 25mph and not used at all on dry pavement IMO.

Oh definitely, I agree about the pavement. I would never have it in low range on pavement. I'm only talking about steep and muddy and/or wet roads and 15 to 20mph is as fast as I'm talking about in 4th or 5th gears. What I'm wondering about is driving in 4wd, either high or low range, without locking the hubs in? Like I said I'll use low range quite often when I need it for the steep hills, but I'm usually too lazy to get out and lock the hubs in.

[bowhuntin]

OK, but how would driving in Low Range and 4th gear be different than being in High Range and 1st or 2nd? Either way the transfer case is engaged. 

t-case and engine is spinning a hell of a lot faster in low range. 4low should be maxed around 25mph and not used at all on dry pavement IMO.

Oh definitely, I agree about the pavement. I would never have it in low range on pavement. I'm only talking about steep and muddy and/or wet roads and 15 to 20mph is as fast as I'm talking about in 4th or 5th gears. What I'm wondering about is driving in 4wd, either high or low range, without locking the hubs in? Like I said I'll use low range quite often when I need it for the steep hills, but I'm usually too lazy to get out and lock the hubs in.

I always thought if you didn't lock your hubs your 4 wheel drive would not engage.  I also got the same advice as goldtip and it sure helps keep me out of trouble. Only been stuck once. I couldn't see hunting without a rig with 4x4 capability, I do see every year though a guy that mobs around the hills in early and late bow seasons in a 2wd toyota tercel. He just chains his little car up and drives all over in the late season when there is snow on the ground.

[cascademountainhunter]

some places i hunt u cant even get there without 4x4