When To Use 4 Low When You Go Off-Roading
August 16, 2024
Understanding 4-High & 4-Low: When to Use Them
Table of Contents
Introduction
When you're new to off-roading or have just started using a selectable four-wheel drive vehicle, it's natural to gravitate toward using 4-high. After all, 4-high works great on the road, highways, desert trails, and forest service roads, especially when moving faster—more than just a crawl. We've just become accustomed to using 4-high because, for many, 4-low wasn't something we needed to use often.
Growing up, the only time we ever saw 4-low in action was when our dad was pulling a 30-foot cabin cruiser boat out of the water at the harbor. Besides that, 4-low was hardly ever a thing. Even when off-roading, the transfer case usually goes back into two-wheel drive after hitting higher-speed sections. Here in Wisconsin, the only other time we use 4-high is during snowstorms. But let's face it—using four-wheel drive, whether 4-high or 4-low, is highly situational.
What Is 4-Low Anyway?
Before we dive in too far, we know that for some of you, this might be your first time heading out for the trails, so we wanted to give you a brief refresher on what 4-low and 4-high even are. 4-Low and 4-High are settings on a selectable four-wheel drive system, each designed for different terrains. 4-High engages all four wheels at a higher gear ratio, allowing you to maintain speed while gaining traction on surfaces like snowy roads or desert trails. It's ideal for situations where you need extra grip without sacrificing momentum.
In contrast, 4-Low lowers the gear ratio, maximizing torque for slow, controlled movements over tough obstacles like rock gardens or steep inclines. While 4-Low sacrifices speed, it provides the precision and power needed to navigate challenging terrains without losing traction or control.
When to Use 4-Low: Mastering Off-Road Obstacles
So, when exactly should you use 4-low in your transfer case? For starters, any time you're facing obstacles like rock gardens, rock ledges, tree stumps, or downed logs—basically, any terrain where you need the utmost vehicle control combined with slower speeds—4-low is your best friend. But before you even reach these obstacles, make sure your vehicle is already shifted into 4-low.
This is crucial because if your drive line is bound up or there's pressure against the tires, you may not be able to shift into 4-low at all. Before hitting any trail or obstacle where you need 4-low, stop the vehicle completely, shift the transmission into neutral, and then engage 4-low. If your vehicle hasn’t been in 4-low for a while, it might take some extra finesse, like rocking the vehicle slightly or driving in reverse for a full tire rotation before the system engages. Just make sure you're 100% confident you're in 4-low before proceeding, as not doing so could lead to costly repairs or even leave you stranded on the trails.
More Power with 4-Low: Perfect for Tough Pulls
Another excellent use of 4-low is when you need to pull someone out of a stuck situation and need the extra torque from the engine. Just like a 10-speed bicycle or a motorcycle, the lower the gear, the easier it is for the engine to work. So, when you know you’ll need maximum power from the engine, make sure you're in 4-low.
There are some off-road situations where you need to judge whether to use 4-low or 4-high. For instance, when tackling steep hills, sometimes you need a lot of momentum to make it to the top without losing traction. In these cases, 4-high might be your best bet, allowing you to maintain speed until you crest the hill. But on the way down, it's best to use 4-low to let the engine act as your brake, helping to prevent your brakes from overheating and failing.
Conquering Mud: When to Choose 4-High or 4-Low
Mud presents a unique challenge with several variables to consider. Thick, gooey mud with a hard bottom might work just fine with 4-low, but if you need to clean out your tires and require a lot of wheel speed, 4-high could be the way to go. However, if your engine and axle gearing can't spin the tires fast enough, you might need to shift up a gear or two in 4-low to get the wheel speed you need.
The key with mud is understanding the type you're dealing with—whether it's thick and heavy, watery and sloppy, or virtually quicksand. Each situation may require a different approach, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might end up buried deep, as we did once with the Anthem Power Wagon at Gay Beach in Upper Michigan. But that’s a story for another time.
The Downsides of 4-Low: Be Cautious
While 4-low offers significant advantages, it also comes with risks. Working your engine in a higher RPM range can cause it to go beyond its safe operating threshold, potentially leading to engine damage. Most newer vehicles have a built-in RPM limiter, known as a rev limiter, to help prevent this, but it's not foolproof. Always be aware of your engine's safe RPM range.
Additionally, because 4-low multiplies the forces on your drivetrain, it's much easier to break something if you're not careful. If one of your tires gets jammed and you hit the gas too hard, you might find a weak spot in your drivetrain. Using 4-low requires more finesse with the throttle to avoid catastrophic damage.
Get Experience: The Best Way to Learn 4-Low
If you're just getting started in off-roading or are new to a selectable four-wheel drive system, it all boils down to getting seat time. Spend time getting to know your vehicle, how to use it, and how to get the most control and capabilities out of it. The best way to do this is to find a small group of experienced off-roading friends and go out with them as much as possible. Practice using your vehicle in a variety of situations before taking on more challenging trails.
