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OPERATING YOUR 4WD
SHIFTING GEARS IN A 4WD
The vast majority of 4WD vehicles have high-range and low-range gears. Low-
range gears give you more torque and are easier on your drive train when in
difficult off-road environments. Think of a 10-speed bicycle. When you put it
in 1st gear, you pedal quickly without going very fast, but you can climb steep
hills. This is the same concept as the 4WD low-range gears. You will not be able
to drive faster than about 20 mph but you will easily climb hills and negotiate
obstacles. If you are on a dirt road that is not steep and has few obstacles, then
you can use the 4WD high-range gears.
Every vehicle has slightly different features, but you can typically shift into
4-wheel drive high range while you are moving. Your speed needs to be typi-
cally less than 50–55 mph. To shift into 4WD low range, stop and put the main
gear shift in Neutral. Once you are in neutral, shift into 4WD low-range using
the button, knob, or lever for your vehicle. Then put the main shifter back into
Drive.
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