A question regarding differentials on 4WDs

[t4topcat]

G'day all,
this question has come about from going fishing with a mate of mine over the last couple of days. We've been visiting the local boat ramps towing both his 4.35m Hornet Trophy and his 21' Haines. He asked whether I knew if his practice of putting his Rodeo into 4WD low range without the front hubs locked in whilst reversing down the ramp was damaging his vehicle, he said that he does it because he feels it gives him more control of the vehicle than if he rides the brakes. I have limited experience with 4WDs but thought i'd put the question to the collective genius that is Ausfish.

Thanks for any help on this matter.

Cheers

Chris

[BenDover]

Nope no harm done at all mate...
BD

[FNQCairns]

No harm probably does it good if that's the only time it sees low range, I do it always - if my handbrake fails the extra low gearing will look after me.

cheers fnq

[caloundra]

no problems with putting it in low range to back down the ramp
it is also a good idea to drive the 4wd with the front hubs locked at least once a month, even if its just 5 min down the road to the shops

daniel

[Poodroo]

No harm so long as he doesn't engage 4wd and drive around corners on hard surfaces like bitumen. In straight lines just reversing or going up ramps would not harm anything.

Poodroo

[Blackened]

G'day

I do it with my rodeo 4x4 as well. No harm done.

Think I even read in the manual that it was ok to do.

Dave

[t4topcat]

Thanks for your replies everybody I just rang my mate Ian and told him the good news and he said cheers too.

Take care and thanks

Chris