Manual locking hubs.

[Whistler]

Hi all,
Not having owned a 4wd with locking hubs before, I was wondering whether I can leave them in the locked position for small periods when not in 4 wheel drive? For example, driving on bitumen from one bush track to another with maybe a couple of hundred metres between.

I understand that 4wd mode shouldn't be used on high traction surfaces, so I always go back to 2wd, but I'm unsure about the locks.

Thanks,
Darren

[*BESTY*]

Absolutely - you CAN lave the front hubs locked in and drive in 2WD (for short distances only between tracks)

I usually leave my hubs locked in as soon as I 'hit the dirt' and then when I get to a section that requires 4WD, I don't need to get out and lock the hubs in.

The best time to lock the hubs in is when you air down your tyres (15psi) prior to going off road.

As you know, it does place extra stress on the driveline components when they are locked in, but as you say, high traction surfaces + 4WD = breakage.

[Whistler]

Do you always deflate to 15psi when going offroad (all conditions)?

[*BESTY*]

Do you always deflate to 15psi when going offroad (all conditions)?

Yeah....I do !!


BUT....probably most other people only go as far as 20psi. I've found that 15 is much better for all conditions, heaps better traction in mud, sand, general 4WDing, if I was rockclimbing, I'd probably go lower to 5-10psi to make it easier for the tyre to wrap around the obstacle.

One thing to remember, it ain't a race car !! so drive it like you only have 15psi in the tyres, take corners slowly as not to roll off the bead (I haven't at 100kph) but it is really 'wandery' on the bitumen.

Tread Lightly - lower tyre pressures do less damage to the tracks, leaves a wider, shallower footprint. High tyre pressure leaves a narrower, deeper footprint. Narrow footprint = less tyre contact with the surface = more wheel spin to gain traction.

[Whistler]

Thanks Besty,
I've read heaps on lowering pressure for sand driving, but that's good advice for general off-road. I just need to get myself a good pump now $$$.

Darren

[*BESTY*]

Endless Air !!

OR

Blue Tongue !!

[murcod]

I'm looking at the Bushranger Max Air at the moment. It outperforms all the others that are commonly available (except the Twin Tongue). I found a place yesterday that sells them for $292 (RRP $390) complete with carry bag, air line etc. Just have to wait for more stock to arrive late next week and I'll be buying one.

www.bushranger.com.au - check out the specs for yourself.