Thread: 4WD with hubs disengaged?

Two wheels in the dirt will work; so will low ratio just to the back axle; however; make sure you have a Salisbury rear axle as I suspect a Rover one might find a heavy load a bit much by itself.

What sort of condition is your engine in? It should be able to tackle most hills in 1st gear comfortably. I wonder if the ignition system needs an overhaul, or an upgrade? Have a read of this KWD's Megajolt Ignition

Cheers Charlie

My 71 2A has been in low range with the hubs out. It was a matter of necessity ATM with no apparent issues

Coop, I would be more inclined to run the hubs in and just drop the left hand wheels in the gravel every so often. The reason I say this is that the four wheel engine braking might be a huge advantage to you on the decents in Tassie, especially with a van in tow......might save a lot of riding the brake and possible brake fade!I have used low range without front hubs engaged plenty of times but you have to be gentle on the throttle and doing it whilst towing a camper van is another story. Probally a bit of a risk of doing the diff or an axle.


Cheers, Mick

I would not expect any damage to result from driving on hard surfaces in four wheel drive with hubs engaged, provided all tyres are the same circumference, although steering will be lumpy on sharp corners.

I would be inclined to drive with the hubs disengaged, but you should be aware that this makes a broken axle more likely (but probably only with heavy loads, 1/lo, and a heavy right foot), and in this event, not only will you have no drive but you will have no handbrake.

John

Thanks everyone. I hadn't thought of the issue of the extra load on the diff and axles, so I'll probably use the 2 wheels in the dirt method unless I have no other alternative than to use low range with the hubs out. The rear diff is a Salisbury, so used with care the unlocked hubs method would probably be OK too.
Chazza, I simplified my last post- we were actually in first gear with the Roverdrive engaged, so we still had half a gear remaining!! The engine is in pretty good shape and we have an electronic mod so there are no points on the distributor. We may never have to use the above options, but I guess it's better to think about it in advance- that way I'm less likely to break something if the situation ever arises.
Had a great run from Adelaide to Mr Gambier following the coast all the way today. But I despair of those who mostly drive in the city and then come out into the country. They rush up behind you, look like they might overtake at a suitable location, then change their minds, then when another good passing location doesn't turn up for a while they get impatient and rush past where the space is marginal (or non-existant). They leave their decisions late and further reduce their options. It's enough to make you cry- had to back off once to let a chap get across before he ran out of room. I pity the poor truckies who have to put up with this sort of thing every day...

Coop

Edit: Saw a SWB Green S2A or SIII on a trailer going the other way today. Someone has made a lucky discovery- looked to be in v.g. condition...