Drove The RTV400ci Today

[Misfire]

Most of my customers say they run with nothing engaged most of the time, with 4WD (front axle) engaged sometimes and with the rear diff locked very infrequently.

Can they keep the 4WD actively engaged going down hill? It's not clear to me from the JD lit that I read.

Misfire

 

[PapaPerk]

True, there is a small amount because of front wheel lead in 4WD tractors, for example, which causes scrub, and some but a very negligible amount in road vehicles when in 4WD. But a locked rear most always tears or ruts the surface in turns. I have three long, steep gravel drives on my property. I have to use 4WD in my truck on all of them. When I am working with power equipment on the steep part of the drives, I always park it across the drive for safety reasons, which means a very tight turn. I want to stay in 4WD on the drives (and trails), but don't want to rut them with a locked rear axle in the turns.

I look at the rear differential lock as something held in reserve for getting out of sticky situations, not as something for routine use.

Misfire

I see your concern.

4wd on road vehicles does cause a fair amount of wheel slip in turns. If your vehicle has a center diff then it won't. (awd)

 

[Misfire]

Not that it is going to have any impact on me, but locked rear axles can be unforgiving on ice or other very slick surfaces. Instead of one rear wheel breaking free due to loss of traction and too much right foot for conditions, both of them will let go at once and directional control becomes non-existent. I found a thread in another forum where more than one member reported their Rangers swapping ends on the ice for that very reason.

At the speed some Rangers can attain, I'm sure it was a thrilling ride. :laughing: