Driving in 4Hi

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

poncho62

Old Fart
Joined
Oct 26, 2013
Messages
494
Reaction score
16
Location
Ontario, Canada
97 GMC Sierra 1500

Had to back my trailer into my daughters icy driveway yesterday, so hit the 4Hi button. Was coming home today, drove about 40 miles before I noticed that I was still in 4Hi.....Road conditions were partial snow covered, mostly with 2 bare tracks on the pavement. Do you think I overheated or hurt the transfer case in any way? Everything seems fine.
 

IOWNJUNK

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 15, 2013
Messages
1,014
Reaction score
29
Location
S. Ga
4wd for 40mi at 55mph....... And didn't notice? Thats some pretty smooth 4wd..... No harm done, circulated some fluid is all.
 

poncho62

Old Fart
Joined
Oct 26, 2013
Messages
494
Reaction score
16
Location
Ontario, Canada
4wd for 40mi at 55mph....... And didn't notice? Thats some pretty smooth 4wd..... No harm done, circulated some fluid is all.

Much smoother than my old 82 s10 Blazer was.....I did notice the difference once I went back to 2Hi......Probably having the trailer on back (2000#) made me not notice as much as I should have
 

great white

Retirement countdown!
Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
6,266
Reaction score
209
If it shifted back out of 4hi then no worries.

As mentioned, they are good up to 55. At least, if I remember the owners manual correctly its 55.

The concern is binding in the transfer case. But if it went back into 2wd you're good.

I would avoid it on surfaces that don't allow slippage though. The differences between front and rear differentials (and tires) is what binds a transfer case. Its what gives you the "bunny hop" effect when you try to turn tight in 4hi.
 

96-1500

Bluenoser
Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
1,883
Reaction score
92
Location
NS/NB, Canada
I just try to avoid turning as much as possible when in 4x4. I usually try to make as wide a turn as I can.

Turning sharp on dry pavement in 4x4 isn't especially good for it. Sometimes, it's hard to avoid, but I do my best. Even in mud/snow I try to avoid it if I can...my grandfather hammered into my head not to turn hard in 4x4, so it's just habitual now.
 

1998K1500

Chris
Joined
Dec 27, 2013
Messages
2,920
Reaction score
40
Location
Georgia
I'm curious what the highest speed any of you have heard of or personally hit in 4hi? No way I'm about to try it and hope none of you do either but if it's already been done I'm curious what kind of numbers y'all have reached in it and if everything was okay after
 
Top