i think i need lockers

[txfiremank5]

I was just asking about the 45mph limit in lo range, not specifically for mud. I have on many occasions, including mud, run 60mph wheel speed in lo range and just assumed everyone did. I guess not everyone does.

I guess the only question I would have is:

Why? I can understand a little variance here and there when trying to get up something steep. You mash the go pedal a bit and if it goes over 45 .. and you hold it there for a few seconds.. it's probably no big deal. But to me, that's about the only instance that could really come to mind. Mud, I surely don't understand.

But, again, to each his own. Your right, not everyone does.... I'm certainly in the catagory.

 

[LVJimmy]

lo vs. hi range

For me it depends on how much room I have. If I have 4’ before I enter the mud I will definitely use lo since I can’t get the acceleration in hi range. If I have 40’ feet hi works just as well. Also, I’m only running 33” BFG MT’s so I like to stay on top of the mud as long as possible and wheel speed definitely helps.

 

[prossett]

The low-range running at high speeds puts severe stress on the transfer case, and that's why it's better to avoid it.

Of course, running through mud pits also puts on stress and blows things up, and should be best avoided!

In the sand dunes even with a long approach low-range rules on a climb, even speeding up in 3rd gear. Momentum, as in mud, is key, but keeping that engine pushing hard is also necessary.

In the environment I drive, if the truck stops because the engine dies down, then you needed a lower gear to start off with; if you stop because you lose traction then get wider tires and more speed!

 

[txfiremank5]

I see what you're saying there.. a short crossing isn't really going to be an issue.

Prosset reminded me of another point.. sometimes it's best to use Lo in something like loose sand (although I'm still speaking of being under the 45 mph range) to help keep from running hot. Sometimes the lag you can get from the sand, will be a bit too much for Hi and cause things to heat up... running along in Lo is slower, but actually keeps things cooler. It's sort of like a tranny.. running in the upper gears, and having the engine speed bog down creates more heat, where leaving it in a lower range will turn more rpm's, but not "overwork" the engine... keeping it happier. I've usually only had that in very loose sand, and on a couple of occasions in really loose riverbed rocks. At those times I may be traveling slower, but still adhear to a constant and even speed.

There have been times when in mud I've had a little lag, but it comes and goes for the most part. Some traction is gained here and there... lost in other places ... but usually the trip through the mud isn't as long as running through a long sandy area. Wheel spin is key in mud, where in the sand, it's not the thing to do. So the 2 are sort of the same, but different.

 

[prossett]

And actually, come to think of it, 45mph is plenty fast approaching an obstacle!!!