Switching into 4wheel drive - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Myride67c10 · 05-19-2004, 09:29 AM

I just purchased my first 4x4 and it’s a 96 suburban. I have a stupid question but I’ll ask it anyway. When switching into 4 wheel what gear position should the tranny be in? Also when should I change the transfer case fluid, and is it hard to perform?

Prerunner1982 · 05-19-2004, 11:24 AM

i have never driven an automatic 4x4, (except for hmmwvs but they are full time 4wd) on all the manuals i have driven, i put it in neutral. So i figure auto would be the same, that way you dont have the torque of the motor slamming the tcase into gear.

Blazer1970 · 05-19-2004, 05:08 PM

With your Suburban (and pretty much any other 4X4), you can switch between 2HI and 4HI any time, at any speed with the trans in D or OD. I just take my foot off the gas until the t-case shifts and the front end locks in (4WD light on). When shifting into or out of 4LO, you should stop or roll very slowly and put the trans in neutral. Shift the t-case with authority, do not try to baby it into gear.

Myride67c10 · 05-26-2004, 10:17 AM

What really happens when you switch into 4 wheel high? Do the hubs lock in?

**JIMs70GMC** · 05-26-2004, 10:59 AM

If they are auto hubs they'll lock in after the first couple tire rotations. To unlock them you back-up with the tc in 2hi about 15' and they'll unlock.

wildwood · 05-26-2004, 11:01 AM

Yep, on a 96 they are automatic

Blazer1970 · 05-26-2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myride67c10

What really happens when you switch into 4 wheel high? Do the hubs lock in?

On your '96, the "hubs" are locked in all the time. There is a mechanism on the front differential that allows one of the front axle shafts (passenger side) to be disconnected from the differential. When you put the t-case into a 4WD position, the mechanism connects the axle shaft to the differential. In 2WD, it automatically disconnects the axle shaft.

**JIMs70GMC** · 05-26-2004, 08:06 PM

Forgot about that Tim. Glad I have old trucks!

05-19-2004, 09:29 AM	#1
Myride67c10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 165	Switching into 4wheel drive I just purchased my first 4x4 and it’s a 96 suburban. I have a stupid question but I’ll ask it anyway. When switching into 4 wheel what gear position should the tranny be in? Also when should I change the transfer case fluid, and is it hard to perform? __________________ 1967 C-10 Use to be Riptide

05-19-2004, 05:08 PM	#3
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	With your Suburban (and pretty much any other 4X4), you can switch between 2HI and 4HI any time, at any speed with the trans in D or OD. I just take my foot off the gas until the t-case shifts and the front end locks in (4WD light on). When shifting into or out of 4LO, you should stop or roll very slowly and put the trans in neutral. Shift the t-case with authority, do not try to baby it into gear. __________________ Tim

05-26-2004, 10:17 AM	#4
Myride67c10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 165	What really happens when you switch into 4 wheel high? Do the hubs lock in? __________________ 1967 C-10 Use to be Riptide

05-26-2004, 10:59 AM	#5
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	If they are auto hubs they'll lock in after the first couple tire rotations. To unlock them you back-up with the tc in 2hi about 15' and they'll unlock. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

05-26-2004, 11:01 AM	#6
wildwood Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 110	Yep, on a 96 they are automatic __________________ You can't get out if ya don't get in

05-19-2004, 11:24 AM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	i have never driven an automatic 4x4, (except for hmmwvs but they are full time 4wd) on all the manuals i have driven, i put it in neutral. So i figure auto would be the same, that way you dont have the torque of the motor slamming the tcase into gear.

05-26-2004, 08:06 PM	#8
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Forgot about that Tim. Glad I have old trucks! __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm



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