Freetime101
Active Member
Cos the front prop and diff still spin but are powered by the wheels which adds some resistance.
FWH are supposed to improve fuel efficiency (arguments for and against) but the main benefit is they stop the front diff from whining
FWH are supposed to improve fuel efficiency (arguments for and against) but the main benefit is they stop the front diff from whining
When you do get it on the road be sure to lock the freewheeling hubs up once a week for a good few miles. The top railco bush in the swivel relies on "Splash Lubrication" I have them and have never really noticed any real world fuel saving and tend to keep them locked because I like the feel of the truck that way. Any serious off roading can damage them on rocks.
mistericeman
Active Member
I find FWH extremely beneficial ......
For standing on when i reach into the engine bay .....Sod all use for anything else IMHO
For standing on when i reach into the engine bay .....Sod all use for anything else IMHO
ConnorSeries
New Member
haha this is so true!
dominicbeesley
Well-Known Member
I can tell if I've forgotten to turn mine off, there is a definite drop in acceleration and a very slight increase in road noise from the front diff.
Webley1991
Well-Known Member
As far as I know you are not supposed to use the 4wd setting on tarmac.
I was told that this can cause serious damage to the transmission. Apparently this is because with the series gearbox, the front and rear wheels are locked together.
When driving on tarmac the wheels do not slip as easily as when driving on a less solid surface such as mud. As the front wheels turn are steered, the distance they will cover compared to the rear is not the same.
The differences in rotation will apparently strain the transmission until something breaks.
This is not an issue on modern permanent 4wd vehicles as they have a third differential in the transfer box.
It was recommended to me to switch to 4wd on a flat surface, drive in a straight line for a short distance and then switch back to 2wd after.
I was told that this can cause serious damage to the transmission. Apparently this is because with the series gearbox, the front and rear wheels are locked together.
When driving on tarmac the wheels do not slip as easily as when driving on a less solid surface such as mud. As the front wheels turn are steered, the distance they will cover compared to the rear is not the same.
The differences in rotation will apparently strain the transmission until something breaks.
This is not an issue on modern permanent 4wd vehicles as they have a third differential in the transfer box.
It was recommended to me to switch to 4wd on a flat surface, drive in a straight line for a short distance and then switch back to 2wd after.
blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
I think they mean FWH engaged not transferbox in 4wd
Webley1991
Well-Known Member
I see what you mean there.
I wanted to the save the OP any confusion when he said "Will use them on the 4x4 setting occasionally for lubrication".
I wanted to the save the OP any confusion when he said "Will use them on the 4x4 setting occasionally for lubrication".
blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
dominicbeesley
Well-Known Member
Hi Webley, You are mistaken, you're confusing the 4x4 on the hubs with 4x4 on the transfer box...
You MUST use the FWHs in 4x4 mode occasionally but with the transfer box in High ratio 2WD if you are on a hard surface. This is to get oil to the steering pins front diff and front UJs and bearings.
You MUST use the FWHs in 4x4 mode occasionally but with the transfer box in High ratio 2WD if you are on a hard surface. This is to get oil to the steering pins front diff and front UJs and bearings.
Webley1991
Well-Known Member
I am aware of that. However, if someone else casually skims over this thread and sees "use the hubs in 4x4 mode for lubrication", they may get confused as to what is actually being said.
