Rolly Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Wondering if its ok to use the low range (with diff-lock NOT engaged) on long, steep hill descents (its a mountain really). The manual says not to drive in low on a normal road but this is gravel and my brakes say yes please, give me a rest. We only do this trip once a year to go snow-camping and the steep section lasts around 20/30 minutes. What's the current wisdom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T1G UP Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Wondering if its ok to use the low range (with diff-lock NOT engaged) on long, steep hill descents (its a mountain really).The manual says not to drive in low on a normal road but this is gravel and my brakes say yes please, give me a rest. We only do this trip once a year to go snow-camping and the steep section lasts around 20/30 minutes. What's the current wisdom? i can't see a problem. low range is exactly that......low range so on a down slope there would be better engine braking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrfarmer Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 i can't think it will hurt for what you wanting to do, would avoid using the higher gears. my 90 spends alot of time in low as it dose mainly off road work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 i can't think it will hurt for what you wanting to do, would avoid using the higher gears. Do you mean you'd avoid using 4th/5th in low box? Because I can't see any reason to. If you need more grunt, stick it in low, that's what it's there for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxtherotti Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 i would use it for this strikes me as thats what its there for rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JST Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 yep use low Do you mean you'd avoid using 4th/5th in low box? Because I can't see any reason to. If you need more grunt, stick it in low, that's what it's there for. reason 4th low is not as fast as 1st high but is slower than 2nd high so a good compromise plus if you meant someone and had to stop and needed more engine braking or needed lower gears you already have 1 and 2nd available which are slower than 1st high (=3rd low) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimAttrill Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I often use low-range when not on tarred surfaces. It gives you a greater choice of gear ratios for slow-speed use. I once did 400kms in low from Maun to Kasane, Botswana. I don't think any manual says not to use low range on tar. It's the diff-lock you mustn't engage on tar. I also find the gear change (R380) is quicker and more positive in low range. There must be a reason for that, gears going round faster, maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BogMonster Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 No problem. And if it is on loose gravel you won't really hurt with the diff lock engaged either. There is no reason not to use the high gears in low range, the only downside (often seen here when running fast in 4th/5th low range over boggy ground) is that the primary gearbox oil can get a bit hot and the gearchange goes a bit crunchy but it won't do any damage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolly Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 Thanks everyone, didn't think there would be a problem but I like to be sure. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J@mes Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 what i use mine for! 2nd gear low range, keep the feet off the pedals and let it do its own thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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