So I've been reading 4X4 magazine and internet articles for a few years now and have a little off-road experience, this is my second 4 wheel drive my first being a jeep wrangler TJ, and I've noticed the lack off road or on road techniques in the mags and the forums as most are about gear and parts. So here's a thread to write in your advice for all the different situations we might find ourselves in... eg; what works well for you and/or mistakes you or people you've witnessed make.

The first one I have is how to descend a slick hill, ice, mud or loose hardpack. I've found 4hi with the tranny in low gear works good for most hills at controlling momentum.

 

one thing i learned is to not drive in the mud with a 2WD 4cyl ford ranger.

 

dont go over your vehicles limitations IE...(mud up to the doors )...and dont go wheeling alone...or with vehicles smaller than yours (hard for them to pull your big *** out..even more so if you have a 2500-3500) had my truck stuck for 2 days...sucked big time,pics in my gallery if ya wanna see!

 

I have gotten through many a tough spot in 4 low in a high gear like 4th or 5th. I also agree never wheel alone.

 

in mud go in slow come out haulin cause you will need that momentum to get through that sticky mess..

 

as far as descending steep hills 4lo works good to control your momentum and keep stability but for mudding go in medium slow and then mash it to keep your self going as you def need the momentum to keep rollin and when stuck rock back and forth and try to get out of your ruts!

 

Don't stop when you're in mud, know the terrain you are going on. Get out and walk around a bit before you do anything crazy.

 

When all else fails, call the HEMTT wrecker