I recently bought a 04 4x4 dodge ram hemi and was wondering if driving fast in a 4x4 is not recommended. This is my first 4x4 and the dealership told me to keep her below 80 because of the 4 wheel drive. Is this true? Will going above 80 mph affect my 4x4?

 

sounds resonable...but then again it might not make a difference at all.

 

Well, there's driving in a 4x4 at speed vs. driving IN 4x4 at speed. A 4x4 pickup in two-wheel drive has no special restrictions. Driving at high speeds in four-wheel drive is another story. General wisdom states that if you're travelling at over ~60 MPH, the effects of four-wheel drive are pretty much irrelevant. At high speeds, you're relying on momentum and inertia more than traction from the front axle.

If it's snowing hard enough to require four-wheel drive, then keep it at a reasonable speed. If you plan on driving at very high speed, then keep it out of 4x4. It doesn't make much difference for traction at that speed, and the front axle and transfer case (due to the part-time system allowing no slip) probably doesn't find it amusing.

- Dave

 

Dave Dugal is right, I've heard the same thing. Make sure you aren't in 4-Low, you're not supposed to go above 45mph in that.

 

I try and stay below 60mph in 4x4. I have never had any reason at all to put in 4x4 low, yet

 

if in 4 lo top speed on the dodge is 25 mph 15 is recomended

 

Well, I would assume that if you're able to go above 25 mph in 4 low, then you don't NEED to be in 4 low! I never go any faster than 15 mph in 4 low, because that's not for going fast.It's for when you need the most traction. Just use common sense and you'll be OK.