towing with auto 4x4?

[GMCTruck21]

I have a 02 sierra 5.3, 4l60E with the auto 4x4 option.. what I am wondering is
would it be safe to use auto 4x4 when towing? As in pulling somebody out from an offroading spot when they broke down.. to where I would need 4x4 at some points but not during straight smooth parts? and like pulling logs out of woods for cutting trees?
I find it annoying to constantly switch from 4x4 to 2wd

[bowtieboy42]

That would be fine. Even 4 high is okay as long as you're not on asphalt/super hard pack substrate. Nothing wrong with running it on the trail though

[ToyHauler]

thats what its made for really. just like everything else on the vehicle the easier your right foot is the longer it will last.

[Quyonmob]

Personally, I minimize use of auto 4x4, too much stuff going on that has to happen in milliseconds, in sync, and relies/wears heavily on the clutches in the t-case. For that reason alone, I would never tow Auto 4wd. If I am extracting another 5000lb truck, or skidding logs, I'll be dragging it in 4lo until I hit asphalt/gravel roads to save my trans.

Either you need 4x4, so use it, or 2wd, so use it. Only time I ever use Auto is when the Mrs. is behind the wheel on snow/ice, so she can leave stop signs no wheel spin, but not deal with 4x4 under steer in corners.

It's a push button t-case, lift off the skinny pedal for a second and switch back and forth to 4x4 or 2wd as you need... Annoying? It's the push of a button that could extend the life of your t-case, life is soo hard... :D

[GMCTruck21]

It's a push button t-case, lift off the skinny pedal for a second and switch back and forth to 4x4 or 2wd as you need... Annoying? It's the push of a button that could extend the life of your t-case, life is soo hard... :D
hahah it's a rough life! so much extra exercise. I use auto 4x4 during the winter when there is fresh snow on the ground. I didn't know towing in 4lo was easier on the transmission. that is a good thing to know since my transmission has been making a "clanking" noise going from 1st to 2nd...
thanks everybody.

[kcb37]

Towing in 2wd would be something like having a truck with 3.08 gears, and in 4lo would be like having a truck with 4.10 or 4.56's. Engine rpm will be high from the get go, gearing will be low, lots of power at low speed. Less stress on the drivetrain.
Hope that makes sense. If I remeber correctly the trans double the gearing.
The problem is if your are constantly turning going some distance, not good. But to pull someone out of a hole or ditch, pull up a tree stump, 4lo is the way to go. Least amount of stress and the most power.

[TiredFarmer]

Personally, I minimize use of auto 4x4, too much stuff going on that has to happen in milliseconds, in sync, and relies/wears heavily on the clutches in the t-case. For that reason alone, I would never tow Auto 4wd. If I am extracting another 5000lb truck, or skidding logs, I'll be dragging it in 4lo until I hit asphalt/gravel roads to save my trans.

Either you need 4x4, so use it, or 2wd, so use it. Only time I ever use Auto is when the Mrs. is behind the wheel on snow/ice, so she can leave stop signs no wheel spin, but not deal with 4x4 under steer in corners. ... :D

Exactly. 4 Lo will do what you need until you get to paved road, where you shouldn't have to tow them anymore. As for snaking logs if I can't use my John Deere then I put the truck in 4 lo and drag away!

[kemble]

I just act like auto 4x4 doesn't exist.

[Koots]

Auto 4WD is good for cruising around town, but there has been countless times ive been able to confuse the system in my parents 09 Sierra. Its also nice on the highway for those emergency situations, but towing should be in 4HI or 2WD only to minimize driveline stress.

[grayblazer]

If you are in the woods pulling logs or another truck than put it in 4 low and go. There is absolutely no reason to run 2wd and then switch into 4wd when you start spinning and then switch back. If on grass, gravel, or dirt there is no issue just keeping it in 4wd. Heck, even on pavement during a hard pull 4wd won't hurt anything. I grew up in a farming community and farmers regularly use 4 low when pulling loaded grain wagons down the road to the mill.

The additional low range in the transfer case on these trucks is 2.72....a lot more difference than 3.08 compared to 4.10. More like the difference between 3.08 and 8.00 gear ratios. The additional torque makes it a lot easier on the trans and gives you more control.

[kcb37]

I think I would argue the highway statement.
I will not argue with you that it can help. However if you drive during or right after a blizzard or bad weather seems like most cars off the road are 4wd or AWD. Because they think they will stick to the road. 4WD or AWD is no different then 2WD front or rear, if your going to slide your going to slide.
Going to fast and not being able to correct, or to fast for road conditions/traffic, stuff like that is what will put you off the road.

[grayblazer]

I think I would argue the highway statement.
I will not argue with you that it can help. However if you drive during or right after a blizzard or bad weather seems like most cars off the road are 4wd or AWD. Because they think they will stick to the road. 4WD or AWD is no different then 2WD front or rear, if your going to slide your going to slide.
Going to fast and not being able to correct, or to fast for road conditions/traffic, stuff like that is what will put you off the road.

I agree that it seems like most cars and trucks in ditch after a snowstorm are 4wd/AWD. They do handle better, but it's still nowhere close to having a dry and clean road and it doesn't help the braking at all. I've personally had friends that just got a 4wd SUV and think they can drive like normal after an icestorm.

[kemble]

The auto 4x4 goes crazy in patchy snow or ice. I don't like the idea of a sudden hit to the front tires on asphalt, when the back tired are already spinning on ice.

[kcb37]

Think one thing I have also run across alot.
Bought my wife a 4wd/awd cause if she slides in a ditch in a snow storm she can pull out of it.
In my experiance dosen't matter what you have if you go in a ditch (slide into and are fine otherwise) generally your not getting out unless you have a "beast" of a 4wd.
I will also say that I am a bit biased as I have only owned one 4wd, for most people I don't think it's needed or absolutely necessary. Just that people can't drive anymore. But on that same note, I think it is a great thing to have if you know how to use it correctly. Which seems to go hand in hand with knowing how to drive. But that's just me.

[kemble]

I generally drive in 2wd until I can't go anymore. Whether it be mud, snow, ice or whatever. Its never failed me so far and keeps stress off the 4x4 system.

[grayblazer]

I generally drive in 2wd until I can't go anymore. Whether it be mud, snow, ice or whatever. Its never failed me so far and keeps stress off the 4x4 system.

I guess that is personal preference, but applying lots of power and spinning the rear tires is applying more stress to the drivetrain than having it in 4wd and idling through the mud. I have also seen people try this philosphy and get stuck or in trouble (slid sideways in a ditch) and 4wd can't get them out.

On the above comment about once you slide into the ditch you can't get out in 4wd I will definitely agree. The combination of having to go uphill and the piled up crusty snow pile from the plows makes it pretty tough to get back on the road.

[Koots]

I like to keep it in 4WD to keep the stress off the rear axle, personally.

Up here the roads are covered in hard packed snow (basically compacted into ice) with grooves down to the pavement from traffic. So driving in 2WD could mean spinning at 4000RPM one second at an intersection, then going sideways and hitting dry pavement with one tire and shuddering the whole truck like you got in an accident. This is obviously hell on a G80 rear axle (i've got a 10Bolt and 14BFF version) so i keep it in 4 most of the time for this reason.

Around New Years, i was out on the highways driving 60MPH shifting in and out of 4WD (manual transfer case swap) during a blizzard. It's all in how you drive. I pride myself on being a pretty damn capable driver (not the most legal though) and better than most in stormy weather. Having 4WD is definitely a benefit!

[chevyidaho]

when i push the tow/haul button in my 2000 silverado, the light on the console doesnt come on, is there any other way of knowing if its working or not

[GMCTruck21]

when i push the tow/haul button in my 2000 silverado, the light on the console doesnt come on, is there any other way of knowing if its working or not

You should notice right away when you push it crusing down te road. Mine will kick out of overdrive as soon as I push that button. Plus it'll shift at higher rpms

[Drumaniac3000]

when i push the tow/haul button in my 2000 silverado, the light on the console doesnt come on, is there any other way of knowing if its working or not

Most likely the wire at the base of the shifter is pinched or severed. Do a search here about how to fix it- it's pretty simple to do.

[Quyonmob]

when i push the tow/haul button in my 2000 silverado, the light on the console doesnt come on, is there any other way of knowing if its working or not

Not even close to the topic of this thread. :think:


Most likely the wire at the base of the shifter is pinched or severed. Do a search here about how to fix it- it's pretty simple to do.

But this is the cause. Had to resolder and extend my dad's 05.