PSA: How Much Drivetrain Damage can happen from pushing the wrong Button ?

[Lucchese]

. . . In what type of situation is it advisable to lock the rear diff ?

right, the pages from Owner's Manual spec which Drive modes (i.e. 4A, 4H, 4L, or 2H) are available in each GOAT Mode - see highlighted pages in OP

the Front & Rear Lockers are mostly for situations where one of the wheels is spinning by itself, or when you're worried that may happen
- again you can activate them when needed - saves wear & tear

it's great you have 4A - well worth it

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[Raynfeathyr]

It's not always common sense that is the problem. I hopped in thinking I had shut off the engine and spun my dial 3 clicks for sport mode. Problem was engine was running and was already in sport mode.

Although common sense did kick in when I didn't get past 5 miles an hour before the Bronco was giving me all kinds of clues as to what was up. No problem, shifted back out and all was well. Damage is only going to occur if you are romping on it in the wrong mode for conditions.

 

[Dcdds]

For my time at Offroadeo in Moab they kept us in 4L the entire time on the trails we just used lockers manually as needed. They taught that it's fine to go up to 40mph in 4L.. Never used any of the goat modes there.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

This thread sucks. I wanted to see carnage, not just a repost of the manual.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

Until the GOAT modes stay in the mode you select the next time you start your engine, they are pretty much a useless pain in the ass.

 

[mpeugeot]

Oh wow. Very good info thank you. I had no idea that you could use normal mode and just turn on 4A. That would probably be more than capable enough for the kind of trails I go on. In what type of situation is it advisable to lock the rear diff?

When you think that "maybe I should not try to make it through", is probably a good time to consider turning on the locker... or if you get stuck.

 

[Juicy]

huuuuge rookie question. But with the bronco technology is it safe to change from 2 wheel drive to 4A and vice versa while moving? In other cars its done manually so you're kind of forced to stop/shift to neutral. Since its electronic and i have tried it before and allowed me to switch it while driving, is it safe for the vehicle?

 

[Paul Gagnon]

huuuuge rookie question. But with the bronco technology is it safe to change from 2 wheel drive to 4A and vice versa while moving? In other cars its done manually so you're kind of forced to stop/shift to neutral. Since its electronic and i have tried it before and allowed me to switch it while driving, is it safe for the vehicle?

Yes. You can switch into 4H at speed as well. It's designed for that.

 

[Juicy]

Yes. You can switch into 4H at speed as well. It's designed for that.

thanks!

 

[mpeugeot]

huuuuge rookie question. But with the bronco technology is it safe to change from 2 wheel drive to 4A and vice versa while moving? In other cars its done manually so you're kind of forced to stop/shift to neutral. Since its electronic and i have tried it before and allowed me to switch it while driving, is it safe for the vehicle?

While, optimally, you would not do it at speed, it has never been a problem to do so in my Bronco. I have done plenty of stupid things, but you could be going 70 MPH, and shift into or out of 2H/4A and the Bronco does not seem to care.

Do I recommend it, no. Has it caused any problems, no.

 

[FordOwner]

"If our father had had his say, nobody who did not know how to fish would be allowed to disgrace a fish by catching him."

One of my all-time favorite movies!
Probably not too many people say that about 'A River Runs Through It.

I prefer to not use the GOAT modes but the changes in steering, pedal responsiveness, and shift points are sometimes worth it.

 

[Lazerus]

One of my all-time favorite movies!
Probably not too many people say that about 'A River Runs Through It.

I prefer to not use the GOAT modes but the changes in steering, pedal responsiveness, and shift points are sometimes worth it.

I have a soft spot for the film as well, but my real love is reserved for the book. It is not only chock full of entertaining short stories, but Norman Maclean's writing is simply beautifully readable prose.

His non-fiction novel 'Young Men and Fire", about the 1949 Mann Gulch fire that killed 12 of 15 smokejumpers (as well as another firefighter), and his investigation into the causes of the tragedy, is also an amazing - and moving - read.

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