- First Name
- Bryan
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2023
- Threads
- 5
- Messages
- 95
- Reaction score
- 91
- Location
- Prince William, VA
- Vehicle(s)
- 23 Black Diamond, Craftsman tractor
- Your Bronco Model
- Black Diamond
- Thread starter
- #1
New Bronco owner (at 1500 miles or so now), NOT a new 4-wheeler here - I'm used to SOTF F150's, also had an old Land Cruiser and drove through plenty of stuff but getting used to the GOAT's..... so here's my scenario and question:
Went from paved road onto loose gravel/large rocks/ruts type of road (it's one of those unpaved connector roads). This road is approximately a mile long with several switchbacks and inclines/declines before getting to the other paved road. Anyway, got onto the rough road, at almost a stop, switched to sand mode for a short time, rode a bit rough and I realized I shouldn't have selected it anyway because it's meant for deeper stuff. Then switched to mud/ruts at almost a stop, as that seemed the more logical choice - road also has some steep dropoffs and I wanted to keep a good grip - also I don't have 4A (I have a regular Black Diamond). I kept the speed fairly slow but it was a very shaky ride (binding/axle wrap I'm guessing?). Then went up steep inclined sharp turn (still very rocky and rutty) and the Bronco just didn't like it at all. My daughter said something smelled like "waffles". Again, this was all in maybe less than a mile of use but I'm wondering two things: Did I even need to bother with 4WD at all, and second, any damage done? I realize you're not supposed to do sharp turns in 4WD but what about that one particular turn......? Sharp grade and very rocky so I wanted to be safe esp with wife and daughter with me. Weather - clear and dry.
Well before I got back onto paved road, the rough road was a bit better, no more turns, so I put back into regular 2H first, then back onto paved road, smooth as silk, no lights or warnings or anything and a long ride home so I think I'm fine.
Input appreciated.
Went from paved road onto loose gravel/large rocks/ruts type of road (it's one of those unpaved connector roads). This road is approximately a mile long with several switchbacks and inclines/declines before getting to the other paved road. Anyway, got onto the rough road, at almost a stop, switched to sand mode for a short time, rode a bit rough and I realized I shouldn't have selected it anyway because it's meant for deeper stuff. Then switched to mud/ruts at almost a stop, as that seemed the more logical choice - road also has some steep dropoffs and I wanted to keep a good grip - also I don't have 4A (I have a regular Black Diamond). I kept the speed fairly slow but it was a very shaky ride (binding/axle wrap I'm guessing?). Then went up steep inclined sharp turn (still very rocky and rutty) and the Bronco just didn't like it at all. My daughter said something smelled like "waffles". Again, this was all in maybe less than a mile of use but I'm wondering two things: Did I even need to bother with 4WD at all, and second, any damage done? I realize you're not supposed to do sharp turns in 4WD but what about that one particular turn......? Sharp grade and very rocky so I wanted to be safe esp with wife and daughter with me. Weather - clear and dry.
Well before I got back onto paved road, the rough road was a bit better, no more turns, so I put back into regular 2H first, then back onto paved road, smooth as silk, no lights or warnings or anything and a long ride home so I think I'm fine.
Input appreciated.
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