2 Speed Transfer Case

[OilfieldTrash78]

what are the benefits of a 2 speed transfer case?

 

[OilfieldTrash78]

No one?

 

[Suburban13]

In my opinion . . . Low range is very nice to have when you need it. Pulling something heavy a short distance off road, pulling out a stuck vehicle/equipment with ease, etc.

For just average driving on slick, icy, snow, or muddy conditions the single speed would probably be just fine. I just like the option of hooking to something in low and easily applying the accelerator and let the low gearing do the work.

 

[swathdiver]

Tractive effort! The gearing for 4LO is 2.68:1. Top speed is 39 mph.

It's nice to have but whether you need it or not depends on how you use your truck.

 

[Fifty]

High speed means you can drive with the added traction and still steer...
Lo speed means stay slow... lots of added grunt traction but at an expense of swiftness.

 

[bgsntth]

Need low range for ascending steep gravel/grass hills - not enough grunt to ascend at low speeds w/o LoRange. Literally cannot climb the hills on our ranch without low-range gearing. Nice for tiptoeing through the rocky creeks, as well.

 

[David Smith]

I have to agree with everyone above. I have used my 4LO to pull people out of ditches and mud. If you have no intentions of ever going off road, up/down steep hill, or anything that may require extra torque, then there is no advantage of 4LO in my opinion. Even something as pulling a heavy boat up a boat ramp could require 4LO.

 

[Z71Jack]

what are the benefits of a 2 speed transfer case?

The main benefit to having a 2-speed transfer case is the Low-Range. This is something that you would use for difficult terrain, extreme hills, or towing. Keep in mind that low-range sends more torque to the wheels...it doesn't increase traction.

You do NOT use low-range in the snow or ice...it will cause the wheels to slip because of the extra torque.

 

[OilfieldTrash78]

Thanks guys!! That’s what I needed! I will continue looking for a nice used z71, so I can get that 2 speed TC!

 

[swathdiver]

Keep in mind that low-range sends more torque to the wheels...it doesn't increase traction.

You do NOT use low-range in the snow or ice...it will cause the wheels to slip because of the extra torque.

From the 2009 Owner's Manual:

2 m (Two-Wheel Drive High): This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations. The front
axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also
provides the best fuel economy.

AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions
are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is primarily
sent to the rear wheels. When the vehicle’s software
determines a need for more traction, the system
will transfer more power to the front wheels. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel Drive High.

4 m (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use the four-wheel high
position when you need extra traction, such as on snowy
or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting
also engages your front axle to help drive the vehicle.
This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.

4 n (Four-Wheel Drive Low): This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if you
are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow,
and while climbing or descending steep hills.
The vehicle has StabiliTrak®. Shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak® off.