4 Low technique in a manual transmission

Hi all, first post. Just curious for some tips on using the 4 low setting in a manual transmission. It is quite different from the regular setting. I think I am finding that it is best to let up on the clutch very slow, and go very slow when changing gears. I found you will hear the wonderful gear crunch sound if shifting like you normally would. Plan to get off-road soon, and figured I might need 4 low some. Thanks for any tips.

 

I tend to shift slower in 4lo but might just be because I'm going slow and paying more attention.

Welcome to tacomaworld

Might want to check this out. It's been a clutch saver for me especially while backing and trailer use since reverse is so fast

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2lo-modules.708941/

Edit.. just noticed your in a 3rd gen and this module is for a 2nd but I'm pretty sure there is one for a 3rd gen as well

 

With a manual I spend the majority of the time offroad in 4low. It's much easier on the clutch with all that extra torque to help you along, especially from a stop. You can use the higher gears in 4lo just fine, won't hurt anything. If I need to cruise higher than ~30mph I stop and shift into 4hi.

 

@RobRicky

https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/20866428

2lo mod for 3rd gen if interested

 

Especially great in place of the 50mph reverse gear.

 

Sounds like you’re doing it right. Shift slowly and the truck will be just fine.

I’ve found on bumpy terrain it’s better to get off the clutch quickly though because you can end up shoving the clutch back down by accident with some momentum

 

Yes, in 4lo shifting too fast will often cause gear grind. @tonered suggested to me that the root cause is the syncros in the transmission not working as smoothly. The other noticeable difference is the gear wine in 4lo; possibly coming from straight cut gears in the transfer case.

My truck with 33's and a manual transmission is useless in 4hi when off-road. I have burnt a lot of clutch while learning that lesson. 4lo for life!

 

Yep, even on 265/70/17s 4hi is useless, unless you are ripping down an FSR. 4 low is fantastic when off-roading at low speeds.

 

thanks everyone

 

Not a lot special about lo range. It is a little harder to get the gears to mesh when changing gears, but if you're in lo range there isn't a lot of gear changing. Nothing says you have to start out in 1st gear. If you don't need to go that slow start in 2nd or even 3rd and just leave it there. If you need anything over 3rd gear you don't need to be in lo range.