How to engage 4x4 on a 90 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

86 Rado · 12-09-2010, 11:44 AM

My truck is a 90 Scottsdale. It has the 4x4 shifter on the floor. I am new to this whole 4x4 thing and was told it worked great. What is proper procedure? I dont have a manual. What gear does it need to be in ? Park or neutral and how will I know if it is working. Thanks.

Putter · 12-09-2010, 01:59 PM

I think I used to drop mine into neutral, then move the floor shifter. But it has been a few years since I sold that one. It wouldn't make sense to be in a mud hole (or snow drift) and be forced to actually put it in park....
Just try it and see what happens.

Shyguy · 12-09-2010, 06:33 PM

I have '92 K-3500 with a 454 and automatic, I put the transmission in neutral before I change to 4 wheel drive. If you do it in park sometimes it will not work and make one heck of a noise.

If you are moving you can shift to high 4 but only at lower speeds, if you want to go to low 4 you need to come to a complete stop, if memory serves me.

It is not a good idea to run in 4 wheel drive on paved roads.

86 Rado · 12-09-2010, 08:03 PM

Thanks guys, I did what you said. Someome told me to put it in 4low and turn it sharp and if it feels wierd it is working. It did feel different like hopping and almost felt like it was slipping at one point. Hope thats normal

BIGphillip79 · 12-10-2010, 10:30 PM

Shift on the fly to 4Hi at low speed. Stop for 4Lo. Seems like you got it though. Sometimes it take a little while for the actuator to warm up.

Shyguy · 12-10-2010, 10:34 PM

Trucks that are in 4 wheel drive do feel funny when making sharp turns on pavement, of course the manufacture does not recommend doing this.

12-09-2010, 11:44 AM	#1
86 Rado Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 33	How to engage 4x4 on a 90 My truck is a 90 Scottsdale. It has the 4x4 shifter on the floor. I am new to this whole 4x4 thing and was told it worked great. What is proper procedure? I dont have a manual. What gear does it need to be in ? Park or neutral and how will I know if it is working. Thanks. __________________ 09 Black Challenger R/T 90 Scottsdale shortbed 4x4 71 Impala Custom

12-09-2010, 01:59 PM	#2
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: How to engage 4x4 on a 90 I think I used to drop mine into neutral, then move the floor shifter. But it has been a few years since I sold that one. It wouldn't make sense to be in a mud hole (or snow drift) and be forced to actually put it in park.... Just try it and see what happens. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 12-09-2010 at 02:00 PM.

12-09-2010, 06:33 PM	#3
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: How to engage 4x4 on a 90 I have '92 K-3500 with a 454 and automatic, I put the transmission in neutral before I change to 4 wheel drive. If you do it in park sometimes it will not work and make one heck of a noise. If you are moving you can shift to high 4 but only at lower speeds, if you want to go to low 4 you need to come to a complete stop, if memory serves me. It is not a good idea to run in 4 wheel drive on paved roads. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

12-09-2010, 08:03 PM	#4
86 Rado Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 33	Re: How to engage 4x4 on a 90 Thanks guys, I did what you said. Someome told me to put it in 4low and turn it sharp and if it feels wierd it is working. It did feel different like hopping and almost felt like it was slipping at one point. Hope thats normal __________________ 09 Black Challenger R/T 90 Scottsdale shortbed 4x4 71 Impala Custom

12-10-2010, 10:30 PM	#5
BIGphillip79 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: McAllen TX Posts: 377	Re: How to engage 4x4 on a 90 Shift on the fly to 4Hi at low speed. Stop for 4Lo. Seems like you got it though. Sometimes it take a little while for the actuator to warm up. __________________ If it ain't broke broke don't fix? Get a hammer. '89 K1500, Reg. cab/long bed, 350/700r4, 285/75-16.

12-10-2010, 10:34 PM	#6
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: How to engage 4x4 on a 90 Trucks that are in 4 wheel drive do feel funny when making sharp turns on pavement, of course the manufacture does not recommend doing this. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.



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