Driving in low range

[Rally]

For the past few months I have been driving around town in low range, only shifting into high range when I hit around 70km/h. In a way it is like having a 6 speed, with 1-5 in low range then shifting into high. Why? Well, driving at slow speeds, second gear was too tall and first gear too short in a number of situations. Using low first also meant that in bumper to bumper traffic, I could keep moving and not have to stop and then start again, thus saving on clutch wear. There is less strain on the bottom end at slow speeds. The downside is it is a bit noisier, and I'm not sure if the box will like it long term.

 

[taza]

Ive been wanting to try this in my Forester. I use the low range box when in car parks most of the time and when driving with a trailer every now and again. But other than that only offroad.

Do you change between high and low range while driving; ie. say your doing 50km/hr put your foot on the clutch and put it into high. Or do you stop to a stand still?
I always stop, im too worried that it will damage something if you do it while going as it is swapping what ratios the gear box is in.

Has anyone else tried this around town for long periods of time?

 

[Cluster Fock]

I shift between Hi and Lo while on the move. Never had any problems. Which says a lot, because Subaru gearboxes are made out of glass.

 

[taza]

^ really. upto what speeds; 60km/hr? more?

Has anyone noticed a fuel economy difference while driving around town in low range. I know I probably half my economy when I use it offroad. But when I do the car gets a hammering, usually sitting above 3000rpm in sand.

 

[Rally]

I've done it at speeds of at least 80

 

[Barry]

My row boat has two 'oars', and I use both on the go. Never have any problems, but I'm sensible about it. Its all about choosing the right gear at the right revs.

 

[Hilly]

I use high/low on the go, it's like having a split-shift gearbox, I find it handy in hilly country when you want that in-between gear.

You'll theoretically generate some extra heat using low range, as you are using reduction gears which spin faster for that what would occur if you were doing the same speed in high, but whether there's any significant difference, don't know. Considering the fairly lame reduction ratio, I wouldn't think it would be much.

 

[bonzaman]

i drove down the beach using hi and low in all gears as required with no prob.also dropped into low instead of full gear when going up hills.