Just picked up a tracker

[MagnumSRT8]

Just wanted to say hi, just picked up a 89 tracker 5 speed 4x4, Only had it a few hours now but seems like a i got a pretty smoking deal on it. Its only got 193K on it,hard top and soft top smokes slightly on startup when cold. Not a bad deal for $900. Whats the procedure for using the 4wd? Just select 4wd H and lock the front hubs?

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by MagnumSRT8

Just wanted to say hi, just picked up a 89 tracker 5 speed 4x4, Only had it a few hours now but seems like a i got a pretty smoking deal on it. Its only got 193K on it,hard top and soft top smokes slightly on startup when cold. Not a bad deal for $900. Whats the procedure for using the 4wd? Just select 4wd H and lock the front hubs?

Welcome to the forum and Suzuki ownership. It sounds like you did get a good deal. As for 4x4 usage, it sounds like you have it figured out. I'm not sure about your year, but most 4x4's with manual hubs aren't intended to be used as All Wheel Drive. ie: 4wd at highway speeds. Someone else can better clarify this

[deeznutts77]

i have no prob at highway speeds with 4wd ingaged, in snow not dry though

[ranger88den]

Yes, dry pavement is a no-no. If you don't have one, try to get an owner's manual, "Manufacturer knows best". Maybe at E-bay motors or, if I remember right, jtgh posted a website to download some manuals a while back, hopefully he'll be on shortly. Good luck

[the flying scotsman]

High speeds in 4H will stretch the drive chain. Even new there is a bit of slack in this chain and there is no tensioner.

[Tracker Tommy]

Originally Posted by the flying scotsman

High speeds in 4H will stretch the drive chain. Even new there is a bit of slack in this chain and there is no tensioner.

What does that mean exactly?

I've always wondered why you can't use 4wd at HWY speeds or on dry pavement. It would seem logical to use in bad weather. Can someone please explain.Thanks.

[jtgh]

that is easy. as scotsman said ,streeeeetch, ouch.
imagine:
you are driving 60mpg on the road, in a gentle curve.
the inside wheels are going slower than the outside wheels ( cuz outside has farther to travel , right?)

now the spider/side gears in the front and rear axles allow this to happen , with no problems for this, what so ever (differential action, this is called and thus that name.)

ahhhhh, but the front and rear do not have this DIFF action.

so if you are on ICe, snow , or sand /dirt/gravel/etc/ all is well, but
as you come to dry pavement (or just slightly wet)
the front and rear can be going at different speeds, (the axles )
this means the front axle is now fighting the rear axles and this is called Windup.

as the old saying about chains, with the weakest link, will break first.
that is Mr. Scotsmans point, the chain takes the full force of this energy.
it really messes up that chain. ( all damage is cumulative too)

best , is if you are on ice and the road clears , is to slow way down, and bump that lever to 2wd. till you see ice again.
This all sounds inconvient ,but car cost $7k not $30k ( it's like a ww2 jeep)


all above front wheels locked of course.

some ppl drive all winter long ,with the hubs locked, it only wastes gas.

ps;
kickdata | FreeDrive.com | Online Storage and Social Utility

see owners manual top right, click it a, then click large blue down arrow.


this is not AWD car.
nor is it full time.
just measally old 4wd part time.

yours is old ,but the same , 4wd op's wise.

hope that helps you.

cheers.

[Tracker Tommy]

I'm sorry, I don't know what the drive chain is.

[deeznutts77]

the chain in the transfr case

[Tracker Tommy]

Originally Posted by deeznutts77

the chain in the transfr case

Oh...I see.