Automatic |Off Road Tips

[thebeast]

Hi all,

I have an Automatic 1999 3.5 lwb ... although I have basic experience with a manual are there precautions with an auto especially if some-one needed to tow me out of trouble.

Advice please.
Thanx

[HBannink]

In general the distances covered with recovery is of no consequence. The reason that you can not tow an auto is the heat buildup in the box as well as the pumps driven by the torque converter not working, recovery is not enough to affect this. There is a school of thought that says it is ok to tow for up to 20km without damage but I prefer not to test it.

One point that I would caution you is water in the auto box, it is an auto killer as it causes the clutch bands to delaminate before you can blink

[thebeast]

Thanx for the quick feedback....

What about the technique used when stuck. should I only use neutral when being towed out of sand ? or can I assist with one of the 4wd modes ?

[HBannink]

If your engine is running , help , pull the short lever and lock everything you have and just assist the person doing the recovery. Avoid excessive wheel spin as that will just bog you down further

[thebeast]

Thanx for the info.... Just got back from the dunes Wow Wow Wow I used all the features I'm sure ..... I am very impressed with the auto box very responsive... did everything to the tee..

[paw_by_paw]

Hi Beast,
I have done serious off-roading in my auto and must say it takes time to get adjusted to throttle pressure and when. But once mastered I found it much easier than a manual in the sense you start to feel the torque converter working and knowing it fully engages.
Yip and water is a killer. make your breathers are situated high and I am now thinking off installing these on way valves to protect water from being sucked in, The only problem is accessability and work space.
I have sprayed all my electrical connectors on the box with a water repellant electrical spray (not combat) or Q 20 . I have bought this from a specialist auto electrician.
I have also sealed the main harness where it enters the box with red RTV sealant to protect against water.
I have yet to get stuck and I am very cautious but using the right gear selection is paramount.
Hope you get to experience the off-raod capabilities of your vehicle to the full extend.
I think what counts against the GEN 2 is probaly it's weight . In weighing two tonnes it takes some carefull driving and knowing what the limits are probably the things that will eventually get you stuck or not.
Good luck

[lisaalther]

Hi Beast,
I have done serious off-roading in my auto and must say it takes time to get adjusted to throttle pressure and when. But once mastered I found it much easier than a manual in the sense you start to feel the torque converter working and knowing it fully engages.
Yip and water is a killer. make your breathers are situated high and I am now thinking off installing these on way valves to protect water from being sucked in, The only problem is accessability and work space.
I have sprayed all my electrical connectors on the box with a water repellant electrical spray (not combat) or Q 20 . I have bought this from a specialist auto electrician.
I have also sealed the main harness where it enters the box with red RTV sealant to protect against water.
I have yet to get stuck and I am very cautious but using the right gear selection is paramount.
Hope you get to experience the off-raod capabilities of your vehicle to the full extend.
I think what counts against the GEN 2 is probaly it's weight . In weighing two tonnes it takes some carefull driving and knowing what the limits are probably the things that will eventually get you stuck or not.
Good luck

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing a lot and keep up the good work.

Class 7 practice test Alberta | Alberta class 7 practice test