4x4 for idiots

[thelawnet1]

Just rented a Suzuki Caribian (Jimny 1.3?) in Thailand. Have option of 4-high, 4-low, 2-high, neutral on the range selector. Roads are surfaced not bad really, just hills a bit steep and it's struggling a bit, but maybe thats just the small engine and fat people.

Any thoughts what I should be using?

[thelawnet1]

hora said:

If it is the Jimny how the hell did you manage to struggle with it?!

Not really struggling exactly, I'm probably just spoiled by my V8 at home and expecting it not to be revving at 4500rpm to get up a hill in 1st. Don't know what range I should be in?

[Moulder]

When I drove a Caribian in Thailand it was the old SJ not the Jimny. By now it is going to be past it's best so maybe not expect too much.

I drive one from Bangkok to Phuket, around Phuket for 2 weeks, and back to Bangkok and never took it out of two wheel drive unless on very steep gravel roads or the beach.

[Slushbox]

Keep it in 2 high for everything except loose surfaces where 2H won't grip.

[Barreti]

^^^^^ what slush box says.

And if you get on loose gravel / untarmaced road use 4h but get it back into 2L when you hit Tarmac or you won't do the diffs any favours.
4l (low) is only really for when you are off-roading.

[Slushbox]

Aka Suzuki Samurai and Gypsy, I believe. Avoid large diff bills. 2H for everything tarmac and hard pack roads also.

Only deep loose stuff needs anything other than 2H.

Edited by Slushbox on Friday 31st July 08:38

[dubloon]

If youre in the right gears for heavy work you should be able to put the car in gear, get out, lean in through the window to start it, car should drive off at less than walking pace....

[Slushbox]

dubloon said:

If youre in the right gears for heavy work you should be able to put the car in gear, get out, lean in through the window to start it, car should drive off at less than walking pace....

Well, the OP did say 4x4 for idiots.

Here's an excellent Suzuki vid for the complete newby:

https://youtu.be/hDvZbTo4lOQ

[thelawnet1]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

this. don't piss about with any of the levers un less you are loosing traction.

yeah it was in 4-high when I got it, but I've put it in 2-high now, and it's much better (less noisy and seems happier getting up the (fully paved) hills)