4x4 downhill creep terrible what are my options

[brendomac]

Hi All,

I have a 4x4, 2014 manual Mitsubishi Triton. Overall a good car, with an exception. When I am in low range, in 1st gear going down steep gradients the car wants to run away from me and I have to use the brake. In other 4x4's I have driven (even really old ones), 1st gear in low range is great, I don't have to use the brakes, it just creeps down the hill, even with a heavy trailer in tow.

So far I have been lucky, it hasn't been super wet or snowy and I have gotten away with it. Even in victoria high country.

Talking to another Mitsubishi owner, this is a thing for that model.

My question is, do I have any options? Can I get the gearing replaced/changed etc? Is there a magical thing I can add to the car etc? I don't particularly want to get rid of the car, it has been good.

If you ideas on costs or who (is it a mechanic, 4x4 shop etc) I should talk to it would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Brendo

 

[Solid Luck]

I don't know much about 4W drives. I had a 2014 that didn't have that problem.
Do you have the Easy Select or Super Select transmission.

I had easy select on my previous one as I do on my current one. I got into a few sticky situation with my old one and was lucky to get out. Not that I am a serious 4WD maniac.

 

[brendomac]

Thanks HL.
I think I have easy select, so no diff lock (I think, I'm not very good on this stuff). I find it really strange that it just doesn't creep. It is fine on slight gradients and the flat

 

[Solid Luck]

Well I can't say I ever went down anyhills whilst towing so maybe if you're doing that it may be part of the cause.

 

[brendomac]

In my car (the one with the problem) I wasn't towing, but in the others I did on occasion

 

[grubstake]

Pure speculation (I'm no mechanic), but is it possible that the front wheels are free-wheeling, so you are not actually in 4WD? If so, that would lose the engine braking effect at the front, where most of the weight is transferred on a steep downhill and most of the braking force is needed. Do you have manual free-wheel hubs on Tritons?

 

[RM Outback]

Have you checked out any forums to see if there's an answer to your question. I've never had or heard of the issue and never owned a Mitsubishi 4x4. Could be that particular model if so it doesn't sound right to me. If every vehicle in that model has the same issue I'm inclined to think there would be a recall for safety reasons. Given the amount that are driven off road I'd assume we would have heard of the problem due to accidents and near misses.

Research the gear/diff ratio for the model plus earlier and later models, it might shine a light on the problem or give you cause to take the issue up with Mitsubishi. Have you owned it from new or 2nd hand.

 

[aussiefarmer]

If all else fails a exhaust brake with a manual switch will slow her down whilst leaving you with full control.

 

[just starting]

weight in the vehicle, weight distribution, wheel diameter and incline angle all come into the equation . I have used both 1st and second gear going downhill in a landcruiser and has been ok . An empty ute will have more weight at the front and gravity can take over. You can get reduction gears for gearboxes and different diff ratios may help . Speak to an offroad specialist like ARB or a place like that .

 

[condor22]

Diff lock shouldn't make a difference to downhill crawl.

My last ride was a FJ Cruiser with diff lock, petrol 4 lt Prado donk.

Current ride is a Colorado 7, no diff lock, but limited slip diff and diesel. Both Auto boxes.

Both crawled down hill well, the Colly better than the FJ. It's all to do with the end ratio in 1st low.

Weight distribution also shouldn't matter too much, as when in 4WD, all wheels get equal torque whether with throttle power or engine braking. Unless you slide, lol.

 

[just starting]

I will clarify my take on the weight distribution. An empty ute will be front heavy and there is not as much load on the back wheels pushing into the ground for traction.But , if you have a bit of weight over or behind the rear diff, it balances it out more and there is more grip. I once went on a rough track in the forest in my ute and didn`t have 4WD engaged. Came around a corner and the track started to descend downhill. Still didn`t bother with 4WD . Then it got scary when the angle of the road / track got worse and all of a sudden i couldn`t stop the ute. Had to ride it out by steering and praying while i gathered speed until i hit the bottom. Brakes were red hot and wouldn`t work.

 

[mbasko]

You can get a kit from Marks4wd for around $1600 in either 2.7 or 3.15 low range ratio.
Have seen that the 2.7 is the go for most 4wding but Marks recommend 3.15 for manuals or 2.7 for autos.
You'd have to contact them for compatibility but they are supposed to fit Triton MN's.
https://www.marks4wd.com/paj-gen2-2-7m.html

 

[crustydog]

Crawler gears (Lower gearing) in your transfer case is what you need.
That way it reduces the gear ratio only when 4wd is engaged.
Be carefull of trying to slow a 4wd with brakes when making a slippery decent, it can cause the front wheels to lock up and you may go into a slide and lose the ability to steer.

 

[mbasko]

Yeah transfer case crawler gears as per above link Marks4wd.
Should have said but yes they will only change the 4wd low range ratio to a much better ratio than standard in the Tritons. They won't affect 4wd high range or other gear ratios.

 

[Solid Luck]

This a great site as well.

All about Tritons.
https://www.newtriton.net/phpbb/

 

[casper]

.....you need to back to basics for the answer and it is a technique called "driving through the brakes" master the technique and you'll have total control of the machine

 

[user 794]

After reading a few reviews it would appear that the Triton (like most other 4wds) needs some modifications to do serious off-road.

IMHO A lot of unmodified (showroom) 4wds seem to do good in light off-road and towing and going up steep hills but little seems written on going down serious off-road hills.

Is there something in the manual that talks about traction control? The reviews i read didn't go into it but as your car seems showroom promoted to be an off-roader then the manual should talk about off-road capabilities and usage.

 

[casper]

After reading a few reviews it would appear that the Triton (like most other 4wds) needs some modifications to do serious off-road.

IMHO A lot of unmodified (showroom) 4wds seem to do good in light off-road and towing and going up steep hills but little seems written on going down serious off-road hills.

Is there something in the manual that talks about traction control? The reviews i read didn't go into it but as your car seems showroom promoted to be an off-roader then the manual should talk about off-road capabilities and usage.

good advice ... because when the "going" becomes challenging that's when effective off-road driving becomes more about the driver's ability than the vehicle's - learn the skills and know your vehicle's capabilities and that's when you'll get the most out of your vehicle.

 

[mbasko]

.....you need to back to basics for the answer and it is a technique called "driving through the brakes" master the technique and you'll have total control of the machine

I always thought that technique was for automatics not manuals & not really getting back to basics but one that requires practice + mastering as you say. Definitely not something to start using on a steep descent straight up? Can also cause brake overheating & auto transmission overheating on long descents?
Thought it's now mostly obsolete in modern autos also as many are improved & also have descent control? Never owned an auto 4wd?
I've always had manuals & always been taught to not use the brakes. Use the engine, 1st gear & low range. On very slippery descents use diff lock if fitted, drop tyre pressures for more traction but never drive through the brakes?
If you've got a method for 4wd manuals I'd like to hear it as an alternative or option.
I've got a Triton too but never had too much troubles downhill. In saying that I wouldn't go down something that I couldn't back out of if it got too hairy either. I'm not into rock crawling.

 

[Solid Luck]

.....you need to back to basics for the answer and it is a technique called "driving through the brakes" master the technique and you'll have total control of the machine

I always thought that technique was for automatics not manuals & not really getting back to basics but one that requires practice + mastering as you say. Definitely not something to start using on a steep descent straight up? Can also cause brake overheating & auto transmission overheating on long descents?
Thought it's now mostly obsolete in modern autos also as many are improved & also have descent control? Never owned an auto 4wd?
I've always had manuals & always been taught to not use the brakes. Use the engine, 1st gear & low range. On very slippery descents use diff lock if fitted, drop tyre pressures for more traction but never drive through the brakes?
If you've got a method for 4wd manuals I'd like to hear it as an alternative or option.
I've got a Triton too but never had too much troubles downhill. In saying that I wouldn't go down something that I couldn't back out of if it got too hairy either. I'm not into rock crawling.

Good post mbasko.
I don't have any more tips but did forget to mention to brendomac to make sure traction control is on as that can make a big difference on the easy select.

My alternative is to pray to whatever crosses my mind at the time