Off-Roading with the Single Speed Transfer Case: 4.3L and 2.7L

[econometrics]

I used 4L twice already on my RST 5.3L. Once when turning around in an approach with a really step embankment on both sides, and the other in my driveway yesterday morning when I got stuck over the curb pulling out too wide from my garage with my nose pointed downhill. Lol 

 

In both of these instances, I'm sure 4H would have worked fine. But I liked having the 4L option since you can more accurately control your throttle-to-wheel speeds with more ease. 

[redwngr]

For those considering 4wd for the first time be aware that the shifts between 2wd, 4HI and 4auto can be made at any normal driving speed. 

 

Shifting into or out of 4LO requires that speed be 3mph or less (moving a little is better than stationary) and the transmission must be in neutral. 

 

4LO has it's place, but it is much less convenient to activate.

 

 

[Gangly]

I've used 4 low a couple times now, mostly with extraction/recovery of other vehicles, and the ability to keep the tires from blowing away if I gave it too much gas was nice.  It's kinda weird to hear the engine working hard and not have that "herky-jerky" throttle response, the 4 low made things much smoother.

 

I would agree with the above statements though, 4 low isn't truly necessary and a single speed transfer case with a locking rear dif would be perfectly capable in 90% of what most people perceive to be off roading.

[SSTODD]

On 2/3/2021 at 2:50 PM, Justin Holland said:

I am a 2.7L fan boy now, they only come in single speed. 

I have an Elevation 2.7 4x4 with the 2-speed so this is an option available with the right trim package.

[redwngr]

NP0    Transfer case, single speed, electronic Autotrac with push button control (4WD models only)            

(Std on Base, SLE, Elevation and SLT 4wd's)

 

 

NQH    Transfer case, two-speed, electronic Autotrac with push button control (4WD models only)
Base sierra -  Included and only available with (X31) X31 Off-Road Package or available as a free flow option on TK10903. 
SLE and Elavation -  Included and only available with (X31) X31 Off-Road Package. 
SLT -  Included and only available with (L87) 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine or (X31) X31 Off-Road Package. 

AT4 and Denali - standard

 

TK10903 is reg cab 4wd

[Justin Holland]

1 hour ago, SSTODD said:

I have an Elevation 2.7 4x4 with the 2-speed so this is an option available with the right trim package.

Can you share a picture of your 4wd buttons please?

[redwngr]

6 hours ago, Justin Holland said:

Can you share a picture of your 4wd buttons please?

If the elevation has the x31 package it will have the (NHQ) 2 speed transfer case

 

 

Otherwise it has the single speed (NP0) box and control:

 

 

[OnTheReel]

No 2 speed with the 2.7 because that engine can’t be paired the Z71/X31 packages. Simple as that. The only trucks that get 4 low without any off road packages are the 6.2 trucks, and Denali.

[Dunn]

yep, says x31 not offered with 2.7 turbo engine....have to switch motors

[Wesley Dodson]

I just bought a 22 and didn't realize it didn't have lo range but I would think with thw 10 spd trans it wouldn't be much of an issue 

[JimCost2014]

 it didn't have lo range but I would think with thw 10 spd trans it wouldn't be much of an issue 

 

Not understanding that logic?

[SilveradoRST]

It’s been 4 years (2019) with the single speed transfer case in the Silverado/Sierra 1500s.  I can’t find any YT videos on anyone testing the Terrain Mode in the real world.  Interested to see some.  

[newdude]

I've used the Terrain Mode once to try it on my 2.7T with the single speed transfer case.  Boy do the brakes grab that thing.  It's as if you were two foot driving but the ABS is being used to clamp the brakes instead of your foot.  You have to push the gas pedal pretty good to overcome the resistance.

 

Anyone looking for a Silverado with the 2.7T and the two speed transfer case, the only way is to step to a Custom Trail Boss or LT Trail Boss.  Those both have the 2 speed transfer case as standard equipment.

 

At camp GMC, the 2.7T is with the single speed case only.  

[dgstarr63]

I live at the top of a steep dead end road that intersects with a busy road at the bottom. I use low range for hill descent when there is snow or ice on the road. As long as 2 speed transfer cases are available, I will purchase them.

[superdashdad]

On 2/23/2021 at 11:13 PM, OnTheReel said:

No 2 speed with the 2.7 because that engine can’t be paired the Z71/X31 packages. Simple as that. The only trucks that get 4 low without any off road packages are the 6.2 trucks, and Denali.

High Country also has 4wd low and that is the only trim chevy or gmc that you can get with 4wd low along with the max tow package as far as I am aware, at least on refreshes.

Edited February 4, 2023 by superdashdad