Additional Special Driving Instructions For 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators; Driving On Hill Or Slope Terrain - Ford Vehicle Owner's Manual

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is
submerged in water, their fluids should
be checked and changed, if necessary.
NOTE: Refer to the Diesel Engine Owner's
Guide Supplement for driving through
deep water information.
Additional Special Driving
Instructions for 4-Wheel Drive
Vehicle Operators

Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain

When driving on a hill, it may be necessary to
travel diagonally up or down. Avoid driving
crosswise or turning on steep slopes, you could
lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight
up, straight down or avoid the hill completely.
Know the conditions on the other side of a hill
before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear,
rather than finding it necessary to downshift
from a higher gear after the ascent has started.
This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden
braking. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will
help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering
control.
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