Ok,

I don't think X_Dmouse got the answer he was looking for, so I'll try to answer the question here. And, yes, the RTFM mantra doesn't apply all the time, cos the Xterra manual isn't very clear for new owners of 4x4
s.

Shifting from 2WD to 4WD-Hi and vice-versa
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As a general rule, and without going into very accurate and technical details.

If you are shifting to 4WD-Hi for the first time after the front wheel auto-lock hubs were disengaged previously. Straighten and center the steering. Do NOT shift into 4WD-Hi while moving faster then 10mph. Pull the lever from 2WD to 4WD-Hi.

If the auto-lock hubs are already engaged. Straighten and center the steering. Do NOT shift into 4WD-Hi while moving faster then 25mph. Pull the lever from 2WD to 4WD-Hi.

To shift from 4D-Hi to 2WD, simply follow the speed restriction for 25mph as above. Remember to unlock the front auto-lock hubs, by stopping and reversing your direction of travel for about 3 feet.

Shifting to 4WD-Lo and vice-versa
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Also, being conservative and general...
Always STOP the vehicle. Straighten and center the steering. Put your foot firmly on the brake pedal and apply the brakes! Shift the drive transmission into Neutral (N). Note, it is the "PRND21 Lever (auto)" or "12345R Lever (manual)" that has to be shifted to "N" or neutral, NOT the 2WD,4WD-H,N,4WD-L Lever.

Now we use the 2WD,4WD-H,N,4WD-L lever.
If in 2WD, shift from 2WD to 4WD-Hi. Next, push the lever IN towards its base and KEEP it depressed. Very firmly and swiftly, with the lever still depressed, push the lever down and towards you, in one smooth motion, from 4WD-Hi to 4WD-Lo. The gears should engage quietly and without any grinding noise. You push the lever directly from 4WD-Hi to 4WD-Lo, do not stop at N.

Shifting from 4WD-Lo to 4WD-Hi is the same as shifting from 4WD-Hi to 4WD-Lo. Remember to keep the lever depressed, and use a firm, swift, smooth motion to shift from 4WD-Lo directly to 4Wd-Hi. Do not stop mid-way at N.

Also, don't forget to disengage the front auto-lock hubs.

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Okay, I hope that helps... and Please don't forget to follow all safety regulations and procedures for your Xterra.



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2001 XE +pwr +auto
Silver Ice (with a scar)

Corrections...
From 2Hi-4hi with hubs unlocked: do not shift over 25 MPH (Nissan's advice), preferably under 10 MPH (avoid the noid, er, noise)
From 2hi-4hi with hubs still locked from last 4WD use (you have not reversed direction since shifting to 2hi): you can shift into 4WD at any speed, just be damn sure the hubs haven't unlocked if you're over 25 MPH!
From 4hi-2hi, shift at any speed. If you wish to unlock the hubs, stop and reverse direction for several feet afterwards.

From 2/4hi-4lo, you pretty much nailed it, but the 2-4 and 4-2 advice had a lot of bad info.

Brent

Are you coming four wheeling with us?

The Calgary Nissan 4x4 Club needs you.

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How fast can you drive while already engaged in 4hi?

Once you are in 4H with the hubs engaged, you can drive as fast as road conditions allow.

I'm pretty sure the manual states that 50mph is the max.

However, if you NEED 4H, I'm thinking that 50mph would probably faster than "road conditions [would] allow" anyway.

-G