So that the Daihatsu Sportrak can drive well off road it has a high ground clearance so that rocks and ridges do not catch the underneath of the car. This makes the centre of gravity much higher than that of a normal road car and therefore affects the overall handling. You will notice it the most on cornering as the Sportrak tends to tilt more so you should approach a corner at a lower speed than you would if driving a normal road car. Also take care when diving in wind, you should slow down a bit!
For normal driving on road two wheel drive should be selected and the front wheel hubs should be set to free. If you have automatic free wheeling hubs then the hubs will be unlocked when two wheel drive is selected, if you have manual free wheeling hubs then set the hubs to the free position. By driving in two wheel drive you save fuel and don't wear your tyres out as quickly. If you have manual free wheeling hubs and there is a chance of snow or where you might need four wheel drive then you can lock the front hubs, so when you need four wheel drive on your journey you don't need to get out of your car.
To change to four wheel drive, make sure the free wheeling hubs are locked (if manual free wheeling hubs), make sure your vehicle is stopped and move the four wheel drive stick from 2H to 4H. If you have automatic free wheeling hubs then as soon as you set off the hubs will lock.
To change from four wheel drive to two wheel drive make sure the vehicle is stopped on move the four wheel drive stick from 4H to 2H. If driving a car with manual free wheeling hubs then you can get out and set the hubs to free if planning to drive in two wheel drive from then on. If you have automatic free wheeling hubs then you must slowly drive the vehicle in the opposite direction so that the free wheeling hubs release.
If when driving in four wheel drive and your vehicle becomes stuck, the wheels spin, or you need to drive up a steep gradient then you can set your four wheel drive to low range, the 4L position. To do this make sure the vehicle is stopped, then move the four wheel drive stick from the 4H position to the 4L position and set off slowly.
To drive in mud first make sure that you change the four wheel drive stick to the 4H position. enter the mud fairly slowly and try to maintain that speed. Try to choose the shortest route through the mus and don't do any harsh breaking or sterring. If you get stuck and your wheels spin then change the four wheel drive stick from 4H to 4L to give the vehicle maximum traction and power. If you are going to drive in very muddy conditions then you can reduce your tyre pressure for better grip. When you are through the mud make sure you set your four wheel drive stick to the correct position (depending on what terrain you are driving on), you inflate your tyres to the correct pressure (if you reduced your tyre pressure), your lights are clean and your brakes work effectively. When you can, wash the underneath of your vehicle to reduce componant damage.
The Sportrak is capable of driving through streams or rivers to a certain depth. The componants such as the air intake and electrical equipment are high up so not to get disabled by water. As a safe guide you can drive in water up to the door sills but if you keep your engine revs up (for your exhaust) and your doors don't leak then you may be able to drive in water up to the headlights! Make sure that the river bed can support the weight of your vehicle, and select the 4L position. Enter the water at a slow spedd and do not splash so the water is not forced into the areas that would otherwise be kept dry. When you leave the water shift the four wheel drive stick to the appropriate positiond and test your brakes as your braking will deteriorated temporarily until they dry out a bit.
For driving on other terrains such as soft sand, snow or marshy conditions you should drive the same as in mud, keeping to a steady speed and avoiding sudden changes in speed and direction.