I don't know about you but when I think of a 4WD vehicle, I think of the most badass, dominating vehicle cruising the roads, trails, rocks and beaches. Having a Jeep JK, which comes equipped with 4 wheel drive, is like joining an elite group of enthusiasts who share similar passions and hobbies, one of which just happens to be traversing the unpaved roads. While enjoying my short lived and rare lunch break yesterday, I scrolled past a post on a local Facebook Jeep group
asking about the dos/don'ts, whens and hows to properly engage and disengage and use 4WD. Better safe than sorry! Riding in the passenger seat and taking mental notes along with asking lots of questions, reading the owners manual and researching the lovely inter webs helps to teach you the tips, tricks, functions and purposes of that stubby little lever. Your Jeep Wrangler JK is set up with a dual rate transfer case. This setup uses a t-case behind your transmission and transfers drive to the rear differential only or front and rear synchronously. Your 4WD option is the small lever to the left of your shifter and is labeled 2H, 4H, N and 4L. 2 Hi or 2H: 4 Hi or 4H: 4 Lo or 4L: Switching from 2H to 4H: If the pavement or ground is wet, slick or loose and you need to switch over to 4WD, simply pull the lever slowly and firmly back one click. This will successfully swap you into 4 Hi. Switching from 4H to 4L: If and when you need maximum traction and you need to move into 4 Lo, slow your vehicle down to 2-3 mph. With your Jeep still rolling, shift into neutral and slowly and firmly pull the lever all the way back. Put your Jeep back into gear and you're good to go. Tips, Tricks, Dos and Don'ts:
Check back here for more How-To's, reviews, updates, highlights and more! Can I keep my Jeep in 4 wheel drive?With a part-time system, prolonged driving in 4x4 High-Range is recommended only for wet, loose or slippery road surfaces. With a full-time system, you can drive high-range on normal conditions for as long as conditions permit.
Can you put jeep in 4WD while parked?The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator have the 2 Wheel Drive Part-time System. To put them into 4 Wheel Drive High you need to be drive around 7 – 30mph and pull down the lever from 2H to 4H. If you need to put them into 4 Wheel Drive Low you need to be Parked and then shift into Neutral.
Can you leave 4 wheel drive on all the time?Car and Driver notes that 4WD is not meant to be used all the time. It's only for certain road types, including rugged terrain and off-roading, as well as slippery conditions, like snow or mud. Otherwise, 4WD vehicles should be driven in two-wheel drive, according to Car and Driver.
When should I put my Jeep in 4 wheel drive?This position is used for when you need maximum traction and maximum power at slower speeds such as rocky surfaces, deep mud or snow, steep or sharp inclines/declines, etc. Your front and rear wheels are driven in low range using a lower gear ratio, which results in slower road speed and higher torque.
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