Shifting into and out of 4WD

[Ktmguy23]

I am new to JEEP and 4wd in general; are there safety features built into the 4wd that prevents the system from being damaged if improper shifting occurs. I know that when I test drove the KJ I purchased I was unsure of the correct way to shift and when I put it from 4lo to 4 hi I did not put it in N and heard some grinding. Is that enough to do any damage to the system. Since then I have learned the proper way and all seems ok but should I be concerned? Thanks.

 

[J-Thompson]

I am new to JEEP and 4wd in general; are there safety features built into the 4wd that prevents the system from being damaged if improper shifting occurs. I know that when I test drove the KJ I purchased I was unsure of the correct way to shift and when I put it from 4lo to 4 hi I did not put it in N and heard some grinding. Is that enough to do any damage to the system. Since then I have learned the proper way and all seems ok but should I be concerned? Thanks.

nope
it should be fine
every now and then the well broken in T-case in the TJ grinds and it still works fine

 

[offrovering]

shouldnt be an issue. this is common in a manual shift tcase. as you use it more you will get used to a quick movement that will throw it in to spot quickly. be confident and give it a push or pull, depending on which way you are going.

 

[Vtolds]

I just pop mine in and out of 2 to 4 hi sometimes it gives me a little fight if I am not moving. Too put it in 4lo put the t-case and trans in Neutral then move it into 4 lo, reverse to get it out.

 

[LibertyFever]

I had a similar experience with my Liberty Sport, it was also the first 4WD that I'd driven.

To make the shift from 4WD Hi to Lo I find that I need my automatic transmission in neutral and coasting a bit otherwise there is a bit of grinding, something about the gears being non-synchronized.

I find that winter driving on the street I'm often switching from 2WD to 4WD Hi and back again. When offroading I usually switch to 4WD Lo and leave it there.

 

[ms5490renegade]

so whats better to have on when off-roading 4lo or Part time?

when in part time i was in second gear most of the time and i had to work the clutch alot. i didnt try 4lo

I had a similar experience with my Liberty Sport, it was also the first 4WD that I'd driven.

To make the shift from 4WD Hi to Lo I find that I need my automatic transmission in neutral and coasting a bit otherwise there is a bit of grinding, something about the gears being non-synchronized.

I find that winter driving on the street I'm often switching from 2WD to 4WD Hi and back again. When offroading I usually switch to 4WD Lo and leave it there.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Depends what type of terrain your in.

Im usually in 4low since I like rocks. If youre in mud then part-time is probably better.

 

[J-Thompson]

so whats better to have on when off-roading 4lo or Part time?

when in part time i was in second gear most of the time and i had to work the clutch alot. i didnt try 4lo

The rule for all the local club rides is
4lo and 1st gear all the time
I never use 4hi on the TJ and use either full time 4wd or 4lo on the KJ
the only time I can see the need for 4hi is deep snow which we never get

also if you found your self working the clutch why did you not at least go to a lower gear? say ,I dont know, first

 

[Dave]

The rule for all the local club rides is
4lo and 1st gear all the time

Agree.........4lo, first gear keeps you in your best torque range when you are off road.

As far as 4hi, I use that on several gravel roads or deep snow. Never on bare pavement.

I use full time in rain or real light snow.

Get on a gravel road and try 4hi and then 4lo and feel the difference.

Dave

 

[Atrus]

I've never used 4lo offroad yet. I put it in there just to do it, but took it out right away. So far no need for it.

 

[Jeepman56]

Isn't max speed for 4lo 5 mph?

 

[tjkj2002]

Isn't max speed for 4lo 5 mph?

20 or 25 mph,though I have had mine up to 50mph many times with no problems(mud drag racing).My '84 Blazer(NP205) saw,well let's just say the speedo was way over 85mph in 4low.

 

[AlexKJ]

My owner manual says 40Km/h (25mph) max, but only for preventing over-revv the engine... Last time I used 4Lo the engine was in 2000RPM or so and the speedometer was marking 40Km/h... that's no over-revving to me, but anyway...