So I need a crash course in off-roading and drive modes.

[surge101]

So the Gladiator is my first Jeep... my first truck... first 4x4. The biggest appeal to this was the ability to go off-roading. I haven't done it before however, so I have a lot to learn.

Hoping to get a crash course for some of my more obvious, essential questions.

1. Drive Modes.
So I have yet to take my truck out of 2H. I've watched some videos, but they all seem to have conflicting information. I'm not sure when and where to use what.

From what I understand, I should be using 2H for any normal driving on-road. Would it be beneficial to switch into 4H when it's raining or something on regular roads? I'm also not sure if I can just put the car in 4H before I start driving or if I'm supposed to switch into 4H while rolling in 2H. I've heard different things from my dealer and from videos.

I think 4L is only to be used in situations when I'm stuck or going very slowly over obstacles? Not sure exactly how to determine this since I don't think I'll ever be moving "quickly" while off-roading.

When would I ever have the selector in neutral?

I'm actually not entirely sure what the proper procedure for shifting the TC selector even is. It's obvious extremely hard to pull on and I'm not sure if I'm breaking anything. Should the car be in neutral or park before selecting? What situations would I switch drive modes while moving? while stopped?

Now for equipment. I have a Sport S with max tow package. Would this be properly equipped to go off-roading with? Or are there things I need to add before I take it out there? What about the factory height? Do I need a lift? Unfortunately I'm almost at clearance in my work parking garage at factory height and I don't think I'll be able to lift it at this time. Are the Max Tow package tires adequate? Or will I need bigger?

I'm sure there's a lot I'm not thinking about that you may be able to point out. Sorry for such beginner questions, but I spent a lot of money on this truck (for me) and I don't want to mess it up carelessly.

Sponsored

 

[noside85]

I was/am in the same boat. Though I used it oncr last weekend.

Page 304 in the manual begins on what you are asking about.

Basically, you would typically never use 4WD on the road. It can mess up some things. 4L is for going slow. How to engage to each modes is explained in the manual around the pages I told you about.

 

[Bobzdar]

2h in normal conditions on pavement, 4h in snow or torrential (and I mean torrential) rain on pavement. 2h in dry dirt roads, 4h in slick or gravely/sandy dirt roads, 4L off road. You can shift on the fly to 4H up to 45mph, come to a stop and put the trans in neutral to shift to 4L. Use neutral in the transfer case if flat towing the jeep.

 

[primethios]

I agree with @Bobzdar regarding snow. I live just a couple miles off of Lake Michigan and we are prone to some heavy snow out of nowhere. 4H is very helpful especially when the roads have not been properly plowed but keep in mind this is not meant for 60 mph it is to give you proper traction and stability to get where your going not to race to work because your late. Part of the fun of a Jeep is things like when I am too lazy to deal with snow in my driveway that is a 45 degree incline and 4H is the perfect way to get through everything and make it to the garage because 2 wheel drive won't make it up (you sometimes slide backwards).

Many times I have had to use 4H to get to work and as long as your not trying to drive full speed it is actually fun seeing where everyone else failed and went off the road and have had more than one occasion where I ended up taking people home while they left their vehicles on the side of the road.

While many people love to say things like the Jeep can go anywhere that is not the truth it is just built on a platform that is more capable of rough conditions but it requires the driver to evaluate the terrain and not "over drive" their abilities. I don't have a ton of off road experience so I tend to be cautious but what many of us in the gladiator forum are trying to learn is how the JT handles the 4 wheel conditions as it is setup differently than any other jeep same as when we went from the TJ to the JK to the JL each one handled a bit differently. Take your time and learn the controls when it is dry out just to understand how to move into the 4H and 4L to get a feel for it and don't run in head first but rather take it slow and dip your toes in the water. I there are any off road camps near you go out for a day and talk to folks. One thing I have learned is that the off road community is pretty helpful when someone asks questions as opposed to running in and getting stuck blocking off the trails. These guys will often suggest short runs to start with and sometimes suggest you follow them to get a feel for speed control and lines to follow because it is more enjoyable making it than getting stuck and not making it.

 

[Elwenil]

I would never use 4WD on pavement in the rain. Flooding, yes, raining, no. In 4WD there is no slip between the front and rear axles. There needs to be some slippage somewhere to deal with the axles traveling different distances and different speeds while turning. This is ok off road because the tires are free to move around a bit on dirt and gravel. On wet pavement, it would mean at least one tire would have to slip in a turn and that's not something I would want happening. I would much prefer the rear tires keep their grip and the front tires only have to worry about steering. 4WD, in my experience and opinion, is only for when you need the added pulling power and traction of the front axle in addition to the rear. It's not going to have any effect on hydroplaning in the rain, which is the main concern for most people driving in the rain. If you have a very steep but paved hill to pull in heavy rain I would shift into 4WD to get up the hill and then immediately shift back to 2WD once I reached the top. But yeah, 4WD in the snow as long as there is snow, ice and/or slush covering the majority of the road. To me if 4WD is needed, speed is not so I rarely do more than 40 MPH or so in 4WD in any of my vehicles. 4WD Lo is for crawling or pulling. Use it when you need slow, controlled traction to climb rocks, pull something or make a slow climb or decent and need extra engine hold-back/braking.

Here's a bit of what I do with my current ride, '88 Dodge Ramcharger, 318 TBI, NP435 granny gear 4 speed, NP205 gear driven transfer case, Dana 60 axle front and rear, 37" surplus HMMWV tires and a Braden Worm Drive electric winch:

Lost in a sea of Jeeps and Toyotas:

 

[Professor57]

@surge101 I’ve been “Jeepin” for almost half a century. IMHO I suggest just drive like you normally do...for now. Get to know your truck. I also suggest you look at joining an off road club. Be assured your Sport S with max tow is very capable. A local club might be a good place to learn what you and your Jeep can and can’t do. Welcome aboard!

 

[surge101]

@surge101 I’ve been “Jeepin” for almost half a century. IMHO I suggest just drive like you normally do...for now. Get to know your truck. I also suggest you look at joining an off road club. Be assured your Sport S with max tow is very capable. A local club might be a good place to learn what you and your Jeep can and can’t do. Welcome aboard!

As for the capability of the Sport S. Should everything be good with the stock height and stock wheels (max tow wheels). I know that this doesn’t have locking diffs, how much and when would I miss not having those? How would I evaluate where my truck shouldn’t attempt.

 

[smlobx]

As for the capability of the Sport S. Should everything be good with the stock height and stock wheels (max tow wheels). I know that this doesn’t have locking diffs, how much and when would I miss not having those? How would I evaluate where my truck shouldn’t attempt.

Given you “skill level” the answer is yes.

Take the time to learn and improve your skill. Then only after you’ve improved look into some minor upgrades.

It amazes me what people do to their trucks in an effort to improve their off-road capabilities when the truth of the matter it is the driver that is the least capable...

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Only use 4wd on the street when you think the tires wont have an issue giving up traction.
You don't want to use 4wd on dry pavement as the tires are unable to easily slip this will cause binding within the drive train especially when turning.
4low is when you need more control over the vehicles movement and power. 4Low allows for more engine braking down hill and torque multiplication / power at the cost of speed. Think about a multi speed bicycle. If you are at the bottom of a hill you will want more power to rotate the tires and move the vehicle but still enough speed to gain momentum. 4hi would sometimes be a poor choice as you will be able to gain alot of momentum if you floor it but those bumps and things will not be fun if you slow down you will lose your momentum and your engine rpms will fall and you lose power as well. 4low will help as you can control momentum and engine rpm/power alot easier.

Most of these things will become alot more apparent as you get some trail rides under your belt. I remember once I took a friend for a ride in my rubicon Tj 5spd. I went down a small grassy hill and it was very muddy at the bottom. I tried 4 LO and my lockers etc I couldn't get out!
I tried 4hi and 3rd gear i think, made a world of difference getting the wheels to spin some. :D

 

[WhatExit?]

Geez guys, take some time to Google "learn how to drive off road" and read some webpages on the subject and watch some videos. Make sure they're reputable sources - there's tons of into on the subject online - spend some time reading, watching and learning so you're not taking risks or doing things you shouldn't be doing. Oh, and never go off road alone (always more than 1 vehicle).

 

[Airmousam]

Is an automatic AWD mode not possible due to solid axles?

 

[Elwenil]

It's possible with the right transfer case, but not with a part time 4WD case.

 

[WhatExit?]

Is an automatic AWD mode not possible due to solid axles?

Full-time AWD is very common. On other vehicles.

 

[Airmousam]

Thx...was not thinking FT awd....thinking 3 modes ...auto 4WD, 4H, 4L

 

[Campo]

Do some reading, watch a few videos but IMO, I learned more in a 4 wheel 101 course like they hold at Roush Creek. I took it with my JK and learned a ton actually using your jeep in an instructor led day. Was around a couple hundred dollars but hands on experience without breaking anything was worth it to me.

Sponsored