4H Usage Restrictions

[NC_Overland]

I never knew about the 25 mph 4lo top speed. I’ve been a lot faster than that when playing around on the farm. Whoops.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Granted my Canyon had a limited slip rear end, but you’ll find that the Gladiator’s weight distribution is way better a you’ll need 4wd less. I used auto 4wd a lot in my Canyon and don’t really need it in my gladiator because the weight distribution is so much better.

I found the opposite. I was spinning on city streets in Pleasant Hill and had to use 4H to keep moving. That was with good tires.

 

[NC_Overland]

I found the opposite. I was spinning on city streets in Pleasant Hill and had to use 4H to keep moving. That was with good tires.

Sounds like a tire dependent issue. The gladiator has significantly better F/R weight distribution than other trucks in its class.

 

[Gvsukids]

I’ve been a lot faster than that when playing around on the farm. Whoops.

Me too. I don't think it's an issue since Mojaves have a 45 mph top speed in 4lo.

 

[NC_Overland]

Me too. I don't think it's an issue since Mojaves have a 45 mph top speed in 4lo.

I did wonder if it’s for Jeeps with a 4:1 TC.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Sounds like a tire dependent issue. The gladiator has significantly better F/R weight distribution than other trucks in its class.

It was a city hill, slow speed issue. On the highway it's good with good tires. It was an Iowa snow ice, I'm taking off up a messy hill thing. It was totally squirrelly.

 

[Verne]

My JT is my commuter car too and I have a 35 min commute into the city most days of the week. If the weather is poor on the highway, it goes into 4WD HI as i leave the house and it stays in as long as I need the traction. I have hit 60 mph as the roads became more wet than slushy and have had no issues whatsoever.

 

[Defsailor]

for me, limited slip is the answer. I added Truetrac to Liberty and no more fear in deep sand.
The Gladiator came w factory version, works great, all the time. I will replace with Truetrac when clutches wear out.

 

[MT1]

Old post, but did not know this. How often should 4WD be engaged to keep the system properly lubricated?

I test every 4-8 weeks or so since the last time 4H was used. This is on loose sand and dirt, going straight, and often will "use" the lockers and sway bar disco just to make sure everything is functional.

 

[MT1]

I found the opposite. I was spinning on city streets in Pleasant Hill and had to use 4H to keep moving. That was with good tires.

Yup, sometimes a higher gear, and less torque to the rubber, = higher traction/less slipping. In manual or automatic 2WD in slippery conditions, I've done many second gear starts from a dead stop, RW drive and FW drive.

 

[brsnow2585]

I test every 4-8 weeks or so since the last time 4H was used. This is on loose sand and dirt, going straight, and often will "use" the lockers and sway bar disco just to make sure everything is functional.

Same here, I do 2/4 hi/low, lockers and sway bars on a gravel road about once a month just to keep everything moving and not stuck

 

[brsnow2585]

Another possible solution to your issue is getting a Tazer, If you already have rear lockers, the Tazer will let you lock the rear in 2 hi, I've used that a couple times instead of going 4 hi. Small caveat, you do have to let the truck roll a little to let the lockers engage.

 

[Gvsukids]

I test every 4-8 weeks or so since the last time 4H was used. This is on loose sand and dirt, going straight, and often will "use" the lockers and sway bar disco just to make sure everything is functional.

If going straight, this can also be done on pavement. Or, use this as an excuse to go off-roading.

 

[Janster]

Old post, but did not know this. How often should 4WD be engaged to keep the system properly lubricated?

As often as you can….the more, the better. When its raining really hard, I’ve put it in 4H on the highway. I’ve been on dirt or gravel parking lots and engaged 4lo just for that purpose. In the summers, I put it in 4H everytime we launch & retrieve the boat (slippery boat ramps). I have Auto4WD and I use that everytime it rains.

As long as you understand the 4WD system….. The biggest ‘no no’ (per say), is avoid making tight turns in 4WD. Pending the surface you’re driving on, even slight turns can show signs of ‘hesitation‘. When in 4WD, be mindful of how the driveline feels and how the truck acts…… if you step on the gas and the truck doesn’t move, DON’T FORCE IT. That’s a good indication that the driveline isn’t happy.

 

[Figmo]

Listen to your Jeep. It will let you know if conditions are wrong for 4H. You’ll hear some groans and feel the steering wheel fighting you to make a turn.

Many a day (most days?) I’ve forgotten to switch back to 2WD after using 4H offroad or during bad weather. The Gladiator is not shy about prodding me when we get back on terra firma: “Dude. Forget to do something? Again?”

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