Do you switch between 4H and 4L?

[AEsco48]

Hello,

Been going out to do trails around Denver on a weekly basis, been hitting trails that are rated 4, 5, 6 out of 10.

Question is do people generally switch between 4H and 4L depending on the individual sections of the trail that require 4L? Or do people leave it in 4L and let it get up to 4th or 5th gear to get up to 10mph?

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[jorbasaurus]

I’ve only used 4L on individual obstacles when it seemed necessary. The 2+ months with my JT is the grand total of my off-roading experience though, so I’m not sure what’s normal.

 

[DeezJT]

If I can’t do it on RWD, I switch to 4lo in trails. Sometimes 4lo the entire session.

 

[CerOf]

I’ll shift back and forth as the trail/conditions warrant.

In my old ZJ and WJ, I wouldn’t switch as much. In my JKUR and now my JTR with the 4:1 t-case, I shift back and forth more often.

 

[NachoRuby]

I don't really like to use 4 lo, unless I have to. First gear in 4h seems to get me through most obstacles. I don't do any "crawling" though.

 

[andrew8404]

If I can’t do it on RWD, I switch to 4lo in trails. Sometimes 4lo the entire session.

Ha ha really that makes no sense. But to each their own I guess.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Past weekend I was switching between 4L and 2H. 4 wasn't necessary per se, but the L was. If there was a 2L option it would have been best. 4L for the gearing, both up and down hill. 2H for some super tight tree weaving that 4 anything would not permit.

On steep descents 4L and manual 1st gear was just about perfect.

I doubt I will use 4H much for anything I ever do.

 

[jsalbre]

It really depends on the trail. If there’s a lot of obstacles at a fairly regular rate then I’m more likely to leave it in 4L. If they’re pretty spread apart I’m more likely to to switch back and forth.

That being said, when I had my JK Rubicon with the 4:1 transfer case and a max 4L speed of 25 mph I switched back and forth a lot more. In my JT Mojave with a 2.72:1 ratio and a max 4L speed of 50 mph I don’t have as much need to change back and forth.

 

[ShrimpHappens]

Depends on which mall parking lot I'm at

 

[jhale1800]

I only use 4H when the trail is flat and smooth enough that I'd end up going too fast in 4L (usually gravel and dirt roads). I'll also usually start a trail in 4H, but as soon as I hit my first obstacle and shift into 4L, it generally stays there.
I've been told it's better to use 4L to keep the strain on your transfer case, rather than other parts of your drivetrain.

 

[AEsco48]

I only use 4H when the trail is flat and smooth enough that I'd end up going too fast in 4L (usually gravel and dirt roads). I'll also usually start a trail in 4H, but as soon as I hit my first obstacle and shift into 4L, it generally stays there.
I've been told it's better to use 4L to keep the strain on your transfer case, rather than other parts of your drivetrain.

Yea, some times in 4H, even with the torque of the diesel, i have to give it a lot of gas and the torque converter is just spinning.

 

[JoseQ_80]

One great feature for off road novices like myself is only available in 4L, Select Speed Control, AKA Off road cruise control.

 

[MoxiesDad]

I haven't used my JTR offroad yet, but I have an 04 TJR that sees regular offroad use. At least in the eastern US put it in 4LO and keep it there if you're under 15 mph, otherwise 4HI for higher speeds. Have had several new people on trail rides over the years with JK's who had it in 4HI and experienced transmission overheating. Told them to keep it in 4LO and trans temps were fine.

 

[Be.Zick]

4low for almost everything. especially on a hot day itll keep the temps down. less stress on your drive train ect

 

[NachoRuby]

I haven't used my JTR offroad yet, but I have an 04 TJR that sees regular offroad use. At least in the eastern US put it in 4LO and keep it there if you're under 15 mph, otherwise 4HI for higher speeds. Have had several new people on trail rides over the years with JK's who had it in 4HI and experienced transmission overheating. Told them to keep it in 4LO and trans temps were fine.

I wonder how much it matters auto vs manual? For me, 4L always feels like overkill (manual). I use Low for steep declines, mostly, so I'm not riding the brakes. Otherwise, first gear in high seems to do well. In my TJ, I had to use Low once to get out of some deep snow but otherwise, it was rarely used for me. But I guess it also depends on terrain and weather.

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