Does 4WD shifting get easier?

[Ash1471]

*Waves*

I am a new Gladiator owner living outside of DC. We just picked it up at the end of November, so I have yet to enjoy any off-roading adventures. Also, I'm a pretty scrappy female with two shoulder surgeries under my belt. We were warned that shifting into 4H or L would be "tight," and my husband tried it once to make sure that it worked. He said that he really had to put his body into it. Does it loosen up the more you do it, or am I destined to struggle here?

Thanks for the help - hope everyone is safe out there in this crazy weather.

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[Klutch]

My JT doesn't take a lot of effort to shift into 4H. I've had mine for over a year and it's always been the same. In case you're not aware, shifting into 4L requires first shifting into neutral.

 

[HouseOfWolves]

Newer owner as well -- have had my 2020 Gladiator in 4H twice. Once as a test, and once because I needed it... It wasn't any worse than other 4WD systems I have owned TBH.

 

[MrZappo]

To answer your question, yep it gets a little easier, not much ... But there is a technique to it (a bit) ...

4H foot off gas stay in drive, pull back ... It takes a bit of effort but not much and as I said it may improve if only slightly as it wears in ...

4L (you have to be going VERY slow (like under 5). You have to shift into "N" and then move 4x lever to right and then back rather firmly ... Once it is there you can put transmission back into drive ... And seriously, dont try it over 5 MPH ... slower is better ...

And that one gets slightly better as well ... Never butter smooth though ... Ya gotta move those parts and they arent small ...

 

[Sazabi19]

Wait... for 4L you have to shift the whole transmission into N? I thought it was just the N setting between 4H and 4L. Is that why it's so hard to transfer into 4L for me?!!? I even read through the instructions multiple times... I swear I'm not slow...

 

[Diesl Jp]

Does it loosen up the more you do it, or am I destined to struggle here?

First time I shifted to 4H, worried I was going to bend/damage something I had to use so much force. Since then, I've used it half a dozen times in this snow, and it's gotten noticeably easier than that first time, but still requires not-a-small amount of force.

 

[Klutch]

Wait... for 4L you have to shift the whole transmission into N? I thought it was just the N setting between 4H and 4L. Is that why it's so hard to transfer into 4L for me?!!? I even tread through the instructions multiple times... I swear I'm not slow...

I'm almost certain my JT User's Manual specifically says to shift the automatic transmission into neutral in order to shift in to 4L. I did it instinctively since my previous Jeeps were the the same way, but I was reviewing the manual and saw it spelled out.

 

[Deadeye]

The first couple times have always taken a lot of force, almost to the point of thinking it was seized up. After that, it is fairly smooth, though definitely solid. Its been the same since my JKU days.

 

[Gvsukids]

I'm almost certain my JT User's Manual specifically says to shift the automatic transmission into neutral in order to shift in to 4L. I did it instinctively since my previous Jeeps were the the same way, but I was reviewing the manual and saw it spelled out.

And be going 2-3mph

 

[MrZappo]

Wait... for 4L you have to shift the whole transmission into N? I thought it was just the N setting between 4H and 4L. Is that why it's so hard to transfer into 4L for me?!!? I even tread through the instructions multiple times... I swear I'm not slow...

Yes, you must put it into "N" and be below 5MPH to shift to 4L from any other position ...

Trust me ... Learned ... "the hard way" ... Now I'm an expert !

 

[Sazabi19]

Well... now I'm slightly embarrassed. I'll try it later since there's still plenty of snow on the ground. I just though it was a PITA because 4L isn't synchronized like 4H.

 

[fun2drum]

Rolling very slowly in N while shifting is gonna be difficult in some of the 4L situations I can see myself getting into. As in soft beach sand where further forward motion is unlikely.

 

[SuburbanGP88]

Going into 4H takes a little strength but it gets easier after a few times. 4L is a test of hand eye coordination for sure but it's doable if you get the rest of the steps right.

 

[red/green hawk]

It gets WAY easier. 4H is like butter hardly any effort. 4L is a lot easier too even at a dead stop.

 

[AZCooWhip]

Rolling very slowly in N while shifting is gonna be difficult in some of the 4L situations I can see myself getting into. As in soft beach sand where further forward motion is unlikely.

Experience part of wheeling. Think ahead of where you are going or where you are going to be. Last thing you want is to need 4L and can’t there because of where you are at.

Be in the right gear before you get there ??

Same can be said for lockers.

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