First Time 4X4 Observations

[Rubicon6MT]

I used 4H and 4L for the first time today, 2024 Rubicon with 6MT.

After driving 5,200 miles (8,400 km) using only 2H, this was the very first time the transfer case had been shifted into 4X4 (which I’ve now learned should be done more frequently).

Visited a snow covered gravel parking lot, shifted into 4H and drove forward slowly in a straight line, then stopped and reversed back to the starting point in a straight line, minimal steering. Repeated this a second time in 4H, then did the whole process over again using 4L.

I noticed after 4-5 straight line passes in 4H/4L the coolant and engine oil temperatures were elevated by 20-25% compared to 2H driving, is that normal?

I was also surprised how different the Gladiator drives when in 4L. The engine idled at a much higher RPM, and the accelerator pedal required so much more input to get the vehicle moving.

After making sure 4H/4L had been cycled and lubricated at slow speed, I took it out onto a short snow covered trail in 4H to start learning its capabilities. So far, very impressed.

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[Lost1wing]

The engine temperature increase was due to the lack of air flow over the radiator. You would probably see this in 2wd if moving slowly. I have not noticed an rpm increase when in 4wd, but I have an AT. The MT may be different, but I can see how it could be useful.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Is this your first time ever using 4H or 4L in any vehicle? I'm not sure how to address your post.

 

[Sandevino]

You gotta take it out and play with it more often!

 

[Janster]

Is this your first time ever using 4H or 4L in any vehicle? I'm not sure how to address your post.

I was thinking the same thing…….. but wanted to wait what everyone else would respond with.

I wonder what rpm’s they’re actually getting ‘at idle’ in 4lo compared to 4hi or 2hi?
Higher idle in 4lo could be normal…. considering how 4lo functions. I’m guessing…

 

[GeekJT]

You gotta take it out and play with it more often!

Spoiler: No Funny Comment detected

That's uh what she said...

 

[Comanche]

I try to put it in four-wheel-drive at least once a month to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly.

 

[Rubicon6MT]

Is this your first time ever using 4H or 4L in any vehicle? I'm not sure how to address your post.

Correct. Previous vehicle was a Jeep Patriot with 2.4L, 4X4, and 5-speed manual. It had an electronically controlled automatic full-time 4X4 system, so the Gladiator is the first vehicle I’ve owned with a manual transfer case and part-time 4X4 system.

What really surprised me was how different the Gladiator drives in 4L, you can really tell it’s intended for slow speed crawling. I haven’t driven other Gladiator models, not sure how they would compare to the Rubicon?

 

[Thunderspud]

In my manual you get about a 300rpm change (from 600 to 900 at idle) just by switching into 4 Lo.

 

[Rubicon6MT]

In my manual you get about a 300rpm change (from 600 to 900 at idle) just by switching into 4 Lo.

Glad to hear this, same experience here.

Do you shift into 4L while the vehicle is moving, or while stopped in neutral?

Also in 4L do you notice a change to the accelerator? Seems like more pedal input is required to get it moving compared to 2H/4H.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Correct. Previous vehicle was a Jeep Patriot with 2.4L, 4X4, and 5-speed manual. It had an electronically controlled automatic full-time 4X4 system, so the Gladiator is the first vehicle I’ve owned with a manual transfer case and part-time 4X4 system.

What really surprised me was how different the Gladiator drives in 4L, you can really tell it’s intended for slow speed crawling. I haven’t driven other Gladiator models, not sure how they would compare to the Rubicon?

The t-case in the Rubicon is a 4:1 ratio. The Mojave might have the 4:1 t-case also, not sure, but it's noticeably lower/slower than Sport or Overland models. It's lower than most other 4x4 trucks as well.

I don't recall my idle RPM being higher in 4L, but my guess is what you're seeing is just the effect of the low ratio t-case. They will want to start crawling on their own, so it can give the feeling of higher idle because you need to hold the brakes to not start moving, much like a vehicle feels if it has high idle and you put it in gear.

Glad to hear this, same experience here.

Do you shift into 4L while the vehicle is moving, or while stopped in neutral?

Also in 4L do you notice a change to the accelerator? Seems like more pedal input is required to get it moving compared to 2H/4H.

You should be stopped when shifting into our out of 4L. Never try to do so while moving.

Not sure what you mean on the accel pedal. My truck wants to move on its own without pedal input. I guess the low ratio could make it feel like you have to give it more to get moving faster, but 4L is not meant to go fast.

 

[ALT2870]

Per the manual you should shift into 4L at a speed of 1-3 mph. Doing at a standstill is possible just a lot harder. Much smoother when rolling. Yes, 4L is a much lower range hence it taking "more" effort to get it rolling. The engine speed is 3-4 times faster then it would be otherwise. I'd highly recommend reading the 4x4 section of your manual.

 

[ALT2870]

You should be stopped when shifting into our out of 4L. Never try to do so while moving.

Negative ghost rider, you should be moving slowly in and out of it. Page 170-171 in the manual.

 

[DylanM]

Also in 4L do you notice a change to the accelerator? Seems like more pedal input is required to get it moving compared to 2H/4H.

The pedal response is slowed/decreased in 4L intentionally. The reasoning for this is to prevent jerky or sudden throttle inputs as the vehicle is bouncing/rocking around in rough terrain. What you're experiencing is normal.

 

[GeekJT]

Read your manuals people, you can get yours online, login to your jeep account, it's in there digitally. Has some interesting things every owner should know!

My favorite is how to relocate a loud or screaming wife to the rear cargo area.

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