First time going into 4H and 4L...new vehicle

[NonHyphenated American]

At 190 miles I put my Sport S Max Tow into 4wd in a big sandy lot. I was at a slow roll of about 5mph when I put it in 4H, off the gas, and I could hear the axle disconnect engage with a loud thud. Went to put it in 4L using the proper procedure at 3mph, shifter in neutral; the lever went into 4L a bit stiff but cooperative and it engaged with another loud thud. Putting it back in 2H had a thud from the axle disconnect, but it wasn't as loud. I'm coming from JKs and a JL and never heard it that loud but then again the front ends were Dana 30s. I guessing since the Dana 44s are a bit beefier this would be expected? Especially since its brand new? Anyone experience this? I'm hoping it gets better with time. Might put it in 4H and 4L once a week to get things loosened up and lubed.

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[kevman65]

Yup, just keep exercising it, it will get smoother.

 

[DREDnot]

Agreed.
First few times are a little stiff.
It gets easier after a few sessions off road.

 

[MyRight]

Yup, just keep exercising it, it will get smoother.

That's what she said

 

[Challenger85]

Ha! This was me yesterday, I was struggling getting it to shift lol and was confused. I had to pull out the manual where it stated to do it while moving which was still real stiff but worked better.

 

[Gvsukids]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/shifting-into-4h.33114/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/educating-a-newb-on-2h-4h-n-and-4l.31724/

 

[Dryfly24]

As already stated it’s stiff when it’s brand new, but gets way smoother with use.

 

[redman43]

@Dryfly24 - I'm not sure if it was your intent, but that made my inner 12 year old chuckle. Thanks.

 

[cb4017]

Yep! One of those things you have to hold your mouth just right.
It gets easier with practice.

 

[Dryfly24]

@Dryfly24 - I'm not sure if it was your intent, but that made my inner 12 year old chuckle. Thanks.

I‘m a 59 year old twelve year old so you do the math…

 

[NonHyphenated American]

At 190 miles I put my Sport S Max Tow into 4wd in a big sandy lot. I was at a slow roll of about 5mph when I put it in 4H, off the gas, and I could hear the axle disconnect engage with a loud thud. Went to put it in 4L using the proper procedure at 3mph, shifter in neutral; the lever went into 4L a bit stiff but cooperative and it engaged with another loud thud. Putting it back in 2H had a thud from the axle disconnect, but it wasn't as loud. I'm coming from JKs and a JL and never heard it that loud but then again the front ends were Dana 30s. I guessing since the Dana 44s are a bit beefier this would be expected? Especially since its brand new? Anyone experience this? I'm hoping it gets better with time. Might put it in 4H and 4L once a week to get things loosened up and lubed.

Went into 4H and 4L today and it was smooth and quiet.

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