4wd Lo is Jerky Jerky

[Turniipp]

So, in reading the various responses, I can't help but wonder how many folks have driven their 3.0 in 4lo extensively. I have and I know exactly what the OP is taking about.

My experience has been that uphill it's buttery smooth. Downhill is buttery smooth. However flat below 5th gear can be a jerky mess as the throttle is so dang sensitive. If the trail allows, I'll try and get it above 5th, if not, you can place your right foot on the transmission tunnel so that it's half-on half-off the accelerator. This allows the friction between your foot and the transmission tunnel to smooth out your acceleration.

I've been thinking about looking into a Green Diesel Tune to gain more power and to see if they can do anything when it's in 4lo.

If you have a Rubicon Diesel in 4lo, it's a 4:1 ratio and instead of 400+ ft/lbs of torque, it's exponentially higher and touchy.

I am on 37's and I have regeared to 4.56's.

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[Grayhound]

I am on stock gearing with diesel Rubicon, and 35s and can confirm when in 4low transmission feels very jerky between gears. I have found manually. Shifting is my best option in 4 low, unless I'm about to run up a hill and then I'll run up the hill in automatic until I have to throw it over in manual for that last little nudge over the hill.

 

[flick2614]

So, in reading the various responses, I can't help but wonder how many folks have driven their 3.0 in 4lo extensively. I have and I know exactly what the OP is taking about.

My experience has been that uphill it's buttery smooth. Downhill is buttery smooth. However flat below 5th gear can be a jerky mess as the throttle is so dang sensitive. If the trail allows, I'll try and get it above 5th, if not, you can place your right foot on the transmission tunnel so that it's half-on half-off the accelerator. This allows the friction between your foot and the transmission tunnel to smooth out your acceleration.

I've been thinking about looking into a Green Diesel Tune to gain more power and to see if they can do anything when it's in 4lo.

If you have a Rubicon Diesel in 4lo, it's a 4:1 ratio and instead of 400+ ft/lbs of torque, it's exponentially higher and touchy.

I am on 37's and I have regeared to 4.56's.

So it's not just me being crazy; that's a relief.

 

[flick2614]

I have one brand new in a box if you want it? It was replaced under warranty and i didnt re-install it as im going a different direction with my tune. Had that and the Derringer (will also be selling) in mine for awhile.

Wrote you a direct message.

 

[grimmjeeper]

I'm on 37s with stock gears. I have a Derringer and a Pedal Monster.

No real jerking with the throttle when going all over Moab.

 

[Ratbert]

The only time mine gets like that in 4lo is when I engage OR+. It's supposed to reduce throttle input in 4lo, but it feels like it does the opposite.

4.56 gears and 37s.

 

[21JLURDG]

I'm drive the 3.0L on 37s w/4.56 & 4:1 T-case getting ready for 40s but drove extensively on 37s w/3.73. I previously drove a 4.0L TJ on 38s w/5.29 & 4:1 T-case.

I'm not sure what your 4x4 experience is like but I've always found the low gearing on 4L to be very "jerky" and learned to drive with the right heel on the transmission tunnel (as previously mentioned) to control my throttle inputs. I'm now used to it and can drive it smoothly regardless of terrain, but it did take practice.

One additional thing that I didn't see mentioned is the use of Off-Road +. While in 4L (4H is different function) the OR+ button is designed for rock crawling and will dampen the throttle sensitivity and the engine acceleration while holding a current gear longer (tends to feel like over-revving). I've learned through experience that it works great crawling over large rocks, but it can hinder wheel speed when trying to generate instant acceleration to climb a rock wall. Driving on a straight level trail it will rev the engine before giving a hard shift--somewhat annoying.

 

[BDinTX]

So, in reading the various responses, I can't help but wonder how many folks have driven their 3.0 in 4lo extensively. I have and I know exactly what the OP is taking about.
...

I am on 37's and I have regeared to 4.56's.

Man it took to almost the end of the first page to get all the details.
With 37"s and 4.56 gears I'm not surprised it feels jerky.
Us po' folk with the original gears find 37"s to be just fine.

 

[Ratbert]

Man it took to almost the end of the first page to get all the details.
With 37"s and 4.56 gears I'm not surprised it feels jerky.
Us po' folk with the original gears find 37"s to be just fine.

And yet it doesn't feel jerky at all for many of us with 37s and 4.56 gears.

My usual thoughts are "Damn, this thing's a beast!" while my peanut gallery chants "Go Jeep, Go!".

 

[Grayhound]

I'm drive the 3.0L on 37s w/4.56 & 4:1 T-case getting ready for 40s but drove extensively on 37s w/3.73. I previously drove a 4.0L TJ on 38s w/5.29 & 4:1 T-case.

I'm not sure what your 4x4 experience is like but I've always found the low gearing on 4L to be very "jerky" and learned to drive with the right heel on the transmission tunnel (as previously mentioned) to control my throttle inputs. I'm now used to it and can drive it smoothly regardless of terrain, but it did take practice.

One additional thing that I didn't see mentioned is the use of Off-Road +. While in 4L (4H is different function) the OR+ button is designed for rock crawling and will dampen the throttle sensitivity and the engine acceleration while holding a current gear longer (tends to feel like over-revving). I've learned through experience that it works great crawling over large rocks, but it can hinder wheel speed when trying to generate instant acceleration to climb a rock wall. Driving on a straight level trail it will rev the engine before giving a hard shift--somewhat annoying.

I have found that I don't enjoy offroad+. manual shifting in those scenarios is working best for me. I'm normally going slow enough to not need a lot of shifting.

 

[Rogersocal]

There was an issue with the transfer case engagement; it popped out of 4hi, I adjusted the linkage, it popped out of 4lo, so I adjusted the linkage again. The little dog ear used to adjust is a horrible design in my opinion. But I'm fairly certain the engagement is solid as in the uphill example feels solid.

Strange, I can sometimes be in 4low and it will pop out, there is something that can be adjusted to make this not happen? please explain.

 

[BDinTX]

Strange, I can sometimes be in 4low and it will pop out, there is something that can be adjusted to make this not happen? please explain.

Details in this thread
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/teansfer-case-cable-adjustment.49635/

 

[flick2614]

Strange, I can sometimes be in 4low and it will pop out, there is something that can be adjusted to make this not happen? please explain.

If you pop off your shifter boot there is a little dog ear with a tiny bit of adjustment. I've noticed that any change in ride height throws it off.
Good instructions and pics here:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-transfer-case-shift-linkage-adjustment.70964/

 

[C.Sco]

All factory equipped diesels came with 3.73 gears. Even the Rubicons.

I haven't regeared and on 37s I'm well below 2,000 RPM at 75 in 8th gear.

Learned something new today! I had no idea. I'll see myself out of the diesel forum lol

 

[flick2614]

Learned something new today! I had no idea. I'll see myself out of the diesel forum lol

The Diesels are just a different animal.... including the guys driving them.

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