4WD Question

[newbie5150]

Does the new Rubicon X have the full time 4WD option? I saw a youtube video and on the 4wd shifter, there was an option for 4H Auto as well as just 4H. I thought that option was discontinued?

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[UNC Rubicon]

2H, 4H auto, 4H part time, and 4L

 

[John VonJeep]

You’re getting CV joints instead of U-joints with the full time 4WD equipped Rubicon.

Probably not a big deal unless you plan on wheeling hard, but something to be aware of.

 

[BDinTX]

@John VonJeep what are the pros and cons of those joints? I'm reading the CV joint should be stronger and I seem to recall the rubber boot, if torn, will cause it to fail quickly. Is that about it?

 

[John VonJeep]

@John VonJeep what are the pros and cons of those joints? I'm reading the CV joint should be stronger and I seem to recall the rubber boot, if torn, will cause it to fail quickly. Is that about it?

Well, the CV joint won’t be stronger, but you don’t hear stories about them failing either. The boot is the main thing to keep an eye on because if you lose the grease things will get fun.

Like I mentioned, I honestly wouldn’t worry about it. If you wheel hard enough to need the U-joints, you’d know it. But there is a difference between the two systems and Jeep doesn’t emphasize that. I just think these things are worth knowing as an owner.

 

[Sean L]

Here is a good video showing a teardown of the "Full Time" transfer case out of a selec-trac JL. Pretty fascinating and will help with understanding how it works.

 

[NWJeepr]

On the flip side, Auto 4wd is a nice feature for adventuring in mixed traction conditions on-road, or suddenly experiencing a traction-less situation. I'd say I'd recommend it for less experienced drivers but don't want to offend, it really is a nice feature even for the seasoned. Part time systems with solid axles are more robust on the trail, are "simpler" but that doesn't mean CV's are weak, either.

 

[newbie5150]

Thank you all for the responses. I was just confused because I thought I had read that this option was discontinued with the new 2024 models. I definitely like the option as someone who only occasionally off roads but appreciates the improved traction in wet conditions.

 

[BDinTX]

Here is a good video showing a teardown of the "Full Time" transfer case out of a selec-trac JL. Pretty fascinating and will help with understanding how it works.

Cool video!
Is it just me or does it seem like an awful lot of torque going through this gear?

 

[Sean L]

Cool video!
Is it just me or does it seem like an awful lot of torque going through this gear?

I'd be interested to see if the Rubicon transfer case has a more rugged looking gearset.

 

[HungryHound]

@John VonJeep what are the pros and cons of those joints? I'm reading the CV joint should be stronger and I seem to recall the rubber boot, if torn, will cause it to fail quickly. Is that about it?

I believe you can also steer tighter with the CVs so you have a smaller turning radius.

I'm really surprised some offroad company hasn't developed a Kevlar "jacket" for CV joints.

 

[desertdude59]

I used to have a 1995 Jeep GC with full time 4x4 and the 4 low selection, but those boots drove me nuts. They always seem to rip at the worst time. I had lifetime axles and kept spares in the garage. It wasn't really an offroading rig even though it had a solid axle, but all it takes it one stick to jam a hole in that boot. I'd say the 4H auto is a nice feature, but if the weather is bad enough then shift on the fly is good enough for me in my Wrangler.

 

[JT23JL]

Does the new Rubicon X have the full time 4WD option? I saw a youtube video and on the 4wd shifter, there was an option for 4H Auto as well as just 4H. I thought that option was discontinued?

Looking at the 2024 order guide, it appears that the full-time 4WD system is only available on the 392 model and the 4XE versions of the other models. It is standard equipment on each of those models.

 

[newbie5150]

Looking at the 2024 order guide, it appears that the full-time 4WD system is only available on the 392 model and the 4XE versions of the other models. It is standard equipment on each of those models.

And that is why I am so confused. This video I saw on Youtube was from Summit Auto Reviews. They do a lot of Jeep content. They were reviewing a Rubicon X and on the gear shifter, it clearly showed a 4H Auto Setting. I commented on their video with this question but they haven't responded.

 

[JT23JL]

And that is why I am so confused. This video I saw on Youtube was from Summit Auto Reviews. They do a lot of Jeep content. They were reviewing a Rubicon X and on the gear shifter, it clearly showed a 4H Auto Setting. I commented on their video with this question but they haven't responded.

OK. Apparently the Rubicon X package comes with the full-time 4wd system. The order guide that I looked at earlier did not list the full-time 4wd system as part of the Rubicon X package. However, I have seen a 2024 window sticker that shows that the full-time 4wd system is included with the Rubicon X package.

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