jeepoch
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Jay
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2019
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 1,052
- Reaction score
- 2,941
- Location
- Longmont, CO
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 JL Wrangler Sport S 3.6L Auto 2 door, 2.5" lift, 35s
Thanks to @Ed Pursell for the correction to the Command-Trac being the non-part time transfer case. Posting at midnight is not healthy.
Ramandeep, the discussion of 4Hi and 4Lo is essentially more focused between on and off-road situations. For me, when off-pavement (other than graded-dirt such as county roads) and at slow speeds, I typically always chose 4Lo. The lower gearing gives tremendous benefit for more torque over really tough terrain. Also, here in Colorado, wheeling along mountain trails, using the lower gears for engine breaking is absolutely necessary driving down steep descents.
For deeper snow (anywhere), there are some pros and cons for both. In 4Hi you have the added benefit of the ABS Traction Control assist. In 4Lo all these Traction Control features are disabled except one; Brake Lock Differential (BLD). That mode is always enabled unless you turn your lockers on. In that scenario, your 'locked' axles provide the most traction potential possible.
I say 'potential' because traction can be sometimes very difficult even with the most sophisticated equipment. The trick is to prevent wheel slip. And if this isn't possible, then trying to minimize slip to the least number of wheels is your primary objective. Your goal is always to have at least enough traction to provide for motive effort. In my experience, good throttle discipline has always been the secret sauce.
I've found myself self stuck in deep snow plenty of times. Most always, switching between 4Lo and 4Hi (or vice-versa) generally gives me the necessay ingedients to find my way out of trouble. In fact, switching back to 4Hi with the traction control assistance has worked more times than I care to count. Of course, when nothing works, my winch has always saved my bacon.
Obviously, choosing either 4Hi or 4Lo is up to you. Experience and intuition will come with practice. Don't be anxious at trying both. For reference, I drive a 2019 Sport 3.6L Auto. It's lifted on 35's with quick sway bar link disconnects. No lockers. The BLD feature works really well. No kidding.
I go everywhere the Rubi's go, within reason. I typically won't attempt the volkswagon sized boulders. But I have experienced vast amounts of wilderness that you would probably need a horse or undertake a very long hike. Any day above treeline (approximately 12000 ft) is a great day in my book. Hiking that high, would certainly be challenging. However, in my JL, I do it quite regularly. The stuff of John Denver lyrics for sure.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Your transfer case is designed to take you places ordinary cars should never attempt. Go see the world. Paved roads are for mere mortals. Snow is their cryptonite.
Happy Travels,
Jay
P.S. The 4 Auto mode is just letting a computer decide when to select either 2Hi or 4Hi automatically. No driver involvement. But 4Lo is something you have to do on your own. I don't have that option on my Sport but found I don't crave it either. For you, I'd use it when not sure about when to drop it into 4Hi (or not). The computer is pretty good. It's like some people feel compelled to only drive a stick. For me, any assistance in situations I'm not yet comfortable, I'll take any advice possible. Even from the powertrain control module.
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The distinction betwixt part-time 4WD and the Auto 4WD functioning isn't rocket surgery.
I wish I was at least half joking.
