Transfer case confusion, little help?

[Pappy06]

I know the 4xe come standard with the rock trac with 4:1 TC. But, I’m confused (and it seems a lot of people are too based on intermixing terminology) about part time/ full time verbiage. So, does the 4xe come with the transfer case selection that places the transfer case in four wheel drive but doesn’t engage front wheels until rear slips?

Sponsored

 

[Sboden]

I've not seen specifics but I would assume their fulltime all wheel drive works like most other ones with rear wheel drive. The front doesn't engage unless needed to support a slipping rear.

 

[Sboden]

 

[jellis4148]

You have 2Hu, Auto, 4HI, and 4Lo. If you put it in Auto it uses clutches in the transfer case so you can drive on pavement that isn't slick enough for 4Hi, or 4LO. It's just like the system you can get in most Fullsize trucks.

 

[Pappy06]

It would have to both or just the ability to shift the transfer case old school where you shift and the front wheels engage all the time.
If you notice, I’m not using full time/ part time as these terms have become confused.

so Gm has the option of a transfer case that has 2H, 4hi or 4lo. OR, one that had 2Hi, 4Hi, 4 Automatic , or 4 lo.
This is the question.

 

[Pappy06]

You have 2Hu, Auto, 4HI, and 4Lo. If you put it in Auto it uses clutches in the transfer case so you can drive on pavement that isn't slick enough for 4Hi, or 4LO. It's just like the system you can get in most Fullsize trucks.

That was the answer I needed. Thanks. I understand how it all works, just couldn’t get a straight answer from the dealer.

 

[Sboden]

I always kept the truck in 2 Hi and if it was raining I'd throw it into 4 auto.

 

[Pappy06]

Here in Colorado, the “automatic” function of the transfer case is super. So many times I am constantly shifting in and out of 4Hi as I move from shady ice packed conditions to sunny dry parts. I’m glad the 4xe has the option. When I lived in the south, you were either of on road or off-road and there was no need for it. Really useable in Co.

And thanks everyone for not getting buried in the weeds, sometimes you ask people on here for the time and six pages later you still don’t know the time but you know how a watch works!

 

[dalema]

You have 2Hu, Auto, 4HI, and 4Lo. If you put it in Auto it uses clutches in the transfer case so you can drive on pavement that isn't slick enough for 4Hi, or 4LO. It's just like the system you can get in most Fullsize trucks.

Are both systems identical mechanically in how they operate in 4H and 4Lo?

The reason I ask is, I’ve heard others worry about the clutch packs on the Auto - but are they still in play when in 4H/4L on that system, or mechanically at that point it’s the same as the other system?

 

[DavidArmen]

Are both systems identical mechanically in how they operate in 4H and 4Lo?

The reason I ask is, I’ve heard others worry about the clutch packs on the Auto - but are they still in play when in 4H/4L on that system, or mechanically at that point it’s the same as the other system?

That is an incredibly good question. I would also like a definitive answer on this as I have heard both sides of the story.

One being that when going from 4auto to 4high, the clutch packs go from being loosely engaged to fully engaged to prevent any slippage. but in extreme cases, slippage can still occur, thus wearing out the clutch packs.

The other being that when going from 4auto to 4high/4Low, the clutch back is taken out of the picture and a regular geared system is used.

Since my JL has Rock Trac, I am still not sure which method the 4auto system uses to this day.

 

[HungryHound]

Are both systems identical mechanically in how they operate in 4H and 4Lo?

The reason I ask is, I’ve heard others worry about the clutch packs on the Auto - but are they still in play when in 4H/4L on that system, or mechanically at that point it’s the same as the other system?

It's my understanding from watching an interview with the Stella powertrain guy that the transfer case is exactly the same in the 4xe Rubicon as it would be in a regular Rubicon. The transmission is where things are different.

 

[Pappy06]

It is the same, I was just trying to figure out if it was the one that came with The automatic function in the 4xe. The legacy Rubicon’s come with either.

 

[jellis4148]

Are both systems identical mechanically in how they operate in 4H and 4Lo?

The reason I ask is, I’ve heard others worry about the clutch packs on the Auto - but are they still in play when in 4H/4L on that system, or mechanically at that point it’s the same as the other system?

The 4HI/4LO works the same as any Jeep. The clutches are used in Auto only. I've had customers that weren't told how the system works, and left in 4Auto for the life of the vehicle, and they usually need a transfer case at about 100,000 miles. Used sparingly it's a good system. Used all the time is bad.

 

[99ls1tj]

It is the same, I was just trying to figure out if it was the one that came with The automatic function in the 4xe. The legacy Rubicon’s come with either.

Maybe this will help? It appears all the 4XE’s will get the full time option.

 

[dalema]

The 4HI/4LO works the same as any Jeep. The clutches are used in Auto only. I've had customers that weren't told how the system works, and left in 4Auto for the life of the vehicle, and they usually need a transfer case at about 100,000 miles. Used sparingly it's a good system. Used all the time is bad.

So why wouldn’t you get the auto version then?

Sponsored