Turning in 4H

[Elysian Highlands]

Hi, I just purchased a 2021 rubicon and when I have it in 4H and try to turn into a parking spot it shifts and the suspension (I guess) makes a clicking sound. Is this normal? I’m just trying to determine whether it’s a bigger issue with the suspension or jeep or normal when making sharp turns in 4H because of the way the car has to adjust.

It doesn’t happen in 2H.

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[Zandcwhite]

Tight turns in 4h cause binding, what kind of park spot requires 4wd?

 

[americonium]

When you make tight turns in 4 high on pavement, it can bind up your suspension and break your axles. Please read the transfer case portion in your owners manual for a better Jeeping experience.

 

[Roky]

Hi, I just purchased a 2021 rubicon and when I have it in 4H and try to turn into a parking spot it shifts and the suspension (I guess) makes a clicking sound. Is this normal? I’m just trying to determine whether it’s a bigger issue with the suspension or jeep or normal when making sharp turns in 4H because of the way the car has to adjust.

It doesn’t happen in 2H.

You shouldn’t be driving/turning on pavement in 4H unless it’s 4H Auto…. That noise you hear is normal for something you’re not supposed to be doing…. If the road has ice or snow on it that’s different….

 

[rcadden]

Welcome to the Jeep community. For starters, you should know that 4WD is mechanically different than AWD. You should ONLY use 4H in situations where you're likely to lose traction - loose gravel, climbing rocks, ice/snow, etc. You should *never* use it on dry pavement, as you'll damage your drivetrain.

Basically, you really shouldn't use 4H unless you *know* you need it. If you're on pavement, generally speaking, you should be in 2H.

 

[jhmartin]

4-anything is not appropriate when the wheels have good traction -- movements that force the wheels to move at different speeds (such as turns, especially tight turns) mean that you are trying to turn two things forced to turn at the same speed, at different speeds. That force has to release by either causing one of the wheels to slip (such as if on gravel), or turning your differential into a pile of metal shavings (if the wheels are on really good traction).

Don't be in 4-H/4-L on good traction. Don't try to make tight turns in those modes.

Lockers magnify this situation considerably. Lockers are only appropriate for going essentially straight ahead.

Forgetting to go back to 2-H happens. When I'm on trails, when the group hits pavement there's always a radio callout to remind everyone to shift back to 2H.

 

[Gunfighter]

U-Joints definately have a little more possibility of binding as the turn gets sharper in 4WD. CV joints do a little better in these cases. Regardless, avoid sharp/hard turns.

 

[Elysian Highlands]

Tight turns in 4h cause binding, what kind of park spot requires 4wd?

None! Haha I had it in 4H when I was test driving it and forgot to switch it back to 2H when I parked and it happened. I was worried something was wrong with the jeep but there was also a small part of me that assumed it was happening for a reason (user error). I wasn’t sure at they couldn’t confirm at the dealership so I figured I’d ask here. I’m glad I did as now I’m assured it was just user error on my part and nothing wrong with my jeep.

 

[Elysian Highlands]

When you make tight turns in 4 high on pavement, it can bind up your suspension and break your axles. Please read the transfer case portion in your owners manual for a better Jeeping experience.

For some reason I can’t pop my jeep into N or 4L - feels like the shifter is stuck. Anyone know why that is?

 

[Bulletbill]

For some reason I can’t pop my jeep into N or 4L - feels like the shifter is stuck. Anyone know why that is?

It takes a little while to break in. Put it in neutral and let it roll forward slowly. The first couple times feels like you are going to break something.

 

[BLS65]

For some reason I can’t pop my jeep into N or 4L - feels like the shifter is stuck. Anyone know why that is?

Four Wheel Drive Operation - Four Position | How To | 2023 Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator (youtube.com)

 

[AcesandEights]

It's much easier if you are rolling, from 2H to 4H.

You must be stopped, or only barely moving (I mean barely if at all) to put it in 4L.

If you are driving, let off the gas and firmly move the shifter from 2H to 4H in one movement. Easy-peasy.

If you need 4L, stop, and shift from 4H to N to 4L.

Edited

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Drive it in a strait line, then push it in to 2 hi when you are moving. Don't even try to put it in 4 lo unless you are stopped and the transmission is in neutral.

You did read the owners manual right? It's very helpful when you have a vehicle that you are not familiar with.

 

[tomk62]

... they couldn’t confirm at the dealership so I figured I’d ask here.

Well there's a shocker.

 

[Apexcars]

Don't put it in 4 Low if you are on a high traction surface either, unless you make sure to go in a straight line and only for short distances. Feet or yards not miles. Turning in 4 wheel when your tires can't slip can cause major problems very quickly.

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