Avatar of ThatDude

ThatDude

I have a full time 4WD, when do I need 4 Hi and when 4 Lo?

I got different gear settings for the little stick and I am unsure when to use what. What's the main difference between 4 High and 4 Low when offroading? I assume I do need to drive in 4 High on the beach and 4 Low in mud? What does it exactly do?

Edit: I got a Jeep Rubicon MY2012 and didn't get to drive it since I was deployed a year ago. Can't wait to get it dirty now.
Scoteye

Generally;
4H for any surface that is uneven, loose or slippery,
4L Offroad (Low speeds). For the more difficult stuff where extra power is required, soft sand, Mud Steep climbs, Traversing difficult low speed terrain basically. Also use for steep descents offroad to keep speed down preventing excessive use of brakes and reducing the risk of loosing traction.
4LLC If you have it, Is for the really tough stuff Loose surfaces only.
HillsForThrills

Yep... basically 4H is for gravel roads, ice, sand etc where you need the traction, but also momentum or, in the case of a road, simply higher speeds...

4L is for when you need maximum power and torque, but at very slow speed... The transfer itself has reduction gears so it multiplies the force but cuts the speed output... That's for steep climbs/descents, rocks, deep mud, things like that...

And yes, 4LLC locks the centre diff, so power is applied equally between the front and rear axles... Again, for the serious 4WDing...

Go and have a play around with it, and you will quickly learn which gear is best for different terrains...
Fruju

Hi ThatDude, before you drive your vehicle, you need to know that your vehicle it is not a "Full time 4wd" but a "Part time 4wd". This means that 4wd should not be engaged on high traction surfaces such as dry sealed roads. Doing so may result in damage to your drive train.

4H has a 1:1 ratio so no gear reduction so similar speeds to 2wd can be attained. Suitable for terrain mentioned above.
4L in the Rubicon has a 4:1 ratio and is suitable for any SLOW offroading. The 4:1 can be a bit low for sand so a higher gear, 5th or 6th, will need to be used.
4LLC is not a feature of Jeep Wranglers as there is no centre diff. Once 4wd is engaged the transfer case gives a locked 50/50 torque split.

If you have any more question, feel free to ask. I have a MY13 Rubicon.

More from our Forum


hasser in Members Introduction
Hi!

Hi everyone! I'm Grace, Atlanta city here!!!

anhelfor in Members Introduction
Hello Everbody :)

hiya My name is Tim. i own a 95 pajero 2.8tdi wagon and live on the Sunshine Coast , queensland. I...

beanjelle in Feedback and Compliments
Literature Review Assignment Help

Students reading in college want to do a literature overview on several subjects. Normally, they...

beanjelle in Members Introduction
Hi All

Ric here just joined the group, just wanted to say Hi and look forward to chatting 

hammerly in Members Introduction
Newbie Here - Zahra Wilson

Hello, My name is Zahra Wilson and I am from New York. I am working at PapaChina company as a...

hasser in Members Introduction
I Am Speakes1 And New To DownThunder

New to 4wding and here to learn

anhelfor in Members Introduction
Hello

Hi All, I am Paul. I have a GU Patrol and I have joined this forum to share and receive knowledge...

hasser in Members Introduction
Forum Newby

Hi AllMy name is Lea and I have a 09 JK Rubicon Unlimited and 03 TJ.  Love the Jeeps!I live on...