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


Switon in Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi SuperSelect Description

Mitsubishi's Super Select II all wheel drive system featuring: 2H mode - Rear wheel drive....

fhsn in News and Updates
Which Car Can Navigate Narrow Paths And Wide Deserts With Ease?

Off-road vehicles made by Polaris consistently perform well, whether they are used on wide desert...

jendyjk in Offtopic
New IPhone 6 Pictures Revealed

I reckon some of us here are interested in technology as well and so do I. Just today somebody...

toxatyt in News and Updates
Spare Wheel Carrier

Getting too old to toss the the spare onto the roof rack so did this.

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