Last weekend we were in the desert and did some driving. my question is that when there was soft sand the axles especially front bounces alot and not only on my jeep on all of them. is that normal? i feel as if the wheel spin, bounce and then grab sand and then spin again and bounce. is that okay for the axle?

 

It aint good for it....things can break and snap.

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/axlewrap/

 

thanks for the link and i read it and it scared me alot. i didnt understand the solutions though. any help? what can i do to eliminate this? drive style? or any parts?

 

Were you attempting to travel at high speeds? Do you have an auto or manual?

 

BTW - Not possible to get axle wrap with the JK... Doesn't have leaf springs and use links... If you are at slow speed try to lighten up on the throttle - you may also want to adjust 4hi v.s 4lo. The hopping can happen with a a fair amount of torque, some slippage and the "catching". Tends to happen more with manual that auto.

I have to say that i did have to modify my sand techniques with the JK. It may also be driving style for you...

 

I have a manual and it happens all the time but its really hard when i accelerate to try to climb a hill, but also when iam at constant speed. and no not very high speeds.

 

Sounds more like a little wheel hop - caused by initial traction loss.

I assume that you are airing down quite a bit? If so, the spongy-ness (is that a word?) from the tire being at lower pressure can applify this...

I struggle in finer, softer sand at times especially if i am doing any shifting - this on/off of torque isn't as smooth in a manual as in an auto.

I find constant speed and far ahead preparation are key. If i need speed and momentum, i build it gradually rather than apply power when it would be typically needed for dirt, rocks, etc.

 

Hehe yeah its a word i guess if i understand it, well i didnt air down at all that day. yeah you might be rite that when i have constant speed iam not accelerating so there no load on the axles just the suspension, am i rite?

 

Are you in 4H? try turning off the ESP next time. I can feel my 6spd bouncing like crazy in soft sand, going slowly with ESP on.

 

ESP off - Great point. I always turn mine off. It was a bear first 2 times with it on...