Hey guys. I'm a young and first time JK automatic transmission owner. I went trailing recently and had no difficulty whatsoever up until I came across a small area of loose sand. As I started going through it in 4 Hi, I felt my rig shaking up and down (not a death wobble). I got through it quickly but I'm not sure if it was because I wasn't aired down, or the sand was too loose or if its a problem with my 4 wheel drive. The shaking felt like it came from the tires. Maybe they were slipping because I have tires that aren't too meaty (nitto terra grapplers). If anyone can enlighten me as to what the problem is or if you've experienced something similar please respond. Thanks.

 

I'm not entirely convinced there was a problem here. Is this the only time you've felt this? Does it do this when you're in 4H on pavement? 4L either pavement or sand? Is it possible the sand was sitting on some type of substrate, and what you were feeling was completely normal? Did the shaking appear to be coming from the front end, or everywhere? If front end, are there any other symptoms you are experiencing, thuds, clicks, wobbles, shakes, blah blah blah?

 

Sounds like Wheel hop due to soft sand, some throttle, and your tires inability to float on top. You will break things if you try to power through it, lots of bad stuff goin on. Wider tire, lower pressure, or avoid that soft sand.

 

I want to say that it was "wheel hop". That does sound pretty accurate. The shaking wasn't very intense.. It was more of a vibration and yes it did feel like it came from the front end.. When I got home I put it in 4 Hi and took it around the block and it was perfect. I have never had any problems with my Jeep. And I have taken it to really soft sand in which I either go through in 4 Lo or 4 Hi for when I want to pick up more speed. Meet a problem then, which is why I'm so concerned about this 40ft patch of sand that made my jeep vibrate. I really hope this wasn't coincidental and I'm not wasting anyone's time. I just love my Jeep and don want to be left stranded in the desert next time I go on an adventure.

 

Sounds like your rig might not quite be up to standards for desert yet. Patience.