larryjeans

I have had 5 jeeps prior to my 08 Rubicon Unlimited, they all had been manual transmissions. Where I go four-wheeling, I do a bit of long steep hill climbing. With the manual, I always ran obviousily 4L, aired down and started the climb in 2nd or sometimes 1st, on extreme hills. No problem, just kept constant motion. Coming down the steep grade I used 1st as a braking device, again no problem. With the auto on steep climbs in 4L do I put the auto in Drive or 2nd? Same question on desending the hill, D or 2nd? The articiles I have read seem to indicate leaving it in D, but I wonder if 2nd would be better. Also, this is my first Rubicon, so should I use the lockers on the steep hills?
Thanks for any advice.

PoorDad

I use 2nd unless the hill is really steep. I also turn the overdrive off. I have not needed the lockers yet.

joe002

I’ve only done a little hill climbing and descents, but when climbing the rear lockers should help because the weight of your Jeep will shift to the rear and lockers will give you added traction. When descending the front and rear lockers should help because it allows you to get engine braking on all 4 wheels - not just 2 wheels (1 front and 1 rear).

So far when I hit any obstacle that doesn’t need speed I go to 4 LO and put it in 1st - crawls right along.

pearl-drum-man

4-low and 1st gear in my experience.

greenmachine07

^^^x2 you can always just switch it to 2nd if you feel the need

larryjeans

thanks for the input. I am living in Sun Valley Ca, for another 6 months until the full time move back to Eugene. I noticed a few of you live in Valencia or Canyon Country. It might be fun to get together and make a day run to the off-road park at Hungary Valley in Gorman. If interested, let me know.

tkob1060

psst this thread is over 1yr old

AK4Dave

So????....If it can be bumped up again, and people can still get information from it, what difference does it make?