Total Newbie question...

Manual says...4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in transfer case N (Neutral).

So firmly is a relative term, I get it, but I am hearing gear clash more than I'd like, especially when shifting into, as opposed to, out of 4L. What, if any, "tricks" are there to reducing the odds of gear clash when shifting into 4L.

Secondly, I heard somewhere that when in 4H or 4L, and especially with axles locked that you should not turn as much because over time driveline bind could occur.

Any knowledge regarding this issue or when and where to lock axles, disconnect sway bar...etc...you can drop on me is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

You just need to find that sweet spot. Obviously, our speedometers lack the precision to really say you're going 1, 2, or 3 mph. But, moving but almost stopped is where I have the luck. Once you learn that spot it'll go in and out perfectly. Just like another task that newbies (of a different type) sometimes have problems with.

 

Thanks for your responses to the 4L question...any thoughts on the driveline binding issues I have read about?

 

another thing is that for the first few times going into 4LO it will be pretty hard to engage. when i got my auto, it took a few tries to "loosen" things up. now i can get it to engage the first time without gear clash. try going downhill the first few times.

 

Just like all have already said 0-2 mph seems to work the best. At least for my JK it does.....

 

I have noticed shifting into 4Lo while rolling downhill seems easier.

Maybe because I have one less pedal (gas) I need to wrestle with I can focus on the shifting...kinda like the chewing gum and walking thing...which i still have trouble with

 

Ditto on the slight down hill engaging--works like a charm-I too experienced the gut wrenching gear clash the first few times, until I found the "sweet spot"--as long as you're not going too fast, it sounds worse than it actually is.

 

The binding problem occurs when the front wheels can't slip while turning. You must be on a soft surface, dirt, mud, sand or snow when turning in 4WD.

When turning, the wheel on the outside of the turn must turn faster than the wheel inside of the turn.

It does not matter if you are in 4Hi or 4Low. Either one, if you try to turn on hard pavement you will feel the steering wheel fighting you as one front wheel tries to turn faster than the other but can't. The tighter the turn the harder the front wheels fight.

Don't do this. It can cause damage.

 

I believe the manual addresses your question this way...NOTE: Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may occur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

I initially just stopped and placed the transmission in neutral & then and tried to wrestle the gear lever into 4Lo but found that to just as difficult. Now I only use the "moving" method, but probably slower than the 2 to 3 mph that is recommended in the manual, and am finding that there is indeed a "sweet spot" when SLOWLY rolling...especially downhill.

Hope this helps.

 

I just completed my 5th time off road earlier today...so I am about as green as green.

The area I was wheeling in has a number of steep inclines/declines with loose footing. Before I attempt to ascend or descend I usually try position the Jeep so it's pointed in the direction I want to tackle the hill from and try to stay on that line so as not to turn and induce driveline bind.

Since I am so afraid to induce driveline bind I spend a lot of prep time, in 2WD of course, trying to get in position to make my run up or down the incline, reversing then going forward while ever so slightly turning, I continue this "dance" until I get in position.

Does this "dance" scenario seem unnecessary, I guess I am asking the following...If the Jeep has lockers engaged and is in 4Lo and I feel I need to turn, am I in danger of causing damage to my Jeep? Should I only turn so far?

Help.