I have a 2013 JK and noticed it being quite herky jerky in 4WD mode while making slow speed turns, particularly when the steering wheel is fully turned. Is this normal? it doesn't behave this way in 2WD mode.

 

Just keep driving in circles in 4 lo on pavement until all the gears are sheared off, and the jerkyness should go away....
That's the Canadian way...

Or

Ignore my sarcastic response, and take the advice of all the other posters in this thread

 

Sounds like your front tires aren't slipping. Jeeps have part time 4WD. No center differential like an all-wheel drive. Engage the front axle only on surfaces like sand, dirt, mud, snow, ice, etc.

 

Do not drive your jeep on pavement in 4wd!!! I know the owners manual says that. When in 4wd the front wheels want to turn at the same rate as each other. When turning, the outside wheel needs to go faster which binds up the gears. 4wd should only be used when the wheels have the ability to spin if they need to.

 

Watch this video. It's an old video but one of the best I've seen at explaining gears in a differential and how it all works.

http://youtu.be/K4JhruinbWc

 

Yep,normal

 

[QUOTE=cava;3766337]Watch this video. It's an old video but one of the best I've seen at explaining gears in a differential and how it all works.

I really like those 1950's films. SImple, yet very effective. It seems it was the same person/voice that was narrating all of them.

 

That is how the dealer will test to make sure you 4wd is still functioning correctly.

 

This is typical (and should be avoided when possible).

Knowing how to use a part-time 4wd system is one of the caveats of owning a Jeep Wrangler!

 

thank-you everyone for their advice...totally makes sense now. the video really helped!