Have a couple of questions with shifting into 4Lo! I like to test everything in My 08 Rubicon to make sure it works... I followed the book and was going about 3-5mph and tried to shift down to 4lo but all I get is grinding noise??? The book doesn't tell me if I need to have the clutch pushed in or if I can go straight from 4hi to 4lo which out pushing it. and once I have failed to get it into 4lo the only why I'v found to get it back to 4hi is to come to a complete stop. (new to 4x4 if you couldn't tell) Can anyone give me some basics on driving a stick and using 4Lo/4Hi ( I don't have a problem going from 2wd to 4Wd H). Also say I'm in 4lo and at a complete stop, can I start out in 3rd gear or do I need to work my way up. (buddy of mine said it didn't matter in 4Lo, but I wanted a second opionion) Thanks in Advance!

 

4 Low is not synchronized which causes the grinding. The best technique is transmission in neutral with the Jeep barely rolling, shift transfer case from neutral to 4 low. At a dead stop it can be very difficult to get it into 4 low and at speeds greater than crawling you'll grind. I've found the JK much more difficult to get into low range than my old CJ with the Dana 300 transfer case.

I've determined the hard way that the best method is to anticipate the need for 4 low and shift into low range before you need it while you're on gently sloping ground.

As for gear selection in 4 Low, start out in the one you need - doesn't have to be 1st. Mostly it will depend on the terrain. Through trial and error you'll pick it up. Listen to the engine, if it sounds like it's going to stall, pick a lower gear. My JK is an auto but my CJ is a 5 speed and I rarely use 1st gear in Low and start out in 2nd or 3rd often depending on if I'm on flat ground or a hill. With the 4:1 reduction in the Rubicon transfer case, 1st gear is way too low unless you're working over an obstacle!

 

NO SHIT!! Martinsburg... I am in Summit Point. Welcome to forum and the Jeep world. Never thought I would see a fellow WV'er from the Panhandle around here. PM me if you want... I am going to Martinsburg later and can show you shifting, etc with your jeep.

 

with both or 07 and 08 Ruby's, there can be slightly tricky and stiff to get into 4Lo, but with time and experance it will get quicker and easier. I have found that if you stop then push in the clutch and shift it and if needed roll just very slightly it will get right in and out.
Kat

 

How bout from 4Lo back to 4Hi??? do I have to come to a complete stop or can I do it on the fly?

 

Pretty much the same rules apply when getting it back into 4HI.

 

i have been able to shift to 4hi on the move but i like to come to a stop and push the clutch to go to 4lo, maybe not what the book says but it works for me and haven't had any problems and it slips right in -- and i agree with whats been said already, in 4lo just use what gear is needed, i hear people all the time in 4lo and 1st and they are going 5 mph but their engine is revving at 5000 and they don't know why, you can start off in 6th if you want to, 1st and 2nd in 4lo are just for CRAWLING

 

OR, just shut it off, put the transfer case selector where you want it, then start it back up..

I dont like hearing grinding inside my t-case.

 

The manual states that 2HI to 4HI, and back again, can be done standing still or up to 50mph.

4HI to 4LO, and back again, can be done standing still or at 3 to 5 mph.

 

I have an auto tranny and I can't get it into 4 LO unless I put it in Neutral.