How To Put A Jeep In 4-Wheel Drive
The capability of the Jeep Wrangler to shift to four-wheel drive is no different because it is the most used vehicle for both on-road and off-road driving. But how to put a jeep in the four-wheel-drive is something that not everyone knows. We have done some research for you and have concluded all of the key points that you should keep in mind while shifting from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive.
You will also learn about tips and tricks to get the most out of a four-wheel-drive setup and what are the benefits of having 4WD. Let us look into the in-depth study of how to put a jeep in four-wheel drive and what are the factors affecting this shifting.
How To Put A Jeep Wrangler In 4-Wheel Drive
Putting a jeep wrangler in a 4-wheel drive is an easy procedure but you have to keep in mind and stay focused on what settings you have to set for doing that.
Shifting a Jeep To 4WD High From 2WD High
- To shift your jeep to 4WD high from 2WD high, you have to make sure that it is stationary or is moving under 45 mph.
- Acceleration is strictly prohibited during the shift.
- In case you release the accelerator after the complete shifting, you will notice the transfer is getting faster.
Shifting The Jeep From 4WD High To 4WD Low
- To shift your jeep from 4WD High to 4WD Low, your jeep wrangler should be in slow rolling speed, somewhere in between 1 to 3 mph.
- If the Jeep you have has the automatic transmission set-up, you have to make sure that it is neutral. Alternatively, if you have a manual jeep, make sure you’re pressing the clutch.
- Quickly change the lever and shift it to the 4L position. Ensure you’re not pausing at N, N stands for neutral.
- As soon as the lever reaches the 4L position, release the clutch and put the automatic transmission back in the drive.
As we have learned how to shift the Jeep to 4WD and from 4WD High to 4WD Low, now is the time to look at the details related to shifting to 4L and 4H in a Jeep Gladiator or a Jeep Wrangler.
Both these Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiators possess two 4-wheel drive options and almost the same drivetrain capabilities. These two four-wheel drive options are labeled on the dashboard and transfer case lever. They are labeled as 4H and 4L. The other two positions are neutral as N and two 2H wheel drive.
There are two types of roads where your jeep rides. When riding on each road, you focus mainly on the type of road and traction of your jeep. In case, you are driving on paved roads and all of the environment and surrounding situations are normal, the Jeep will work in the best way when in 2H.
Alternatively, when you’re riding the jeep in off-road and very rough and tough conditions, you always want your jeep to stay strongly interacted with the road. And for this purpose, the traction should be strong.
In rough and tough road conditions, there is certainly a lack of traction. So, specifically, when there is a lack of traction such as in Off-road conditions, severe environmental situations, and inclement weather conditions, the driver always demands the four-wheel-drive settings.
What Can You Do To Know Whether Your Jeep Is In 4-Wheel Drive or Not?
If you want to know whether your jeep is presently driving in four-wheel drive or not, you can simply look at the dashboard display located at the side of the RPM Gauge or the lever used for the transmission case. If you see the 4H for the 4L lights, it means your jeep is in four-wheel drive. Alternatively, if the Jeep is in 2H or the 2L lights, it means the driving conditions are normal and the Jeep is not in four-wheel drive. Instead, it is in 2WD.
Tips And Tricks To Get The Most Out Of The Four Wheel Drive System In Jeep Gladiators and Jeep Wranglers Both
- If the speed of the vehicle you are riding is above 40 kph, make sure you are not using the 4L mode.
- In case you are driving between 70 to 90 kph on slick roads, make sure to use 4H mode at that time.
- You can reliably switch to 4L mode, specifically, when the vehicle is stationary or traveling at a very low speed.
Benefits of Driving 4-Wheel Drive
- Four-wheel drive makes the riding stable and smooth.
- It makes driving easy.
- 4WD provides strong traction over slippery surfaces.
- It controls that Jeep and makes it secure enough to ride on rough surfaces.
FAQs
When should I use my Jeep 4×4?
There are two types of four-wheel-drive setups 4L and 4H. 4H is the high range that is highly recommended when you need to have strong traction and control over severe road conditions. This includes snowy, muddy, icy, rainy, or slippery road surfaces that affect the traction of the vehicle. It is ideal when you need control specifically over conditions like slippage. Alternatively, the low range is recommended, when the speed is slow and you need high control over the road while riding.
What are the benefits of 4-wheel drive?
There are multiple benefits of driving a 4-wheel drive setup. It enhances and improves control over the rough road surface. The surface like stones, mud, and snow may cause the vehicle to fall. To avoid this it is highly recommended to select a four-wheel-drive setup. Moreover, this is important because when both sets of the wheels are active, they will control and make the Jeep more stable, no matter what kind of road you’re riding on.
Does 4×4 use more gas?
Actually, yes. Driving in a 4 wheel drive setup is comparatively expensive and demands more gas, when compared with two wheels drive setup. This happens because when comparing, a 2WD setup uses more components and parts of the vehicles than a 4WD setup. The usage of more components means more fuel is needed to make all of them work and to deliver the power to drivetrains. This ultimately leads to an increase in gas consumption.
Can you switch out of 4WD while driving?
Technically Yes, you can switch out of 4WD while driving. But it is always recommended to keep your vehicle at a very slow speed. Moreover, if stopping the vehicle is not easy, you can go with driving in a perfectly straight line to avoid any mishaps. These instructions are very important so make sure to keep them in mind, in order to avoid rough and tough, rainy or slippery roads. Look whether there is traction on the road or not and then go for switching out of 4D while driving.
Final Thoughts On Jeep Wrangler 4WD
Now you must be aware that having the proper understanding of the transfer case positions of jeeps and how they work is a different concept than learning the process of shifting. You must have understood that it is not as easy as it looks. The system not only demands the shifting of the lever but also demands your full, thorough, and adequate concentration. Most professionals recommend the users that no matter whether they are driving on muddy, snowy, watery, or simply any other uncomfortable road surfaces, they should shift to a four-wheel-drive setup. This is for a 4H setup.
On the other hand, the 4L, four low setups are the setup that is used only when there is a need for strong traction and control, specifically when at low speeds. This includes water crossing and road crawling. Now read each and everything mentioned in the above article with thorough attention to make sure you have learned everything related to the shifting and importance of four-wheel drive.
Hi! This is Marcus Adams, an adventurer who has a passion for jeeps. I have been exploring terrains for about 10 years and has trailed on a variety of jeeps. My passion for off-roading has allowed me to learn everything jeeps have to offer. Now, I have turned his passion into a professional project in form of this SMOOTHDRIVES website, where I plan to share my expertise about all kinds of off-roading accessories for jeeps, trucks and SUV’s and provide readers with high-quality content.