How to Use 4wd in Jeep Wrangler Jk

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Shifting into 4WD

• Thread starter xpsruler
• Start date Feb 2, 2018

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• #1

Finally got my new JL Sport! Having previously owned a Cherokee Trailhawk (4wh kicked in automatically) and a Liberty (would flip a digital switch), this is my first Wrangler (Command-Trac). While 4h works great, it takes a very hard pull to get it into 4h. Is this normal for Wranglers or should I be concerned?

This is my first post but I've lurked on the forums here for a while. Thanks for the help!

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• #2

Very hard pull doesn't sound right, although I'm unfamiliar with the JK/JL shifter. On my TJ I have to be careful to be in neutral and driving slow to avoid grinding when switching to 4L, but it's not harder to pull.

(Updated to clarify because from your post originally I thought you meant 4L but now I see you said hard to pull into 4H)

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• #3

Should be firm....but not difficult to pull into 4h...I would probably have it checked to make sure that the linkage underneath is properly adjusted...

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• #4

Also, if parked, pull it ( jeep)forward or reverse a little, should work better

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• #5

FIrst off, Congrats on the new Jeep. Let's see some pics!!!

Definitely don't force it, you could break the linkage or cable. If you're not sure, bring it back to the dealer. Just to make sure everything is ok. Usually, the more you use 4wd, the easier it will be to move the transfer case lever next time.

It should be pretty easy to get it into 4H, as you can do it while moving.

4L is usually the tough one, because you either need to be stopped or rolling forward at about 1-2 mph, with the transmission in neutral (or clutch pressed).

Either way, don't use 4H or 4L on Dry Paved Roads.

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• #6

Mine is kinda tough to get in 4h, hopefully will go away with time. TJ was much easier. I'll ask dealer on Monday while I'm getting lift installed

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• #7

Mine is kinda tough to get in 4h, hopefully will go away with time. TJ was much easier. I'll ask dealer on Monday while I'm getting lift installed

Mine have always been a little tough.
What about turning at low speeds in 4H any issues?

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• #8

Thanks for the quick replies.I'll get some pics in later. I haven't tried 4 low yet but can say it worked really well in 4H (was on a loose dirt road). It shifts into 4H smoothly but justvseems to need a pretty strong pull. Turning felt great.

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• #9

Thanks for the quick replies.I'll get some pics in later. I haven't tried 4 low yet but can say it worked really well in 4H (was on a loose dirt road). It shifts into 4H smoothly but justvseems to need a pretty strong pull. Turning felt great.

I test drove a Sport this week, and I had a similar experience with needing to pull much harder than expected to get into 4H. Even rolled it back and forth before pulling harder. Much different than my TJ. Did not try shifting to 4L on the JL.

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• #10

I shifted into 4H while driving the JLU Sahara w/out Selectrac. Found it a much harder shift than in my LJ.

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• #11

Mine have always been a little tough.
What about turning at low speeds in 4H any issues?

That's how I've been trying to shift it. Pretty hard to shift. I'll let you know what dealer says. I remember my TJ going in and out like nothing

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• #12

Yeah mine was kinda hard to shift into 4h and now it feels like the linkage is broken. UGH time to call the dealer

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• #13

Hopefully 4H and 4L shifting is idiot proof.

Case in point. During a JL test drive, the sales person was trying to shift a JL into 4H and 4L ... he did not know what he was doing. I tried to tell him what the owner's manual said about shifting, but he ignored me and just jammed the transfer case gearing into the desired position. lol. Sure glad I did not buy that JL (blk rubi).

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• #14

I noticed this same issue. Much harder to get the JL into and out of 4H.

With the Rubi, the salesman had me rock the jeep back and forth several times to get it out of 4H.

Never had this issue with my previous 3 Wranglers 1980, 1992 and 1998 Sahara all 2 dr

Wondering if this is a design issue.

Beware the salesman who says, "No problem, we'll have Service fix it after you buy it)

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• #15

I just used my 4 High today and also found it tough to shift (JLU Sport). Never driven a Wrangler until now so I definitely feel like I have a learning curve, especially with turning a little more sharply!

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How to Use 4wd in Jeep Wrangler Jk

Source: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/shifting-into-4wd.3492/

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