He’s a former Navy Master Chief that was a corpsman and spent time with the Marines. As a former Marine, I can tell you his Ward Cleaver act is just that. Don’t be fooled. His wife and kids know the real Brad.
I use 4 LOW anytime I know I'll be limited to less that 20 MPH-ish off-road. I also drag my 10K pound travel up a mountain with about 6000 feet of elevation gain during deer and elk season, and frequently use 4 LOW when descending just to make it easier on the brakes.
@@NGcCharlie Except for the fact the drivetrain is designed for full time use whereas brakes are meant to be used intermittently, but you do you. How is deceleration on the drivetrain any different than acceleration or pulling a load?
I do the exact same with my rig, 4L for steep descents. Takes longer but it is so much safer than burning through trailer and truck brakes. I also boost my brake power going to the trailer on descents.
That was the basic rule of thumb driving on steep hills on any kind of road when I got my drivers license: Downhill with no brakes is the same gear that works nicely uphill. This was later enforced when I learned terrain driving during military service.
@@HAHA.GoodMemeA lot of the contemporary AWD softroaders use the brakes for Hill Descent and TC/VSC. Even many of the contemporary 4WDs use the brakes for things like that. My CVT Crosstrek even uses an electronically-controlled clutch system in the center differential, and any system like that could overheat with rough usage too.
Well, if people read the damn manual, they would find information in there regarding when to use 4-low, and how to properly engage it without damaging rhe transfer case.
I tell people that low range is a tool that should be used whenever possible. Climbing/descending steep fsr, towing heavy trailers offroad, and more. Don't think "do I need it", instead I like to think "can I use it"
@@BillyBob-im7og if you have a manual mode that allows you to select a gear, then the basic answer is no. it will not harm your vehicle. but do not over rev the vehicle going down a hill. keep rpms from running away.
@@BillyBob-im7og You have to keep the RPMs down under redline and definitely do not shift into 1st when you are going too fast for that gear. Also, you should know what speed your car red lines at in 1st gear. If you downshift to 1st, you MUST be going WELL UNDER your known REDLINE speed. Otherwise you WILL DAMAGE your engine and probably transmission as well. (A modern car should theoretically not allow that shift, but I wouldn’t my whole drivetrain on it) This applies to downshifting for any gear, not just first. Each gear will have it’s own redline speed and you want to be a nice margin below that. I don’t want to make specific recommendations without knowing your vehicle but, on anything other than the most expensive high-performance engines, I don’t feel comfortable downshifting if I know my RPMs are going to go up much beyond 3500 or 4000 rpm on a car that has a 6000 RPM redline. Just because an engine can be wound up to a certain speed briefly under the most demanding acceleration, does not mean it’s smart to instantly wind that engine up to that speed. Plus, if you are going downhill and you shift into near redline, then gravity pulls you a little faster downhill, you are instantly hitting redline, and having to shift again anyways.
When I first started wheeling, I had a manual 2017 Willys Wheeler. I always used 4-low. My friends that had automatics would brag "I dont even need to put mine in low gear". Never thought much of it. I do remember how often I'd see them spinning or high revving though. Especially on the intense trails in big bear.
One way to remember to use 4 low is ; if you wish to “crawl “ over an obstacle, then put it in 4 low before you start your clime or descent: CRAWL-4LOW Thank you Brad, and like others said select low in your automatic transmission as well for those steep climbs and decent, and let the engine braking help you as you slowly descend, unless of course if your modern 4x4 has hill decent mode then let it do it’s job 👍🏼
I own a 2023 Jeep JLU, and a 1996 Jeep ZJ. But 4Low became so valuable with my 2003 Ford Explorer. The anti-lock brake system was malfunctioning in icy, slushy, snowing conditions, while driving North on CA-89 between Truckee and Sierraville. Having 4Low, I was able complete my trip. Otherwise I had no braking ability during that segment of road. I absolutely hate anti-lock brakes, but truely love 4Low! Also, 4 low makes the throttle control more precise.
I had the brakes on my work F350 fail when I was out in the bush one day. I started driving back to our remote camp and the brake pedal went to the floor when I pressed it. Luckily I was able to come to a stop and put it into 4Lo. Then crawled back to camp. It was a 5 hour ride on the tow truck back to town the next day…one way 😂
I prefer 4 LOW whenever possible, as it is far easier on the transmission. This is due to the higher rotation per torque ratio that acts on the transmission as well as higher apply pressure of transmission clutches due to higher transmission pump speeds. It is a win-win.
Slow speeds going thru trails and technical turns and speed hills also helps keep the transmission temps down. If I pull a heavy trailer Offroad and am under 20 mph I’ll go to 4low and the transmission never gets hot.
2020+ wrangler 4xe manual recommends a less than 3 mph roll to engage 4-Lo. Worked better than stopped. My Square body does not care if you’re slightly rolling or stopped. I had a Ford that was a push button 4WD and that thing was a pain. Roll backwards then forward, say a prayer, sacrifice a goat and sit through a seminar. Then MAYBE it would go 4-Lo!!
My ‘21 Wrangler Sport recommends the same thing. Must just be the style of transfer case in the JL. It’s almost impossible to get it into 4L without rolling slightly
I love this kind of advice! I bought a Rubicon a while ago and I really love it. But I do have to learn how to use its features better. I've been to Moab, Little Moab, Hurricane, through the mountains, etc... The Jeep is just a fantastic vehicle for the trails. It's just wide enough too.
@@berniedmj1 At one house, yes it is electric. The other house came with a gas mower. A real pain in the ass really, but I only need it once a year. Pretty hard to justify a change.
Did a little bit of off-roading this weekend. My truck was in 4lo 95% of the time. Very rocky terrain and lots of uphills/downhills. It was nice just crawling in 4lo
I don't use 4-low as much. That's because I learned to off-road with really crappy vehicles and I developed a great deal of accelerator or clutch control. My current vehicles have such a tall axle ratio that I often forget. But I hate switching back and forth, so I may try leaving it in 4-low and see how it feels.
Also, know your vehicle. My brother has a 79 Jeep CJ7. In order to use 4wd, you have to get out and lock the front wheel hubs first, then shift into 4wd. My XJ is much easier, stop, shift to neutral, then shift into 4wd.
As soon as I get off a graded road I put in in 4 low. I find it funny that some people think is somehow macho to do a trail without going into 4wd and especially low 4wd.
I am often with a group that does this. I feel like it is one thing as a game, like let's see how far I can go, but there's a big difference between that and puffing out your chest saying "Oh you used 4WD? I DIDN'T NEED IT!" It's kind of like using a screwdriver when you have a drill on your tool belt.
People don't seem to realize how much refusing to switch into 4WD can tear up the trails too. I get that it's a fun challenge, but people need to show some basic respect for the trails and save that stuff for OHV areas that are already chopped up. It drives me especially crazy as someone who frequently has to use these dirt access roads for work. A beat up trail can be fun on my own time in my own truck. Trying to get a bone stock fleet truck through them in a timely manner... not so much.
It's wild that my Pro4X has a lower gear ratio than the Rubicon. 4low is my go-to for steep ascents but more so the control on steep descents is significantly better than the hill descent feature
Good info. Theres also a note on usage. I came from swampy delta land. Lows not that great in mud. Wheel speed to clear tread makes a diff. On rock and trail. Def low. Gotta know your rig combination and capabilities
It amazes me how many people do not have mechanical knowledge. I do the high mountain passes in CO, going down steep stretches in 4 low really helps, use engine braking and let it go slow with no foot on the brake pedal.
You are also running much higher transmission/ T-case temps in low range. We dont like doing that any more than necessary when ambient temps are over 100°F
That's how I learned to drive a four-wheeler when I was 8 years old idling behind my father and his friends while they were Jack snipe hunting, thanks Dad! I wish they still made Jeeps like they used to they did not have computer sensors , chips and circuit boards that are ruined when they get wet but they have a snorkel on the air intake that looks cool I guess and a few years ago there were a lot of Toyotas with snorkels in town but there is only one around here that is still running because he has not had it in water
Using 4Lo for anyone who’s new new to wheeling if you’re unsure of a line or an obstacle use it. As you wheel and get better you’ll learn when YOU need it and when you don’t.
Same goes for Range Rovers, yes it's capable, but when doing some off-road driving, I've noticed a hell of a smoother and nicer experience when using low-range gearing with the correct traction control program. I now use it all the time when going off-road when compared to when I started taking it off-road.
I got a 2020 Ram 1500 that I recently took off-roading, kept it 4Lo the entire time. I didnt even need to give it gas when I was going through trails, the truck would pull itself through all I had to do was keep my foot over the brake pedal for when I needed to slow down. Only time I got stuck is when it got high centered cause its still sitting at stock height, but other than that one time the truck did perfectly climbed up near vertical hills like they were nothing
A 6 speed manual JL is challenging to drive slowly in the high ranges thanks to the crappy gear ratios and lack of low end torque. (even with 4.88s) I usually hit 4 low the second the terrain isn't flat.
It's in general a good idea to put the JK and JL in 4Low even when it could handle the trail in 4High. This is especially true for the Diesel. The gearbox gets far too hot in 4High. The Diesel has a lot of torque and with this the JK could handle harder trails in 4High but the converter gets very hot.
I generally use 4 Low when going up hill on trails, also if I'm doing some obstacles. Now, my last truck did not have locking differentials. My current one has a locking rear differential. I can't wait to try it out soon.
I like that my truck is a 4 speed with granny low, 4 high in first gear feels like low range in most trucks, it's nice to chug around at 3 mph and be able to bang threw a gear or two and get up to 40 mph without switching the Tcase
Funny we just got home. We did not take our phones and I was yelling at the 4L. I open youtube to this video. We just used it for the first time. We only had the Jeep for 3 days. We got a lot of snow and my daughter needed picked up back a trail. The Jeep didn't want to go in or out of 4L easily the first time but it worked well in the deep snow.
I use 4 LO anytime I'm going down a dirt road. My vehicle goes too fast if it's not in 4 low. about 20 mph as said and will go up to 3rd in 4 low if needed. Keeps me from burning up the brakes. Nissan Pathfinder 2011 LE.
I'm TOTALLY a noob offroader, having bought a 2024 Colorado ZR2 mid March, but "softroaded" my 2010 RAV4 AWD V6 since it was new (taking it places I probably shouldn't - but it always made it). The capabilities of even a stock ZR2 are absurd, so, I'm trying to learn as I go. I think the experience gained in the RAV4 over the years helps, because with no low range (though 1st was actually pretty low), limited clearance, and more importantly, no skidplates, made me VERY careful in picking lines. So far in 5 full days at Moab and a 1/2 day on the Front Range in CO, I've only used Low range (and the front locker) once, on a pretty steep and loose hill, and it worked perfectly, zero slip at all. So far, I haven't done anything else I felt was tough enough to need Low range, but hope to soon! Great vids, keep up the good work, and hope to see you out on the trail one day!
Was climbing Mt Princeton in Colorado, following a friend and he kept complaining his trans temps were climbing. We even had to stop and eat lunch on a switchback to let it cool off. After reaching the summit and enjoying the view, we headed down. When he downshifted for the descent, he realized that he hadn't ever shifted into 4Low, and he's an experienced off roader! Just a forgetful oversite that nearly cost him a trans!
My pathfinder was the first 4x4 that had a shifter and not a switch. I ended up grinding gears because I was putting it in neutral fist. Quickly shift past neutral straight into 4 low and back into 4 high don’t take your time.
One of the box trucks at my job is a '23 international cv that has 4wd and is sometimes a little odd about letting you shift into 4hi or 4lo, though you do have to get out to lock the hubs
Which iteration of the Wrangler you have makes a difference on how you put it in 4 low. My 2009 JKU absolutely will not go into 4 low if I'm stopped. I have to be moving about 3mph to get it into low, which is what the manual says to do.
My 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe is pretty straight forward. Just shift it into neutral and then press the drive mode selector buttons on the left hand side of the steering wheel and select 4 low and then return the vehicle to drive.
I remember when I had my 02 suzuki grand vitara I had to pull my dad's chevy venture out of the back yard. I didn't know much about pulling other then watching yotube. I over aired the tires on the van I couldn't find the front tow point so I used the used the front cross member under the hood. We'll anyway I put the suzuki in 4low and 1st and the wife in the drivers seat of the van to steer. I went really slow 5mph max. I was surprised pulling almost 4k lbs with a slight up hill.
Or if you're an SSG in the army, and you have no idea how 4 wheel drive works, you slam that hmmwv transfer case lever while still in motion, and ignore the horrible grinding sound.
When I get into the thick, I always prefer 4-low and 2nd gear. I’ve watched so many other channels and videos of people playing with all the new available adjustments in the new four-wheel-drive systems and is quite irritating. I don’t have time to sit around and select whether it’s sand mud snow, concrete asphalt or anything else. Just lock it in and go.
My np205 doesn't have to be at a complete stop. As long as the tires are not turning, I can shift. Get up some speed lock the brakes and shift while sliding.
A general rule that I tell people is this: if the conditions of the road require you to drive slow enough to allow 4L then you should just use 4L. I say 15mph or under. Once they get more experience they will learn for themselves what kind of terrain works best in 4L.
I rarely ever use 4low, but I also like to giveher the beans and thrash my way through. The difference between bolt on jeeps and a LS swapped Toyota haha
Don’t make the rookie mistake on certain terrain on real steep downhills that you can’t get the wheel speed up to match the jeeps slide speed if it breaks loose& good help you if it catches again . In an auto you better be quick to neutral or fast clutch in the manual 👍
Some jeeps especially those with the selec trac system if you look in the owners manual you don’t stop put it in neutral then shift to 4low. You slow down to about 4 miles per hour and shift into neutral and while coasting in neutral at 2-4 mph you shift into 4 low. Better hope you are on flat ground or a decline. Your not going to going to coast very far in neutral going up hill 😅
To anyone who doesn't know he built the Red 392 JL, his wife's yellow 2 Door JL, and the kitted out Silver JK I aspire to be like this man, good morals and attitude; and even better taste in jeeps
I just like to wheel in 2wd, if stuff gets sketchy, go to 4HI, and if its a little sketchier, go to 4LO. To each his own. I'm not saying this guy is wrong (i feel like its pretty obvious, but im gonna say it just in case), just sharing what i do as another perspective on it.
My rigs don't always turn the best in 4-low. But I do use 4-low to get the camper up on leveling blocks. Works great, in fact that's one of the reasons I insisted my tow rig have 4WD.
I always cringe a bit when a random guy from the group pipes up with “i havent even take it out of 2 high yet” like dude its not contest to idle 2k higher than the group. Your rig will thank you on the ascent by not puking coolant all over the trail or grenading a set if ring gears pulling 100% when they could have been pulling 50:50
4Lo is trouble when it coms to mud. Lo range does NOT help on a muddy slick downhill. No tires is designed for that. The tires will not clean out nor grab unless the wheel speed is tremendous. Impossible to do riding the brakes. On hardpack or rock, it really matters if you have open diffs or lockers, too. Many 4WD systems are not full time, too.
I used 4L for the 1st time and my Jeep kept launching forward with high rpm’s when I barely stepped on the gas. Is that normal? Didn’t feel normal. I have manual if that matters. 4H drives like normal.
Great to have no worries but this nonsense! Sorry but I can’t get into this mindset. But good for you if you like it. 😂😂can you do this without a flannel shirt?
The type of guy that makes his bed in the morning, and smiles right after.
Charlie Sheen's brother from two and a half Men
this dude seems so wholesome. you just know he makes breakfast for his family on the weekends
He’s a former Navy Master Chief that was a corpsman and spent time with the Marines. As a former Marine, I can tell you his Ward Cleaver act is just that. Don’t be fooled. His wife and kids know the real Brad.
Seems like a typical retired navy officer. Trying hard to get invited for a beer.
@@MrBoomStick I've known the "real" Brad for more than 30 years and what you see is what you get. And he makes fantastic omelettes!
@@RabbiJesus He was enlisted, not an officer.
@@regenakowitz the sailors wife runs to his rescue. 🤣 classic.
I use 4 LOW anytime I know I'll be limited to less that 20 MPH-ish off-road. I also drag my 10K pound travel up a mountain with about 6000 feet of elevation gain during deer and elk season, and frequently use 4 LOW when descending just to make it easier on the brakes.
Cool bro
@@NGcCharlie Except for the fact the drivetrain is designed for full time use whereas brakes are meant to be used intermittently, but you do you. How is deceleration on the drivetrain any different than acceleration or pulling a load?
@@NGcCharliemoney is not important. Your brakes failing and killing you descending down a big mountain is something you should prioritize preventing.
@NGcCharlie not. It is far safer to use gearing as opposed to brakes for down hill situations.
I do the exact same with my rig, 4L for steep descents. Takes longer but it is so much safer than burning through trailer and truck brakes. I also boost my brake power going to the trailer on descents.
People shifting to 4 low is like watching people launch a boat at a boat ramp
😂
EXACTLY. I LOVE THE BIG DAN SHOW FOR THAT EXACT REASON‼️ CLOWNS ARE FREEGUN HILARIOUS ‼️ YA✔️... Read more
Thank you and Happy New Year @TrailRecon !! I know as a beginner, your videos really help!
You also want to put it into manual shift. 1st gear and hill descent works awesome... no brakes needed. Want to go a bit faster, go to second gear.
Great advice, so many new offroaders are cooking their brakes by not doing this
That was the basic rule of thumb driving on steep hills on any kind of road when I got my drivers license:
Downhill with no brakes is the same gear that works nicely uphill.
This was later enforced when I learned terrain driving during military service.
You are learning so much ! I’m proud of you !
@@HAHA.GoodMemeA lot of the contemporary AWD softroaders use the brakes for Hill Descent and TC/VSC. Even many of the contemporary 4WDs use the brakes for things like that. My CVT Crosstrek even uses an electronically-controlled clutch system in the center differential, and any system like that could overheat with rough usage too.
@@RKmndo and thats why its not a real offroader. I put my truck in low range and go down the hill at my speed, every time, with limited/no braking.
Well, if people read the damn manual, they would find information in there regarding when to use 4-low, and how to properly engage it without damaging rhe transfer case.
I tell people that low range is a tool that should be used whenever possible. Climbing/descending steep fsr, towing heavy trailers offroad, and more. Don't think "do I need it", instead I like to think "can I use it"
Do you know if in a regular non 4wd when using the manual mode and going down a hill in first does that harm the car?
@@BillyBob-im7og if you have a manual mode that allows you to select a gear, then the basic answer is no. it will not harm your vehicle. but do not over rev the vehicle going down a hill. keep rpms from running away.
@@BillyBob-im7og You have to keep the RPMs down under redline and definitely do not shift into 1st when you are going too fast for that gear.
Also, you should know what speed your car red lines at in 1st gear. If you downshift to 1st, you MUST be going WELL UNDER your known REDLINE speed. Otherwise you WILL DAMAGE your engine and probably transmission as well. (A modern car should theoretically not allow that shift, but I wouldn’t my whole drivetrain on it)
This applies to downshifting for any gear, not just first. Each gear will have it’s own redline speed and you want to be a nice margin below that. I don’t want to make specific recommendations without knowing your vehicle but, on anything other than the most expensive high-performance engines, I don’t feel comfortable downshifting if I know my RPMs are going to go up much beyond 3500 or 4000 rpm on a car that has a 6000 RPM redline.
Just because an engine can be wound up to a certain speed briefly under the most demanding acceleration, does not mean it’s smart to instantly wind that engine up to that speed.
Plus, if you are going downhill and you shift into near redline, then gravity pulls you a little faster downhill, you are instantly hitting redline, and having to shift again anyways.
When I first started wheeling, I had a manual 2017 Willys Wheeler. I always used 4-low. My friends that had automatics would brag "I dont even need to put mine in low gear". Never thought much of it. I do remember how often I'd see them spinning or high revving though. Especially on the intense trails in big bear.
Yeah, just smoke the torque converter.
One way to remember to use 4 low is ; if you wish to “crawl “ over an obstacle, then put it in 4 low before you start your clime or descent: CRAWL-4LOW
Thank you Brad, and like others said select low in your automatic transmission as well for those steep climbs and decent, and let the engine braking help you as you slowly descend, unless of course if your modern 4x4 has hill decent mode then let it do it’s job 👍🏼
I own a 2023 Jeep JLU, and a 1996 Jeep ZJ. But 4Low became so valuable with my 2003 Ford Explorer. The anti-lock brake system was malfunctioning in icy, slushy, snowing conditions, while driving North on CA-89 between Truckee and Sierraville. Having 4Low, I was able complete my trip. Otherwise I had no braking ability during that segment of road. I absolutely hate anti-lock brakes, but truely love 4Low! Also, 4 low makes the throttle control more precise.
I had the brakes on my work F350 fail when I was out in the bush one day. I started driving back to our remote camp and the brake pedal went to the floor when I pressed it. Luckily I was able to come to a stop and put it into 4Lo. Then crawled back to camp. It was a 5 hour ride on the tow truck back to town the next day…one way 😂
I prefer 4 LOW whenever possible, as it is far easier on the transmission. This is due to the higher rotation per torque ratio that acts on the transmission as well as higher apply pressure of transmission clutches due to higher transmission pump speeds. It is a win-win.
Slow speeds going thru trails and technical turns and speed hills also helps keep the transmission temps down. If I pull a heavy trailer Offroad and am under 20 mph I’ll go to 4low and the transmission never gets hot.
Click here to watch a full video of 11 others mistakes new off-roaders make. th-cam.com/video/hGZc4sy9qik/w-d-xo.html
I had an 05 and learned the hard way about how to use 4x4 this guy is a real ally
2020+ wrangler 4xe manual recommends a less than 3 mph roll to engage 4-Lo. Worked better than stopped. My Square body does not care if you’re slightly rolling or stopped. I had a Ford that was a push button 4WD and that thing was a pain. Roll backwards then forward, say a prayer, sacrifice a goat and sit through a seminar. Then MAYBE it would go 4-Lo!!
4xe are all garbage
Lol 😂
My ‘21 Wrangler Sport recommends the same thing. Must just be the style of transfer case in the JL. It’s almost impossible to get it into 4L without rolling slightly
@@IGrockerdont think its just the JLs. I got a 07 JK and the manual also says slow roll is best to engage 4 LO.
It’s also a lot easier on your transmission, especially in sand or anything with a lot of rolling resistance
Always unless flater trail or in-between trails , ive had less issues with trans getting hot when in low
I love this kind of advice! I bought a Rubicon a while ago and I really love it. But I do have to learn how to use its features better. I've been to Moab, Little Moab, Hurricane, through the mountains, etc... The Jeep is just a fantastic vehicle for the trails. It's just wide enough too.
The question is, “do they know how to shift it to the low gear?”
I mean, some people have driven their Tesla to a gas station. 😅
Makes sense if the gas station has electric charges, as many of them do now.
Also makes sense if they are going to a gas station for other things than gas.
Um ... where else do you think I'm going to buy gas for the mower?
@@AlanMcYou but your mower is an electric mower.
@@berniedmj1
At one house, yes it is electric. The other house came with a gas mower. A real pain in the ass really, but I only need it once a year. Pretty hard to justify a change.
4 low also keeps trans temps down
Did a little bit of off-roading this weekend. My truck was in 4lo 95% of the time. Very rocky terrain and lots of uphills/downhills. It was nice just crawling in 4lo
Great presentation. I like the board. Thank you for sharing
I don't use 4-low as much. That's because I learned to off-road with really crappy vehicles and I developed a great deal of accelerator or clutch control. My current vehicles have such a tall axle ratio that I often forget. But I hate switching back and forth, so I may try leaving it in 4-low and see how it feels.
Also, know your vehicle. My brother has a 79 Jeep CJ7. In order to use 4wd, you have to get out and lock the front wheel hubs first, then shift into 4wd. My XJ is much easier, stop, shift to neutral, then shift into 4wd.
Thanks for that info ℹ️
When I use 4low in my jeep gladiator with the manual transmission I like to use 1st gear and sometimes 2nd gear for different obstacles.
As soon as I get off a graded road I put in in 4 low. I find it funny that some people think is somehow macho to do a trail without going into 4wd and especially low 4wd.
Yep, gotta leave that ego at home!
I am often with a group that does this. I feel like it is one thing as a game, like let's see how far I can go, but there's a big difference between that and puffing out your chest saying "Oh you used 4WD? I DIDN'T NEED IT!" It's kind of like using a screwdriver when you have a drill on your tool belt.
People don't seem to realize how much refusing to switch into 4WD can tear up the trails too. I get that it's a fun challenge, but people need to show some basic respect for the trails and save that stuff for OHV areas that are already chopped up.
It drives me especially crazy as someone who frequently has to use these dirt access roads for work. A beat up trail can be fun on my own time in my own truck. Trying to get a bone stock fleet truck through them in a timely manner... not so much.
I keep it in 4 low 99% of the time
It's wild that my Pro4X has a lower gear ratio than the Rubicon. 4low is my go-to for steep ascents but more so the control on steep descents is significantly better than the hill descent feature
Good info. Theres also a note on usage. I came from swampy delta land. Lows not that great in mud. Wheel speed to clear tread makes a diff. On rock and trail. Def low. Gotta know your rig combination and capabilities
I was taught 4L before I was shown 4H. 😂 74' Land cruiser 1st gear 4L crawl while I walk next to it.
It amazes me how many people do not have mechanical knowledge. I do the high mountain passes in CO, going down steep stretches in 4 low really helps, use engine braking and let it go slow with no foot on the brake pedal.
4 low plus turning maxx regen on is really fun !
You are also running much higher transmission/ T-case temps in low range. We dont like doing that any more than necessary when ambient temps are over 100°F
That's how I learned to drive a four-wheeler when I was 8 years old idling behind my father and his friends while they were Jack snipe hunting, thanks Dad! I wish they still made Jeeps like they used to they did not have computer sensors , chips and circuit boards that are ruined when they get wet but they have a snorkel on the air intake that looks cool I guess and a few years ago there were a lot of Toyotas with snorkels in town but there is only one around here that is still running because he has not had it in water
Using 4Lo for anyone who’s new new to wheeling if you’re unsure of a line or an obstacle use it. As you wheel and get better you’ll learn when YOU need it and when you don’t.
Same goes for Range Rovers, yes it's capable, but when doing some off-road driving, I've noticed a hell of a smoother and nicer experience when using low-range gearing with the correct traction control program. I now use it all the time when going off-road when compared to when I started taking it off-road.
I got a 2020 Ram 1500 that I recently took off-roading, kept it 4Lo the entire time. I didnt even need to give it gas when I was going through trails, the truck would pull itself through all I had to do was keep my foot over the brake pedal for when I needed to slow down. Only time I got stuck is when it got high centered cause its still sitting at stock height, but other than that one time the truck did perfectly climbed up near vertical hills like they were nothing
A 6 speed manual JL is challenging to drive slowly in the high ranges thanks to the crappy gear ratios and lack of low end torque. (even with 4.88s) I usually hit 4 low the second the terrain isn't flat.
It's in general a good idea to put the JK and JL in 4Low even when it could handle the trail in 4High. This is especially true for the Diesel. The gearbox gets far too hot in 4High. The Diesel has a lot of torque and with this the JK could handle harder trails in 4High but the converter gets very hot.
I generally use 4 Low when going up hill on trails, also if I'm doing some obstacles. Now, my last truck did not have locking differentials. My current one has a locking rear differential. I can't wait to try it out soon.
I like that my truck is a 4 speed with granny low, 4 high in first gear feels like low range in most trucks, it's nice to chug around at 3 mph and be able to bang threw a gear or two and get up to 40 mph without switching the Tcase
Funny we just got home. We did not take our phones and I was yelling at the 4L. I open youtube to this video. We just used it for the first time. We only had the Jeep for 3 days. We got a lot of snow and my daughter needed picked up back a trail. The Jeep didn't want to go in or out of 4L easily the first time but it worked well in the deep snow.
I learned this summer love it
I use 4 LO anytime I'm going down a dirt road. My vehicle goes too fast if it's not in 4 low. about 20 mph as said and will go up to 3rd in 4 low if needed. Keeps me from burning up the brakes. Nissan Pathfinder 2011 LE.
Hell, I use 4 low hitching a trailer and sometimes backing one too. Just for the control when you have to creep back.
Low gear for better micro movements at a crawl speed. As in high gear gives you optimal efficiency, performance and control at high speeds.
I use it quite a bit just for added control and slowing down and enjoying the scenery. Not always on the flat but on occasion.
I got 4.88 gears, and a 6 speed fully locked is absolutely crazy 4 low is pretty smooth
I'm TOTALLY a noob offroader, having bought a 2024 Colorado ZR2 mid March, but "softroaded" my 2010 RAV4 AWD V6 since it was new (taking it places I probably shouldn't - but it always made it). The capabilities of even a stock ZR2 are absurd, so, I'm trying to learn as I go. I think the experience gained in the RAV4 over the years helps, because with no low range (though 1st was actually pretty low), limited clearance, and more importantly, no skidplates, made me VERY careful in picking lines. So far in 5 full days at Moab and a 1/2 day on the Front Range in CO, I've only used Low range (and the front locker) once, on a pretty steep and loose hill, and it worked perfectly, zero slip at all. So far, I haven't done anything else I felt was tough enough to need Low range, but hope to soon! Great vids, keep up the good work, and hope to see you out on the trail one day!
Not to mention 4L keeps transmission temps diwn on obstacles and climbs
Was climbing Mt Princeton in Colorado, following a friend and he kept complaining his trans temps were climbing. We even had to stop and eat lunch on a switchback to let it cool off. After reaching the summit and enjoying the view, we headed down. When he downshifted for the descent, he realized that he hadn't ever shifted into 4Low, and he's an experienced off roader! Just a forgetful oversite that nearly cost him a trans!
My 05 Yukon when 4low works. My 4runner technical or steep descent.
I have an 03 ford expedition Eddie. Bauer addition. I’ve used 4 low when pulling a car out of a ditch that had two flat tires.
My pathfinder was the first 4x4 that had a shifter and not a switch. I ended up grinding gears because I was putting it in neutral fist. Quickly shift past neutral straight into 4 low and back into 4 high don’t take your time.
Excellent tutorial 👍
In a stick shift you just go into 1st just below idle speed then clutch in and yank back to 4L
I put my tj in 4-low and 2nd or 3rd gear and cruise the trails I love it
One of the box trucks at my job is a '23 international cv that has 4wd and is sometimes a little odd about letting you shift into 4hi or 4lo, though you do have to get out to lock the hubs
Which iteration of the Wrangler you have makes a difference on how you put it in 4 low. My 2009 JKU absolutely will not go into 4 low if I'm stopped. I have to be moving about 3mph to get it into low, which is what the manual says to do.
My 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe is pretty straight forward. Just shift it into neutral and then press the drive mode selector buttons on the left hand side of the steering wheel and select 4 low and then return the vehicle to drive.
I remember when I had my 02 suzuki grand vitara I had to pull my dad's chevy venture out of the back yard. I didn't know much about pulling other then watching yotube. I over aired the tires on the van I couldn't find the front tow point so I used the used the front cross member under the hood. We'll anyway I put the suzuki in 4low and 1st and the wife in the drivers seat of the van to steer. I went really slow 5mph max. I was surprised pulling almost 4k lbs with a slight up hill.
You are so right 👍
2 low is where it’s at for my Jeep, makes the tight trails that much easier.
Plus the full range of gears instead of revving out first and bogging in second
Or if you're an SSG in the army, and you have no idea how 4 wheel drive works, you slam that hmmwv transfer case lever while still in motion, and ignore the horrible grinding sound.
I see this a lot while offroading
This why i prefer manual hubs, you essentially have the option to run in 2lo !
When I get into the thick, I always prefer 4-low and 2nd gear. I’ve watched so many other channels and videos of people playing with all the new available adjustments in the new four-wheel-drive systems and is quite irritating. I don’t have time to sit around and select whether it’s sand mud snow, concrete asphalt or anything else. Just lock it in and go.
Keeps your transmission cooler too
My np205 doesn't have to be at a complete stop. As long as the tires are not turning, I can shift. Get up some speed lock the brakes and shift while sliding.
Man, those old four wheelers were tough to get into 4low. My '96 Explorer, I'd just flip a switch.
A general rule that I tell people is this: if the conditions of the road require you to drive slow enough to allow 4L then you should just use 4L. I say 15mph or under. Once they get more experience they will learn for themselves what kind of terrain works best in 4L.
It also turns off traction control and anti skid on some vehicles- so you can have some fun!
I use 4 low when driving up the ramps to change the oil. So much more controlled, don't even need to use the gas pedal.
I rarely ever use 4low, but I also like to giveher the beans and thrash my way through. The difference between bolt on jeeps and a LS swapped Toyota haha
With tyres like these you definitely need it!!!
High gear becomes an overdrive!!!
Genuine question: been driving manual for 3 years but have never gone off-roading- am I gonna cook my clutch if I go and any tips on how not to?
Don’t make the rookie mistake on certain terrain on real steep downhills that you can’t get the wheel speed up to match the jeeps slide speed if it breaks loose& good help you if it catches again . In an auto you better be quick to neutral or fast clutch in the manual 👍
Some jeeps especially those with the selec trac system if you look in the owners manual you don’t stop put it in neutral then shift to 4low. You slow down to about 4 miles per hour and shift into neutral and while coasting in neutral at 2-4 mph you shift into 4 low. Better hope you are on flat ground or a decline. Your not going to going to coast very far in neutral going up hill 😅
And lock your hubs in if you have freewheeling hubs. Don't rely on the auto-locking format of locking hubs.
To anyone who doesn't know he built the Red 392 JL, his wife's yellow 2 Door JL, and the kitted out Silver JK
I aspire to be like this man, good morals and attitude; and even better taste in jeeps
I just like to wheel in 2wd, if stuff gets sketchy, go to 4HI, and if its a little sketchier, go to 4LO. To each his own. I'm not saying this guy is wrong (i feel like its pretty obvious, but im gonna say it just in case), just sharing what i do as another perspective on it.
Also useful for hooking up and moving trailers in tight/tricky spots.
My rigs don't always turn the best in 4-low. But I do use 4-low to get the camper up on leveling blocks. Works great, in fact that's one of the reasons I insisted my tow rig have 4WD.
I put my scout 2 into 4 low one time. I'm still waiting for it to catch up.
4 low helps backing up a trailer as well.
Always in 4 low and manual shift.
I also see a lot of people that refuse to air down And they Just fly Like a Bad out Of hell
Was descending a Mountain on a trail and 4 lo saved me. My brakes were way too hot and it just crept itself down the mountain
You can always tell a city slicker from us country bumpkins in a Jeep too…🤠🤣 Concrete Jungle does not = Off the beaten path..😁
Can I use 4 low with any other major gear, like 2nd or 3rd..🤔🤔🤔🤔
Yes
4L is my go to, I don't off road much.....I have a 2018 JL sport s 2dr, do some of the easier trails like Burns canyon.
This video is some great advice! However the very first mistake that all these off-roaders made was getting a Jeep instead of a Yota! ;-}
Great to have no worries but this nonsense! Sorry but I can’t get into this mindset. But good for you if you like it. 😂😂
I always cringe a bit when a random guy from the group pipes up with “i havent even take it out of 2 high yet” like dude its not contest to idle 2k higher than the group. Your rig will thank you on the ascent by not puking coolant all over the trail or grenading a set if ring gears pulling 100% when they could have been pulling 50:50
4Lo is trouble when it coms to mud.
Lo range does NOT help on a muddy slick downhill. No tires is designed for that. The tires will not clean out nor grab unless the wheel speed is tremendous. Impossible to do riding the brakes.
On hardpack or rock, it really matters if you have open diffs or lockers, too.
Many 4WD systems are not full time, too.
Ive got hill decent mode, but have not tried it yet
I used 4L for the 1st time and my Jeep kept launching forward with high rpm’s when I barely stepped on the gas. Is that normal? Didn’t feel normal. I have manual if that matters. 4H drives like normal.
Note:
With Shifting into your transfer case, it could be EITHER "Park" or "neutral".
It depends on your truck. Try both.
Great to have no worries but this nonsense! Sorry but I can’t get into this mindset. But good for you if you like it. 😂😂can you do this without a flannel shirt?
Some has the old schools stick shifts and the knob on the dashboard
4wd low is an insurance policy… lists of horses power and 4wd hi off road usually equals breakage or stupid situational opportunities.