Opinions: jeep wj 4.0 v6 AWD or 4lo?

[Ray1]

Interested to hear anyone's experience with the jeep grand cherokee WJ, 4.0 v6 with all wheel drive (quadradrive).

I've only been on a couple intermediate trips and a few newbie drives with the car since I got it recently, and mostly I've left it in AWD and 2nd, dropping to first gear for climbs, bigger side slopes or obstacles when might need power available. I've only put it in 4lo a few times to self recover or pull other cars.

Yesterday's intermediate trip was quite fast at times and on hard sand, one thing I missed was any noticeable engine braking when descending or coming down from side slope (in AWD and first gear usually) - would 4lo in second gear or drive give me more engine braking? Is it Worth the extra strain on engine and transmission and using more fuel?

At my current club level awd and 1st/2nd goes well, keeps up well with good power and hasn't been stuck yet, but I miss the natural braking from gears/engine when descending at speed. Softer sand might make a difference and slow the car down more naturally when descending.

If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts to add I'd be happy to see them here. Thanks!

[pbjeep]

Hi Ray,

I have very little engine brake in AWD with my WJ quadradrive. I use mostly 4lo, and only drop to 2nd or 1st on very steep downgrades, which gives excellent engine brake. If I keep in drive, keeping up to speed hasn't been an issue.

This past Saturday, with hard sand, I didn't drop into 4lo much, but had to use brakes going down.

Fuel use seems to be the same... I'll continue to test this theory.

I'll look forward to joining you for another ride. I got all my slots signed off and should be moved to Intermediate this week.

Paul

[Ray1]

Thanks Paul, i'll keep experimenting and find what works best - need to get in some soft sand again for comparison

[SCORPIO]

if your car is keeping up without struggling on AWD then keep on driving that way
yes you'll need to use the brake on hard sand and this is what we are all doing,
no need to stress your car under the 4LO just for having engine brake

my 2 fils
if you're doing good on 4H keep that way, use the foot brake gently
and avoid fast and aggressive approach to slopes, when side sloping
remove you foot from the accelerator at the right time and apply a
gentle foot brake, when side cresting don't worry the crest will suck
your power and stops you , when straight cresting also don't be
aggressive, its safer and you can stop your truck easily

one thing will help, if your ABS is ON by default with AWD then
it will be great if you can install a hack switch then you're absolutely fine

good luck

Jalal

[Xof]

and in addition to above, which is very good advice, when you are going down long slope, like in liwa, yes, it worth to stop at the top, shift to Low and 2nd... This will give you control.

[Ray1]

Thanks again for input