Driving jeep in low 4x4

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Daren
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Driving jeep in low 4x4

Post by Daren » Wed Feb 28, 2018 1:08 am

Hi all, might be a bit of a dumb question but is it OK to drive my GPW in low 4x4 on roads in the snow or will it suffer transmission wind up? I know old land rovers didn't like 4x4 in dry conditions is this the same for a jeep?
Thanks
Daren
1942 Ford GPW
Scun Thorpe UK


Wolfman
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Re: Driving jeep in low 4x4

Post by Wolfman » Wed Feb 28, 2018 4:40 am

4x4 hi or low on a dry surface is not good.
4x4 territory is places like dirt, mud, sand gravel, snow, ice, etc.
Thing you really need to watch, in 4x4, on snow and especially ice, is loss of steering control when slowing from higher speeds. Because the front wheels are connected to the drive train, engine braking from speed can cause the front wheels lose traction and slide. You will lose steering control.
Mike Wolford
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Marty, SoCal
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Re: Driving jeep in low 4x4

Post by Marty, SoCal » Sat Mar 03, 2018 4:04 pm

If you are driving on ice, might be a good time to break out the tire chains! :wink:
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W. Winget
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Re: Driving jeep in low 4x4

Post by W. Winget » Sat Mar 03, 2018 6:09 pm

IMHO
If the road allows for some slipping of the wheels your jeep will be fine. If it's just wet slush I would not use 4 low or high until moving onto a slippery surface again. Although not a high mileage jeep, my GPW has run fine with zero drive train problems with front driveshaft in place, no freewheeling hubs or modifications fore 25 years now. If it's slippery and I need 4 wheel drive it goes in when the vehicle needs it, then out immediately after the need diminishes. The speed your driving in 4 low should be relatively low as well, if it's bucking or jerking it would indicate time to switch back to 2w drive....listen to your jeep, it will talk to ya. :|
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Daren
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Re: Driving jeep in low 4x4

Post by Daren » Sun Mar 04, 2018 8:38 am

Thanks for that info, I drove it like you have said, only using low 4 when there was the likely hood of slippage.
Regards
Daren
1942 Ford GPW
Scun Thorpe UK


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