Sandstone

I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.

Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?

For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?

I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?

What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?

TIA

Billy Ray

I would keep searching for a Select-Trac.

You NEVER want to be in 4wd with Command Trac on ANY hard surface where the
tires are not free to slip/slide unless you want to replace tires and drive
components a premature death.

While you are searching also look for one with the vari-lock axles.

Are you able to order a new Jeep and still get the "family" price or is it
just limited to dealer stock?

The dealer can type what you are looking for into the computer locater and
they can find what you need. They can search for used jeeps also..

--
..
Billy_Ray@SPAM.fuse.net (remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?
>
> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?
>
> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?
>
> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?
>
> TIA
>
>
>

Billy Ray

I would keep searching for a Select-Trac.

You NEVER want to be in 4wd with Command Trac on ANY hard surface where the
tires are not free to slip/slide unless you want to replace tires and drive
components a premature death.

While you are searching also look for one with the vari-lock axles.

Are you able to order a new Jeep and still get the "family" price or is it
just limited to dealer stock?

The dealer can type what you are looking for into the computer locater and
they can find what you need. They can search for used jeeps also..

--
..
Billy_Ray@SPAM.fuse.net (remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?
>
> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?
>
> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?
>
> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?
>
> TIA
>
>
>

Billy Ray

I would keep searching for a Select-Trac.

You NEVER want to be in 4wd with Command Trac on ANY hard surface where the
tires are not free to slip/slide unless you want to replace tires and drive
components a premature death.

While you are searching also look for one with the vari-lock axles.

Are you able to order a new Jeep and still get the "family" price or is it
just limited to dealer stock?

The dealer can type what you are looking for into the computer locater and
they can find what you need. They can search for used jeeps also..

--
..
Billy_Ray@SPAM.fuse.net (remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?
>
> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?
>
> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?
>
> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?
>
> TIA
>
>
>

Billy Ray

I would keep searching for a Select-Trac.

You NEVER want to be in 4wd with Command Trac on ANY hard surface where the
tires are not free to slip/slide unless you want to replace tires and drive
components a premature death.

While you are searching also look for one with the vari-lock axles.

Are you able to order a new Jeep and still get the "family" price or is it
just limited to dealer stock?

The dealer can type what you are looking for into the computer locater and
they can find what you need. They can search for used jeeps also..

--
..
Billy_Ray@SPAM.fuse.net (remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?
>
> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?
>
> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?
>
> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?
>
> TIA
>
>
>

Stephen Cowell

"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?

No... it's always there. Wet pavement too. I won't even
use 4wd on hard dirt... some 4wd have a slight difference
between the front and rear diff ratios (like 4.10 and 4.11)
which will actually cause it to bind up unless there is some
slip or give. Slight tire diameter differences from front to
rear contribute as well.

> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?

Yes, see above.

> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?

Like I said, I normally don't. If you are intent on
going fast, then you'll put up with faster tire and
drivetrain wear and less efficiency. It's not as bad
as dry blacktop. Just be aware that in a turn, the
4wd can *cause* loss of traction on hard dirt...
that's when you oversteer and motor on through
the turn, just like normal soft-dirt 4wd. I don't
like the change in feel... I feel safer just going
through the turn in 2wd, slower.

When I say hard dirt, I mean *shiny*... like
emulsion-coated, no-dust-blowing roads.

> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?

Not in the slightest... like driving on ball
bearings. Have fun.
__
Steve
..

Stephen Cowell

"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?

No... it's always there. Wet pavement too. I won't even
use 4wd on hard dirt... some 4wd have a slight difference
between the front and rear diff ratios (like 4.10 and 4.11)
which will actually cause it to bind up unless there is some
slip or give. Slight tire diameter differences from front to
rear contribute as well.

> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?

Yes, see above.

> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?

Like I said, I normally don't. If you are intent on
going fast, then you'll put up with faster tire and
drivetrain wear and less efficiency. It's not as bad
as dry blacktop. Just be aware that in a turn, the
4wd can *cause* loss of traction on hard dirt...
that's when you oversteer and motor on through
the turn, just like normal soft-dirt 4wd. I don't
like the change in feel... I feel safer just going
through the turn in 2wd, slower.

When I say hard dirt, I mean *shiny*... like
emulsion-coated, no-dust-blowing roads.

> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?

Not in the slightest... like driving on ball
bearings. Have fun.
__
Steve
..

Stephen Cowell

"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?

No... it's always there. Wet pavement too. I won't even
use 4wd on hard dirt... some 4wd have a slight difference
between the front and rear diff ratios (like 4.10 and 4.11)
which will actually cause it to bind up unless there is some
slip or give. Slight tire diameter differences from front to
rear contribute as well.

> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?

Yes, see above.

> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?

Like I said, I normally don't. If you are intent on
going fast, then you'll put up with faster tire and
drivetrain wear and less efficiency. It's not as bad
as dry blacktop. Just be aware that in a turn, the
4wd can *cause* loss of traction on hard dirt...
that's when you oversteer and motor on through
the turn, just like normal soft-dirt 4wd. I don't
like the change in feel... I feel safer just going
through the turn in 2wd, slower.

When I say hard dirt, I mean *shiny*... like
emulsion-coated, no-dust-blowing roads.

> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?

Not in the slightest... like driving on ball
bearings. Have fun.
__
Steve
..

Stephen Cowell

"Sandstone" <spambucket@infowest.com> wrote in message
news:430E7FAC.AED5F286@infowest.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?

No... it's always there. Wet pavement too. I won't even
use 4wd on hard dirt... some 4wd have a slight difference
between the front and rear diff ratios (like 4.10 and 4.11)
which will actually cause it to bind up unless there is some
slip or give. Slight tire diameter differences from front to
rear contribute as well.

> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?

Yes, see above.

> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?

Like I said, I normally don't. If you are intent on
going fast, then you'll put up with faster tire and
drivetrain wear and less efficiency. It's not as bad
as dry blacktop. Just be aware that in a turn, the
4wd can *cause* loss of traction on hard dirt...
that's when you oversteer and motor on through
the turn, just like normal soft-dirt 4wd. I don't
like the change in feel... I feel safer just going
through the turn in 2wd, slower.

When I say hard dirt, I mean *shiny*... like
emulsion-coated, no-dust-blowing roads.

> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?

Not in the slightest... like driving on ball
bearings. Have fun.
__
Steve
..

Steve

You can shift in and out of 4HI as required at speeds up to 55 MPH. You
can safely run 4HI on short, straight stretches of high traction
surfaces (even asphalt), especially when there is loose stuff ahead to
allow unwinding.

Don't worry too much about using 4HI on anything but asphalt or
concrete. Even very hard packed dirt will allow enough wheel slip.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


Sandstone wrote:
> I'm thinking about buying a Jeep Liberty. I know Selec-Trac may be a
> better option but all the Libertys I've looked at have Command-Trac.
> Selec-Trac just rarer than hen's teeth around here. Command-Trac might
> be OK but I'm worried about the 4Hi limitations.
>
> Does the problem with 4Hi on dry pavement only occur when turning?
>
> For the sake of argument, if you *only* drive in a straight line on dry
> pavement, no matter what the speed, then is there any 4HI problem?
>
> I'm concerned about driving on hard dirt or clay roads that have
> intermittent trouble areas (e.g., deep sand or mud spots). Do I dare
> drive in 4Hi on roads like this, or are they equivalent to dry pavement
> scenarios? What are others experiences in situations like this?
>
> What about gravel roads - are they problematic in 4Hi?
>
> TIA