Jeep 4×4 Technology FAQs
Jeep 4×4 Technology FAQs
Learn More from Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Prosper
For more than eighty years, stories of Jeep’s all-terrain capability have been told far and wide. This capability is what the Jeep brand was founded on, and it is still a value the brand holds close. One of the ways Jeep continues to provide drivers with superior off-road capabilities is with its 4×4 technologies. This goes beyond the brand’s impressive 4×4 systems to include undercarriage protection, enhanced wheel articulation, greater durability, and more! Here at Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Prosper, we want you to have a full understanding of just how impressive Jeep 4×4 vehicles are. So, please continue reading below to take a close look at all the 4×4 technologies Jeep uses to enhance its vehicle’s capabilities!
What Are Jeep’s 4×4 Systems?
At the heart of Jeep’s off-roading success are many different 4×4 systems across the lineup, with variations of each. For example, the Grand Cherokee’s first 4×4 system is Quadra-Trac I, which operates in 4-High at all times with a torque split of 48% to the front axle and 52% to the rear axle. Meanwhile, Quadra-Trac II offers greater traction with a two-speed transfer case which adds a 4-Low mode for greater amounts of torque at lower speeds, and Quadra-Drive II adds a two-speed transfer case and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. Meanwhile, the Wrangler and Gladiator both come with Command-Trac part-time 4×4 as standard equipment, allowing drivers to shift between two-wheel drive (2WD), 4WD high (4-HI), and 4-LO modes. Meanwhile, Selec-Trac full-time 4×4 is available, essentially removing the necessity for driver input using sensors to detect wheel slip and counteract it by redirecting torque to the wheels with the most traction. Finally, Rock-Trac, exclusive to the Rubicon trims, provides a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 gear ratio in 4-LO, delivering unrivaled traction at low speeds. Finally, the Compass, Cherokee, and Renegade use Active Drive systems, which come with Active Drive, Active Drive Low, and Active Drive Lock variants.
Does Jeep Have a Traction Management System?
Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system system is available for the Active Drive, Quadra-Trac, and Quadra-Drive 4×4 systems. Selec-Terrain allows drives to choose between Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow, and Auto drive modes, while Rock mode is exclusive to the Jeep Compass, Cherokee, Renegade, and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models. The Selec-Terrain system makes adjustments to the vehicle’s power output, electronic stability control, transmission shift points, and torque split to automatically adapt to the selected road condition to provide the best possible traction. When in Auto mode, the system is in control, using sensors to detect road conditions and making the necessary adjustments on the fly. Sand/Mud mode, however, optimizes the torque split and power output to reduce wheel spin on loose gravel or thick mud. Meanwhile, when you choose Sport mode, the transmission shift points are raised, allowing the engine to reach higher RPMs before the gears change to provide maximum power output for an exciting driving experience. Snow mode runs similarly to Sand/Mud mode with slight variations in the adjustments to best handle snow. When a Jeep is equipped with a two-speed transfer case, Snow mode automatically shifts it into 4-LO. Lastly, Rock Mode shifts the transfer case into 4-LO and lowers the transmission shift points to provide higher amounts of torque at low speeds. This provides the power necessary to move the wheels over rocky terrain smoothly.
What Other 4×4 Technologies Does Jeep Use?
Jeep uses an array of other advanced technologies to aid in their 4×4 models’ capabilities. For example, the Wrangler Rubicon, Gladiator Rubicon, and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk come exclusively with an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. This allows you to unlink the front sway bar at the push of a button to allow the front wheels to rise and drop further, improving what is called wheel articulation. Additionally, Jeep 4×4 models use a front and rear differential, splitting power between the front and rear wheels. This allows the axles to spin at different speeds depending on which wheels have the most traction. Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rubicon models come with locking differentials, which allow you to lock either the rear or both differentials. To “lock” a differential means that the wheels on the axle with the locked differential will move at the same speed, and when both differentials are locked, all four wheels will be driven at the same speed. This allows the vehicle to carry momentum over jagged terrain. Other technologies and features Jeep uses on its 4×4 vehicles include underbody skid plates to protect the vehicle’s critical components on the undercarriage, Rock Rails for additional protection while off-roading, and Dana 44 solid axles for a smooth, quiet, and durable ride.
Where Can I get a Jeep 4×4 Near Dallas, TX?
Jeep vehicles come with a wide range of 4×4 systems and an even broader range of advanced technologies to aid in the brand’s legendary all-terrain capability. If you’re in the Dallas, Texas area looking for a highly capable 4×4 vehicle, then look no further than the Jeep inventory here at Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in nearby Prosper! Here you can find a wide range of Jeep 4×4 models like the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and more! With questions about our Jeep inventory, please refer to the contact form below and a friendly sales professional will be happy to answer them for you!