4WD Turning Radius

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Jul 19, 2011 | 03:48 PM

#16

prerunner1982

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,495

Likes: 3

From: Edmond, OK

Year: 1993

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 ltr

Here is a comparison I did awhile back.. When I first got my 4wd XJ I was impressed by the tight turning radius versus the 4wd Chevy s10 Blazer my wife had been driving.

Originally posted 5/5/2009;

Quote:

Originally Posted by prerunner1982

I have noticed my XJ turns a lot better than my wifes s10 Blazer. Just for giggles I researched the wheelbases of various vehicles and the turning radius. I could not find a turning radius for the Blazer to compare. But check out the Cherokee radius compared to the Chevy Cavalier. I thought that was pretty impressive.

Make/model wheelbase turning radius
99 Jeep Cherokee 101" 17.9'
09 Ford Escape 103" 18.3'
00 Chevy Suburban 130" 21.7'
05 Chevy Cavalier 104" 17.8'
10 Ford Edge 110" 18.8'
01 Hummer 130" 26.5'
97 Geo Metro 93" 15.7'
05 GMC Envoy 113" 18.2'
05 Jeep Liberty 104" 17.9'
08 Toyota FJ 106" 20.9'
05 Toyota 4runner 110" 18.7'

I appears the Cherokee/Liberty has one of the best turning radius in it's class.
But check out the FJs radius.. The suburban has 2' more wheelbase but only 1' bigger radius. The FJ has 2" longer wheelbase than the Liberty but 3' bigger radius.

Last edited by prerunner1982; Jul 19, 2011 at 05:09 PM.

Jul 19, 2011 | 04:54 PM

#17

Firestorm500

CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 4,734

Likes: 12

Year: 2015, 2012

Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)

Engine: 3.6L

Yes, the XJ turns so tight the front end can about kiss the back end.

Jul 19, 2011 | 05:49 PM

#18

sycoglitch

CF Veteran

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 12,692

Likes: 6

From: Mercer County, NJ

Year: 2001

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L I6 HO

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewKindOfClown

I do have the 231, but I also have worn out street tires that I got very cheap. The gravel was loose, and the road was fresh blacktop, downhill, with water running down it.

Edit: I only use 4wd on roads if I've lost traction there in 2wd before. Yes, I also slow down, but it's an added comfort. Unless it's gonna cause longterm damage? I avoid sharp turns in 4wd whenever I can by switching to 2wd or making a 3-point turn, but I have tried to make a sharp turn before, and I know it hops, so I wanted to understand why.

It hops cause the front and rear tires are spinning at the same rate Nd as you take a turn to sharp the tires are not following the same path and the np231 cAnt make up for it with it's gearing but the np242 can, it let's the tires go at different paths and allows it. Also as for slippery roads and the np231 if there is a damp road and extra traction is needed you can use 4hi but when I say extra traction I don't mean a damp road going straight but a damp steep hill.

Jul 19, 2011 | 07:00 PM

#19

NewKindOfClown

Thread Starter

Moderator of Jeeps

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 21,029

Likes: 3

From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH

Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler

Engine: 4.0 I6

I was up in the mountains (hills) and some of the drops are pretty steep. I'm not the most mechanically inclined, but I know not to use 4wd unless I feel like it will make a difference. May not need it, but you know the old adage...

- Tim