Command Trac and Urban Winter Diving
01-01-2019, 07:31 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Rosemount, Minnesota
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Command Trac and Urban Winter Diving
I have a 98 Cherokee that’s the first Cherokee I’ve owned with Command Trac. I live near Minneapolis, Minnesota and the primary use of my XJ is urban commuting even though I would eventually like to outfit her for Overland Camping. I’ve done some research on the forum into converting her to Selec Trac but have found out what I have currently is considered to be the better transfer case with more aftermarket support. So my question is how do I use Command Trac in an urban environment and what risks am I taking when using it on wet or snowy pavement. For the record, I will be investing in a set of winter tires shortly so hopefully that will reduce the need for 4wd. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Eric
01-01-2019, 08:10 PM
#2
Seasoned Member
Selec trac is the set it and forget it "Part Time 4WD" where you can throw it on if there are patches of snow and you can just carry on driving and let the case do the work for you, engaging when it deems necessary. Command trac is only as smart as your shifting is, you're going to be switching in and out a lot or just not using it in some scenarios where you might have used selec trac before. The only reason you would want aftermarket support for the transfer case is if you're interested in putting in an SYE. If you're not going overboard with a lift that probably won't be necessary and you might be interested in swapping in a different case. The case you have is widely regard as the stronger of the two which only really matters in heavy offroading applications IMO.
Edit: I realize I didn't directly answer your question. To be more specific you'll likely be using Command trac to get yourself out of your snowed in parallel parking spot and then turning it off unless the streets are still covered with snow or ice. Driving with 4WD on dry pavement is bad for everything
Edit: I realize I didn't directly answer your question. To be more specific you'll likely be using Command trac to get yourself out of your snowed in parallel parking spot and then turning it off unless the streets are still covered with snow or ice. Driving with 4WD on dry pavement is bad for everything
Last edited by ixanay_on-the_exjay; 01-01-2019 at 08:13 PM.
01-01-2019, 08:37 PM
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 2,562
Received 250 Likes
on
168 Posts
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
I use my NP231 in urban commuting all year round. Just throw it into 4wd when needed, like taking off from a stop or when you feel wheel spin, and put it back in 2wd when you're moving. When it snows, I probably shift in and out of 4wd 5-10 times in a trip.
As long as the conditions are slick, you should be fine. Just don't leave it in 4wd when the roads are dry. Get used to steering too. No center diff can make for some fun, sideways times if you're heavy on the throttle.
Last edited by Battle; 01-01-2019 at 08:39 PM.
01-01-2019, 09:02 PM
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Rosemount, Minnesota
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Thanks for the advice guys, that's how I have been driving for the most part. I did shift it into part time for a while this weekend when I started fishtailing on some pavement that was about 50% packed snow. But I think that was more a function of lousy tires than driving in 2wd. I hope to add a mild 3" lift in the next month or so along with a couple sets of seasonal tires. Hopefully that will make a big difference. Thanks again! E
01-02-2019, 05:24 AM
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 2,562
Received 250 Likes
on
168 Posts
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Legitimate winter tires help out a ton too. I have WinterForces on my commuter XJ and General Grabber Artics on my Subaru. That car, even with AWD and a rear limited slip, will slide and barely stop with all seasons when it snows.
01-06-2019, 09:49 AM
#7
CF Veteran
I'm an acknowleged 242 fan-boy, they're great for snowy conditions - or anywhere that you keep hitting good traction/bad traction.
But a 242 isn't the only answer, an LSD in the rear is also great for snow in 2WD and of course tyres are the biggest consideration for just about any conditions.
But a 242 isn't the only answer, an LSD in the rear is also great for snow in 2WD and of course tyres are the biggest consideration for just about any conditions.
Trending Topics
01-06-2019, 10:52 AM
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Hunt County Texas
Posts: 1,096
Received 164 Likes
on
139 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I’ve done some research on the forum into converting her to Selec Trac but have found out what I have currently is considered to be the better transfer case with more aftermarket support
FWIW a HD version of the 242 is used in a bunch of different vehicles and even the AM General HMMWV (Hummvee)
If it's good enough for the crap I've seen HMMWVs get put through I dont think any thing the XJ can throw at it makes it any less desirable than the 231.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
turtle6364
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
7
10-15-2014 08:36 PM
idaxj97
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
12-31-2009 11:25 AM
inkonmylar
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
12-16-2009 03:18 PM
fast68
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
08-21-2009 01:47 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)