Twinfin

I wish we got snow here in North Carolina.. Once every 13 years is pretty slim pickings to use 4wd in snow...

BimmerJeeper

The only reason I own this XJ is for winter snow driving!
And for short trips that are bad for the motor, I guess.
Saves wear and tear on my main ride.

bullettooth2008

What's that the Vespa?

BimmerJeeper

"bimmerjeeper"

Twinfin

Finally got some snow in Raleigh guess all I had to do was ask. Finally got to use the 4wd been a long time for actual needed use. Long enough that I was amazed at how well it worked. Gotta love xj's.

F1Addict

Are you sure about that? My driveway is 19.5º, leaf-free, and made of concrete but if I'm not careful my tires (6 month-old Goodyear Wrangler Radials) will spin if it's damp. I can't imagine another 12º.

When you're going sideways?

I recently had the chance to drive in varying snow conditions but all of it was off-road. With 4-6 inches of snow on the road (graded gravel/dirt in summer) I was able to easily cruise at 50-60mph in 4hi with no loss of traction. In 2wd I couldn't go over 20 without losing the back end, sometimes... spectacularly. I did a little better on fresh powder but it was still easy to swap ends, if the snow was compacted or crusted it was virtually impossible to get anywhere. Again, this was with new Wrangler Radials. At the time they had less than 1000 miles on them.

tmj91

Your problem might be those wrangler radials. I HATE those tires. Awful traction in any condition that isn't brand new concrete in the middle of the desert.

exjay1027

I'll take being able to cruise at 60 with traction in six inches of snow

HarlemJeep

Out of ford, toyota, bmw, honda, and subaru the Jeep has been my favorite to drive in the snow. Especially I love the 4x4 on the fly, when we had snow last week and the freeway wasnt plowed yet I was going around to pass a car, as soon as the back end started kicking out I pulled the lever and I was gone.

black label

I've got a potentially stoopid question regarding engaging 4wd in a 5 speed manual.

Should I push the clutch before engaging? Does it make a difference whether the clutch is in or out? I have no owners manual ( big surprise for the 4th owner of a 21 year old vehicle).

At 256,600 miles I'd like to do this in whatever way is least stressful for the driveline.

cruiser54

Do NOT depress the clutch from 2H to 4H and back.

black label

Thanks!

investinwaffles

My 231 + AX15 5 speed likes to be in gear to go from 2 to 4-hi. So I just leave it in gear, back off the throttle a little, engage the lever, and then let fully off the gas.

It's pretty fast once you get used to it.