Apologies in advance if this inquiry is posted in wrong sub-forum and with the understanding that it may be addressed in other posts. With winter approaching, I was just wondering which would be preferred in slippery winter conditions, the wrangler's 4wd system or Quadra Drive (any year). In other words, if a JKU and WJ/WK/WK2 w/ Quadra Drive were both equipped with the identical tires, which would handle better in snowy and slippery conditions (not considering 4 low). I have a basic understanding of how each system works; own a 04 WJ Overland and 16 JKUR Hard Rock. I feel the Wrangler's system is preferable because of the slight delay in the QD system kicking in when wheel slip is detected. Thanks in advance.
Quadra Drive is better in mixed conditions. You do not want to run the Wrangler in 4wd on dry road, therefore you will be shifting in and out of 4wd continually and maybe not quick enough for the next slick spot. In full snow conditions, both with be about equal as the traction control in the Wrangler has about the same amount of slippage before engaging as the Quadra Drive. Overall, I would rather drive the WJ to work in winter conditions, but take the JK out to play in the neighborhood before the plow shows up.
My 4Runner and my old grand had the multiple 4 wheel drive options. I think jeep has called it selet trac and quadra track, others call it all wheel drive. I would pick those for winter driving.
My grand was older and didn't have a traction control system likc my 4Runner does. The traction control system in the 4Runner does well for winter driving, I am sure the Jeep's system would also work well.
A longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity is also advantageous.
The Wrangler's part-time 4x4 system is a crude "hardcore" system that isn't really meant for use on icy roads, nor does it do as good of a job as a full-time or AWD 4x4 system can on such surfaces. The Wrangler's part-time 4x4 system mechanically locks the front & rear axles together which can cause slipping/sliding on paved roads that are slick from snow and/or ice.
Full-time and more sophisticated full-time 4x4 systems like Quadradrive are more intelligent and can provide more useful/less slip/slide-prone traction than can a Wrangler's crude part-time all mechanical 4x4 system can during winter conditions.
I'm not criticizing the Wrangler 4x4 system, I've been happily using it for 20 years for hardcore offroading. I just wouldn't make it my first choice for navigating ice or snow-covered paved streets during the winter, I'd grab a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee with one of their more advanced full-time or AWD 4x4 systems for that if given a choice.
The Wrangler's part-time 4x4 system is a crude "hardcore" system that isn't really meant for use on icy roads, nor does it do as good of a job as a full-time or AWD 4x4 system can on such surfaces. The Wrangler's part-time 4x4 system mechanically locks the front & rear axles together which can cause slipping/sliding on paved roads that are slick from snow and/or ice. Full-time and more sophisticated full-time 4x4 systems like Quadradrive are more intelligent and can provide more useful/less slip/slide-prone traction than can a Wrangler's crude part-time all mechanical 4x4 system can during winter conditions. I'm not criticizing the Wrangler 4x4 system, I've been happily using it for 20 years for hardcore offroading. I just wouldn't make it my first choice for navigating ice or snow-covered paved streets during the winter, I'd grab a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee with one of their more advanced full-time or AWD 4x4 systems for that if given a choice.
I had the quadra-drive in my 04 GC. Part of the system is an automatic "locker" type limited slip that engaged with wheel spin. Not a true locker but better than an open by far. It was very nice around town, traction was pretty much always there and I never really had to think about it. Winter in Wy was always interesting and going from dry pavement to a foot of snow to black ice and back to dry was pretty much the norm every 10 or so feet.
Every other vehicle I've had in the last few decades has been part time/manually shifted. It worked almost as well, you just have to do the shifting yourself. Once you're in to more traction always limited situations eg off-road, the quadra-drive didn't work as well. You (or at least I did) have the option to lock it into 4wd where it would work much better, but I prefer the full manual tcase for those situations. On pavement though, snow around town etc, I'd take the qdrive and be happy.
Now I live in Florida. That's the best option for dealing with snow I could think of :laugh:
Yeah but when you have prehistoric sets of teeth enclosed in giant reptiles crossing the highways and lurking in swimming pools and canals and the highest point in the state is in a Miami hotel elevator, not to mention mosquitos being Florida's state bird, I think I'll stick with SOCAL. :rofl:
Gators arent as common as i thought they would be when i first started coming down here. There's always the risk but I've had to look pretty hard to find one just out and about. Not counting the one turned up in the lake behind my house. Go inland a bit and you get the lake/swamp areas, fifferent story, lots of them to be found. They're really interesting animals
Same with bugs, i expected a lot worse. They can get pretty thick in some parts of the state but where i am is no worse than it was in wy.
Tbh id take both over california politics
Elevation... ya. Its flat here, if you're going uphill you're on a bridge. But coming from 6500+ and never not going up or down its kind of nice.
You'll need to get the magnum size if you have a 4 door.
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