Full Time/Part Time 4wd?

[Buffalo Chip]

I just got a new Liberty limited with the full 4wd package (Selec-Trac). There is a full time 4wd and part time 4wd. When and under what circumstances should I choose between the 2?

[Liberty-4-All]

The easy way to remember when to use them are as follows:

Full-Time 4WD can be used all the time. It is for the street and can be engaged on any service...Full-Time. It allows all four wheels to turn at different speeds.

Part-Time 4WD can be used only some of the time. It is for off road adventures and should only be used on loose dirt/mud/ect. When engaged it locks the front and rear driveshafts together so that front and rear wheels can not turn at different speeds. It gives better traction for off road adventures. Using part-Time 4WD on the road will damge your drivetrain.

4WD LO is for serious 4Wheelin'. Read your manual to get the correct engagement criteria. It can not be engaged at up to 55 MPH like Full-Time and Part-Time 4WD.

[Kenny 96 XJ]

The full time 4wd can be used all of the time hence full time. But the part time mode is to be used only on slipery surfaces like snow, ice, dirt, mud, etc... But it should NOT be used on dry pavement since there will be a lot of strain on the mechanical components especially during turns.

In a turn, the outside wheels travel a greater distance than the inner wheels, so they have to turn at different speeds. The full time 4wd lets this happen but not the part time. Off-road in part time mode, the wheels will slip and skip due to the surface condition without strain tou your truck.

So in winter, put it in full time and forget it. Off-road, better put it in part time and 4LOW.

Hope this helps...