The Unofficial "Winter Beater" thread !!! Post 'em up!!
12-12-04, 08:51 PM
#31
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Originally posted by Technics
And as for affording a winter beater, i need to fix some things on my broke *** SC before i even think about something else.
Ballin on a budget baby
12-14-04, 12:25 AM
#32
Re: Re: The Unofficial "Winter Beater" thread !!! Post 'em up!!
Originally posted by mmarshall
That Cherokee will be a good vehicle for getting through the snow...especially with those knobby tires...but it is VERY IMPORTANT that you remember a couple of things while using the 4WD:
IF it has Jeep's Selec-Trac All-Wheel-Drive option, ( Most Cherokees DO NOT) you can generally just set it and forget it....the Selec-Trac system will let all four wheels rotate independently whatever surface you are on, and vary torque on demand like on Subarus, RAV-4's, CRV's, etc....
MOST Cherokees, though, use the less-sophisticated Command-Trac 4WD system that you also find on Wranglers. This is a simple, cheap system that is generally used for off-roading.....but it CANNOT be used on dry pavement because it does not allow for any differences in rotational speed among the four wheels. Generally this is not a problem as long as the dry road is straight...all four wheels will rotate together at the same speed......but on a dry curve, THAT is where you have problems. The outside wheels, naturally, want to rotate faster than the inside ones, and the Command-Trac system doesn't allow this. So you get all kinds of problems and stresses on the tires, wheels, wheel bearings, U and CV-Joints, and driveline.
The Command-Trac system is fine as long as the road underneath of you is slippery or unpaved. But sometimes a paved road will be icy in one spot, wet in another, and dry in other places...especially if it has been plowed. So...with Command-Trac...just be aware of what is underneath you at all times....that's all.
So....to ALL of you guys with part-time 4WD systems like Jeep's Command-Trac, no matter WHAT vehicle it is on....the SAME rules apply on dry pavement.
Some part-time 4WD vehicles also have a sticker on the dash with the no-dry-pavement rule. Some...like the Ford Explorer....have selectable part-time, full-time, and low-range systems with a dashboard switch.
Anyhow........................Good luck this winter
That Cherokee will be a good vehicle for getting through the snow...especially with those knobby tires...but it is VERY IMPORTANT that you remember a couple of things while using the 4WD:
IF it has Jeep's Selec-Trac All-Wheel-Drive option, ( Most Cherokees DO NOT) you can generally just set it and forget it....the Selec-Trac system will let all four wheels rotate independently whatever surface you are on, and vary torque on demand like on Subarus, RAV-4's, CRV's, etc....
MOST Cherokees, though, use the less-sophisticated Command-Trac 4WD system that you also find on Wranglers. This is a simple, cheap system that is generally used for off-roading.....but it CANNOT be used on dry pavement because it does not allow for any differences in rotational speed among the four wheels. Generally this is not a problem as long as the dry road is straight...all four wheels will rotate together at the same speed......but on a dry curve, THAT is where you have problems. The outside wheels, naturally, want to rotate faster than the inside ones, and the Command-Trac system doesn't allow this. So you get all kinds of problems and stresses on the tires, wheels, wheel bearings, U and CV-Joints, and driveline.
The Command-Trac system is fine as long as the road underneath of you is slippery or unpaved. But sometimes a paved road will be icy in one spot, wet in another, and dry in other places...especially if it has been plowed. So...with Command-Trac...just be aware of what is underneath you at all times....that's all.
So....to ALL of you guys with part-time 4WD systems like Jeep's Command-Trac, no matter WHAT vehicle it is on....the SAME rules apply on dry pavement.
Some part-time 4WD vehicles also have a sticker on the dash with the no-dry-pavement rule. Some...like the Ford Explorer....have selectable part-time, full-time, and low-range systems with a dashboard switch.
Anyhow........................Good luck this winter
Agreed 100%
It's a no-brainer for me since we have had probably 5 or 6 JEEP brand vehicles in our family over the past decade. I actually prefer the Command-Trac system for the simple fact that I am a little more involved in the transition from 2WD to 4WD. Maybe it's just me, but I feel the newest AWD systems make us lazy. I like to KNOW that both of my diffs are engaged and I put them there.
Without getting out and locking hubs and everything.As for the actual "need" for 4WD short of off-roading, I too have had many FWD vehicles in heavy snow over the years and have never been stuck, but if I head to the mountains to go skiing 4WD is my choice hands down. Much rather have 4 wheels pulling for me than 2.
Many folks use AWD and 4WD as a "crutch" without really knowing how to control a vehicle in bad conditions without it.. I feel everyone should learn the basics of vehicle control in slippery conditions using RWD first , then FWD, AWD, 4WD by playing around in a large open snow-covered lot if possible. Plus, it's pretty fun!!!
12-14-04, 04:48 PM
#33
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Originally posted by Soarer_25GTT
Thank God we don't have weather liek that here in Sydney
Seems scary driving in the snow! 
Thank God we don't have weather liek that here in Sydney
Seems scary driving in the snow!
Forgot to add that 14.5 inches of snow-about .35 meters.
Last edited by jaydunn; 12-14-04 at 04:52 PM.
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