Clutch stinks when I'm in 4wd and I get "stuck"

pooneej · Jan 4, 2014

A while ago when I got stuck in sand the clutch stunk bad - like it was slipping a lot. I didnt think much of it then today when I was going through some snowbanks for fun I had to rev it high to get it through the pile and same smell from clutch.

Is this normal? or are the wrangler clutches just lousy? or is it my tire and gear no good for each other?

Its a 2012 JKU 6sp - 35" tires 3.5" RK max travel lift. 3.73 with traction loc

thanks

Chrimbler · Jan 4, 2014

Are you sure it's the clutch and not just tires spinning?

Commodore Perry · Jan 4, 2014

We're you in 4 high or 4low? In 4 low it's like a different jeep, that's pretty much all I use if I'm off-roading. I have manual and never smelled that burning clutch smell in the jeep (I know the smell though).

daggo66 · Jan 4, 2014

Is your foot on the clutch? That's why it smells, you are burning it up. You should be in 4L.

Ruby Tuesday · Jan 4, 2014

This^^
And from the sound of your driving style you shoulda bought an automatic

pooneej · Jan 4, 2014

I was in 4Hi at the time and it started to bog out so yes, I pushed clutch in and then revved it up so it wouldnt stall, to keep it moving. - - so I guess thats not good to do when in 4Hi and to use 4Lo if it starts to die out right?

demarpaint · Jan 4, 2014

pooneej said:
I was in 4Hi at the time and it started to bog out so yes, I pushed clutch in and then revved it up so it wouldnt stall, to keep it moving.

That's the perfect formula for burning up a clutch.

kik · Jan 4, 2014

When you get stuck or have a problem like you indicated you should be in 4L. Plus, over revving will make it worse. In those situations try starting out in 4L.

obiefox · Jan 4, 2014

sooooo many threads that remind me of why I try to stay away from buying used wranglers....

ughhh

demarpaint · Jan 5, 2014

I'm very leery myself buying a used car, Jeep or anything with a stick. If I did I'd add in the cost of a clutch job in my negotiations and be low balling the seller. Odds are they wouldn't take my offer. I learned many years ago the hard way buying a used van with a stick and a "new" clutch.

dalearyous · Jan 5, 2014

leery? or leary?

i bought a used WRX once ... i found out later the clutch was replaced after 20k miles with original owner ...

there are those that operate a manual (get from point A to point B) and there are those that actually know how to drive a manual.

demarpaint · Jan 5, 2014

Its leery. Leary refers to Timothy Leary. LOL

As far as what you said about driving a stick, spot on. I sold a girl a new Civic a few years back when I was selling cars. She had no idea how to drive a stick, but insisted on buying one. She destroyed the clutch in 500 short miles. In some instances they can last the life of the car with the right driver and conditions. Others aren't so lucky.

bc3_Jeep · Jan 5, 2014

Also remember......NEVER push in your clutch pedal IF your bell housing is in mud, water, sand, or ANY other foreign matter. Doing so will possibly (probably) allow foreign matter to get between clutch plate and flywheel, possibly destroying both.

AND.....NEVER press in clutch while in 4LO and descending any sort of Hill. CLutch plate will GRENADE on you.

Antonio_jku · Jan 5, 2014

Wait I thought you have to press the clutch to put it in 4l and press the clutch to choose a gear

bc3_Jeep · Jan 5, 2014

Not in EVERY Situation

You do so at the risk of destroying your clutch, if you are in those situations.

WatchThis! · Jan 5, 2014

I am guessing the OP didn't turn the traction control off and thought that the jeep was "bogging down" when in fact it was just applying the brakes trying to keep the wheels from spinning. Believe it or not but it is easier on the T case to run in high range. Especially if you are going to be gassing on it and spinning the tires a lot, but if you dont turn traction control all the way off then you can't get anything done.

Shammy OShea · Jan 5, 2014

WatchThis! said:
turn traction control all the way off

Also, note that he said "all the way off". Not "push the button". You should install a kill switch under the dash. Or at least pull the fuse (J6 IIRC).

Antonio_jku · Jan 5, 2014

So what if your in mud or something and you put it in 4l. 1st you have to press the clutch to shift it in 4l second you press the clutch to put it in a gear unless you don't have to press the clutch to put it In gear if your in 4l

WatchThis! · Jan 5, 2014

You have to learn your rig and deside what gear you want to do things in so you dont have to shift gears. Its best to use the clutch as little as possible when doing any kind of wheeling. Honestly I don't see many places where you would need to be in 1'st low in the mud unless you are way under geared.

Anyone have an idea of what the top speed of a non Ruby case is in 1'st low?

CJ7nvrstk · Jan 5, 2014

Ya, sounds like you just smoked your clutch. Low range is your friend while wheeling. These V6s simply don't have the power to wheel in high range. Leave that for the snowy/icy roads.

CJ7nvrstk · Jan 5, 2014

12 mph 1st gear low range.

Gear Ratio Calculator

WatchThis! · Jan 5, 2014

CJ7nvrstk said:
12 mph 1st gear low range.

Gear Ratio Calculator

Oh then I guess maybe I can see being in 1st low in the mud then.

Antonio_jku · Jan 5, 2014

I don't see why you would go down hill on low tangle but why can you not brake in low range.

CJ7nvrstk · Jan 5, 2014

To better control your speed/Jeep and yes you can use your brakes. What they are talking about is people not maintaining control of their Jeep and going too fast downhill on the trail.

Antonio_jku · Jan 5, 2014

Ok now it makes spence to me

NFRs2000NYC · Jan 6, 2014

I agree with everyone here. You used your clutch incorrectly, causing it to glaze, and now it will probably start to slip.

pooneej · Jan 6, 2014

Beat. I'll start saving up for a new clutch now

thanks everyone !

Clutch stinks when I'm in 4wd and I get "stuck"

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities