4x4 education
If you want to learn more about the different shock types and designs that are out there check out this article Dennis Wood wrote. Read More
Lockers are devices that keep your wheels spinning even if you are losing traction. In most vehicles, when one tire begins to spin (lose traction), all of the power goes to making that tire spin to regain traction. A locker sends an equal distribution of power to both wheels on an axle.
Read MoreJust as the right kind of tire is needed for snow, so is the right kind of tire needed for off-road performance. You want a tire that will grip onto slick rock and pull you through the most extreme obstacles. Choosing the right kind of tire and right size for your vehicle
is key to your off road performance.
Many factors play into tire size. The bigger the tire, the more ground clearance you have, but not without risking your center of gravity.
The center of gravity is the center position of balance for a vehicle, or the average location of a vehicle weight. A low center of gravity allows a vehicle to not only side hill well, but increases the angle that a vehicle can climb and descend.
Tire size is also affected by how high off the ground your vehicle is. When a lift kit is installed, you may choose to run a bigger tire size. Suspension also plays a role in which size tires will fit and which will hit. By understanding your whole vehicle- suspension, flex, body,etc.- you can make a good choice in tire size.
The suspension on your vehicle determines how well your vehicle flexes and moves when you are off-road. Suspensions can be soft or hard and can even lift your vehicle higher off the ground. A good suspension system will improve your off-road performance while maintaining a quality highway ride.
Read MoreWhen riding a mountain bike up a hill it is always easier to gear down, or you will run out of energy. This is the same concept with your vehicle. Low range is implemented to help you gear down and make good use of your engine power to help you over those steep hills, and to save your brakes when going downhill. Low range keeps your tires spinning at a slow pace with lots of power behind it. It can hold your engine back without constantly riding the brakes.
TeraFlex Low Range gear conversion products can increase your low range crawl ratio by as much as 50%, resulting in improved off road control and performance.
Rockcrawling with the TeraLow gives you the advantage of being able to start your engine on very steep inclines without using your clutch and with automatics compression braking is improved when coming down a hill.
The key benefit of TeraLow conversion kits is that they improve gearing for off-roading without sacrificing the high-range gearing for highway driving.
Because TeraLow transfer case conversions are designed to be used in the vehicle’s native applicaiton, there is much less labor expense involved when compared to other gearing options. In addition stock driveshafts can be used with most applicaitons.
The TeraLow Low231 and the Low300 provide about 50 percent more reduction than stock. The 4.0:1 ratio means that, in low range, your Jeep will move four times slower than it does in high range.
The TeraFlex 2Low kit provides the benefit of true low range gearing, while allowing the front to freely turn. It lets you choose 2 Low in addition to the other standard options. The 2 Low kit will eliminate drive train bind and most of your three-point turns. This kit is completely internal and does not require any external modifications. Disassembly of the transfer case is required for installation.
LOW RANGE CRAWL RATIOS
Trying to figure your final low range crawl ratio can sometimes become difficult. There is a zone that is ideal for rock crawling and other off-roading. Generally, a crawl ratio between 50:1 and 75:1 works well in high-traction terrain.
Crawl ratios are calculated by multiplying the axle ratio by the transmissions first gear ratio by the transfer case low range ratio. This gives you the final crawl ratio. Generally a final crawl ratio of 50.0:1 to 100.0:1 is a good off-road crawl ratio. This chart shows improved gear reduction
behefits of the TeraFlex Low231 case.
To find your crawl ratio, use this simple formula (refer to the chart). Multiply the first gear ratio by the transfer case ratio. Multiply that number by the axle ratio (of the ring and pinion) to get your crawl ratio.
Off Road 101 articles
Lockers
Lockers are devices that keep your wheels spinning even if you are losing traction. In most vehicles, when one tire begins to spin (lose traction), all of the power goes to making that tire spin to regain traction. A locker…
Tires
Just as the right kind of tire is needed for snow, so is the right kind of tire needed for off-road performance. You want a tire that will grip onto slick rock and pull you through the most extreme obstacles.…
Suspension
The suspension on your vehicle determines how well your vehicle flexes and moves when you are off-road. Suspensions can be soft or hard and can even lift your vehicle higher off the ground. A good suspension system will improve your…
Low Range
When riding a mountain bike up a hill it is always easier to gear down, or you will run out of energy. This is the same concept with your vehicle. Low range is implemented to help you gear down and…
Axles
Axles are the closest component of your vehicle to the ground, therefore they take the most abuse. As you go through rough terrain and bounce on rocks, etc., your axle takes the heat. Breaking an axle is the last thing you want to do because it can leave you stranded with no power being transfered to your wheels. If you plan on having a dependable four wheel drive vehicle, that will take you where no stock vehicle can, it is important that you understand the functions of your vehicle and it’s components. A strong axle is a good way to begin upgrading your vehicle. Remember to research what works best for you and your vehicle before making a decision.
