I just got the truck back after having the pinion seal replaced and don't know if this problem is related. I never noticed it before. When I put the truck in 4 low, push the go pedal, it revs up to about 2-3k rpms with very little foward movement and then all the sudden it catches and goes. Almost like a shift after severe slipping and it seems like the rear end finally engages. Now, when I am coming to a stop in 4 low, you can feel the motor slowing the truck down, then it's like it releases, and then a jerk before it stops. Is this normal? When I put the gear selector in 1st while also in 4 low, there is no jerk but it's almost as if the truck has no power, the rpms will redline but the truck is barely moving. 4 high seems fine. What are your thoughts?

 

It does not sound normal to me. I don't have any jerking or need excessive rpms to roll in 4lo. I know sometimes it is tough to move in and out of 4lo, are you sure your lever is fully engaged (I assume it is if your moving)? Did you check the linkage to see if there is any play ? Any problems with 4hi ?

 

Thanks for the reply. No problems in 4 hi. The lever is fully engaged. Did not check the linkage, but will do. Best way I could describe it, it feels like a severely worn clutch would feel. Hardly any foward movement at first, the rpms rev up, a jerk, then it goes. Once the "jerk" occurs it pulls fine. I had it at the dealer and had the service writer and tech drive, they tell me it's normal? I am going to try to hook up to a trailer and try to pull it up a slight grade and see what happens.

 

Wow, I just read your signature line - we have basically the same setup. I have a couple errands to run this morning, so when I head out I will test out 4lo and post back.

 

There must be something wrong, I had no issues with 4lo.

 

It may be related to a feature on newer jeeps that retards the throttle input while in 4LO. It tries to keep the massive amounts of now multiplied torque from jerking your accellerator pedal foot back and forth.

Just a thought

 

Thanks for taking the time to compare your truck. So, did your truck have a steady, strong pull through the shifts? I'm wondering if the torque converter may have something to do with it, maybe not locking at first and that's the jerking I'm feeling? I'm thinking of taking it to a tranny shop this week and having them take it for a drive.

 

No jerking, smooth - same as 2 or 4 high. There is no special feature on the '05s that would cause any issues. I did go ahead and change the fluid, and it was nasty black. I put in almost 3 quarts, and I don't think there was a full 2 of old fluid that drained out.