ZenDragon
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
I've been a proud XJ owner for several years now and have quite a large investment in the thing, although mostly in the drive line. I have had a new engine installed, the AX15 has been rebuilt with heavy duty internals, I've replaced most of the weak points (u-joints, ball joints, etc) with tougher Spicer parts. Pretty much all the the interest of making the thing more reliable. Otherwise I've got a 4 inch lift and Cooper Discoverer STT tires but very little has been done beyond that. This thing has treated me well up to this point, but I am having some issues in regards to which I was hoping you all could give me some advice.
So to the point, as I have attempted somewhat more difficult terrain I find that I have a hard time moving forward slowly when it is required. Some others with whom I have been wheeling suggested that I simply put it in 4 low and let it roll. However it seems eager to stall at the first sign of any major resistance. So I gas it ever so slightly to 'crawl' up the obstacle, and end up either giving it too much or too little gas which causes a bounding effect that makes it very difficult to feather the throttle due to my body being tossed around. When I clutch in I am forced to ride the clutch out to try to prevent rolling backwards, however it seems unavoidable, even dangerous at times. In general this dance with the throttle and clutch takes it's toll both on my confidence, and on my rig. I have found myself (rather embarrassingly at times given the capable appearance of this thing) having to avoid the more difficult trails that nearly stock automatic YJs have been able to traverse rather comfortably due to the ability to just crawl super slowly without stalling. As a result I have begun to regret my decision to get a manual, which is disappointing to say the least given that I have roughly $8000 invested into this thing at this point..
And so to my question; Is there anything I can do short of a automatic transmission swap to improve this experience. I'm guessing a lower final drive ratio would help. Or, is this just an unavoidable fact of life trying to wheel a manual? I have tried nearly every strategy manipulating the clutch and shifter, but nothing seems to really make it any easier or more enjoyable. Please help before I do something drastic lol!
So to the point, as I have attempted somewhat more difficult terrain I find that I have a hard time moving forward slowly when it is required. Some others with whom I have been wheeling suggested that I simply put it in 4 low and let it roll. However it seems eager to stall at the first sign of any major resistance. So I gas it ever so slightly to 'crawl' up the obstacle, and end up either giving it too much or too little gas which causes a bounding effect that makes it very difficult to feather the throttle due to my body being tossed around. When I clutch in I am forced to ride the clutch out to try to prevent rolling backwards, however it seems unavoidable, even dangerous at times. In general this dance with the throttle and clutch takes it's toll both on my confidence, and on my rig. I have found myself (rather embarrassingly at times given the capable appearance of this thing) having to avoid the more difficult trails that nearly stock automatic YJs have been able to traverse rather comfortably due to the ability to just crawl super slowly without stalling. As a result I have begun to regret my decision to get a manual, which is disappointing to say the least given that I have roughly $8000 invested into this thing at this point..
And so to my question; Is there anything I can do short of a automatic transmission swap to improve this experience. I'm guessing a lower final drive ratio would help. Or, is this just an unavoidable fact of life trying to wheel a manual? I have tried nearly every strategy manipulating the clutch and shifter, but nothing seems to really make it any easier or more enjoyable. Please help before I do something drastic lol!
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