Gladiator Rubicon’s coolest hidden feature- locking the Rear Diff in 4 Hi

[@slovill]

The "squiggly thing" is traction control, but when you hold it down, it disables stability control. Very important to know what you're disabling since stability control may not be conducive to off-roading, but will incorporate automatic breaking independently on each tire to compensate for loss of steering.

[@dciano94]

Ive asked so many people how to do this and no one knew. You are the bomb sir. Worked perfectly on my 21’ Rubicon.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Lol. Thanks man. I’m just glad it helped. Jeep really should make this info easier to find, or even make it easier to do.

[@one-WildCard]

OMG! You are the man! This was a feature that I desperately wished I had all this past winter here in Canada and there you are telling us how! This is a game changer. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Lol. Awesome to hear and glad it helped. Yeah, I was pretty stoked too to figure it out. 🤙

[@honeyscorner5989]

Very informative. For newbies tho, the video needs to start with the purpose of doing this set-up so they know why you needs to do this sometime.

[@themanthelegend7048]

If you didn't know, crawl control speed can be adjusted via the + and - on shifter.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Thanks man. I did figure that out since this vid but always appreciate people sharing info. Honestly I seldom ever use it- I guess I’m old school- I still like to use the skinny pedal to control it myself. Lol.

[@toddoverholt3353]

The button may seem small and unassuming, but its benefits may just change the way you approach off-road driving. And for some, even on-road as well. Jeep calls it the Off-Road Plus mode which, according to the brand’s vehicle owner manual, is designed to “improve the user experience when using specific off-road driving modes.” The button itself sits right in the lower part of the center stack - next to the locker switch and above the sway bar disconnect button. Essentially, when active, Off-Road Plus enhances driving in 4-High and 4-Low by slightly changing up the way each mode operates. Now, switching into this mode is certainly not a necessity or essential. But it can be helpful in certain situations when leaving the pavement and attacking all kinds of off-road terrain. Here is what Off-Road Plus mode means. When shifting into 4-Hi under Off-Road Plus mode, you’ll see more responsive acceleration and a change in the way the vehicle performs in softer terrain. The mode dials in a more tuned traction control, allowing for additional wheel slip in sandy conditions to ensure the vehicle doesn’t bog down and lose momentum. Additionally, this mode optimizes transmission behavior, holding gearing longer and keeping the revs high for continued power. This is crucial when attempting to traverse a muddy patch on the trail, or looking to crest a particularly tall series of sand dunes. Finally, using Off-Road Plus in 4-High also modifies the Jeep’s Electronic Stability Control, making it less obtrusive and generally keeping it from impeding movement so quickly - helping the vehicle overcome traction issues in sand, mud or snow. So, when do you really want to use Off-Road Plus in 4-High? Well, this combination shines when you require more speed than normal rock crawling, but still face difficult terrain. This could include desert trails, muddy paths, or loose gravel tracks that wind uphill. The increased traction and control should provide inexperienced drivers with the confidence they need to cross this terrain at higher speeds. With 4-Lo, this mode really shines at lower speed rock crawling. Once activated, the Off-Road Plus mode ensures a more controlled throttle response - providing precision and power which is much more important than raw speed when rock crawling. Additionally, this mode can help traverse rocky terrain and slippery slopes by momentarily cutting power or applying significant brake force to specific wheels depending on the need to prevent wheel spin, therefore making sure the maximum amount of traction is maintained. As far as the transmission, by engaging Off-Road Plus mode in 4-Lo, you’ll help keep constant delivery of power and prevent unnecessary upshifting when overcoming obstacles - ensuring maximum use of the engine torque. Also, Off-Road Plus mode will tweak the ESC in 4-Lo to be less restrictive, allowing the driver more flexibility in different off-road terrains. Finally, utilizing Off-Road Plus in 4-Lo will help engage the rear locker when needed. This will keep both rear wheels rotating at the same rate in order to provide maximum traction during tricky, difficult obstacles.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Bro I sure hope you block copied that! 😁 yeah it’s def cool for certain circumstances. I like it in 4Lo crawling around on rocks when throttle control is important and in 4Hi in sand and mud to allow more spin. I love 4Lo+ and trans in manny when going downhill- allows for great engine braking control.

[@albertozarate9870]

I’m smashing the like button 😂😂 you explaination of this feature is the best !!

[@respoogs1]

Thanks for this tip. I used this feature consistently when I did my first overlanding trip to Colorado. Thx for sharing. Worked great.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Great to hear. Sounds like an awesome trip. 👍👍

[@regularpixel]

Works on my 2021 JLUR it also looks like I can do the swaybar as well. Great find, thank you!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Awesome man. Def a useful party trick! 🤙

[@moviefan4life166]

Question. Would this be helpful driving under 30 in snow or mixed pavement or going up hills in winter?

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@moviefan4life166 i would think snow and slippery hills yeah. I’d be careful on mixed pavement though because you could get binding if you try turning and it happens to be dry right there.

[@KTMcaptain]

This is very interesting. I have a tazer so I can lock my rear any time and my front (and only front if I want as well) in 4hi. Though, I've driven on beaches in standard 4hi and have not had any issue. I tried 2wd locked and sank even at 18psig. Outside of 4lo I've never felt the need to use my lockers.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Tazer is a great tool. I’ll get one when I do lift and wheels and tires and to re-calibrate. Def cool tho that Jeep has finally made this possible without it. Axle lockers are a funny thing, when used properly you never know if you really needed em cause you lock em before the feature so you don’t get stuck. Lol. Totally agree need for rear locker in high is probably not necessary often, but will be nice that once in a while. I probably overuse my lockers as I tend to lock em whenever I think it might be handy cause I hate spinning my tires and creating trail damage. Plus I figure I spent the money might as well use the toy. Lol. Have fun out there and Jeep on. 🤙

[@KTMcaptain]

@@dadventuretv2538 yeah, I’m proactive with the lockers as well. Some people think to wait til you get stuck, but that makes it harder to get through and can cause trail damage. Most of the uneven terrain is from people eroding the ground away. So if I know I’ll lift a wheel or if I really don’t want to lose momentum I just flip the switch. . I love my tazer. My seat belt ding is disabled, my blinkers are my drl, I disabled the halo lights, it turns off the license plate light in reverse, I can force my camera on, allows for nav input while driving, and let’s me kill the fad for 2low. Oh and it can kill the sway bar and traction control so I can control every aspect when I want. Plus it raises rpm to protect the alternator when winching. Just so many nice features.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@KTMcaptain yup with you. And yeah def looking forward to getting the tazer. Sounds awesome how much it can do. Just gonna wear out the current tires. My growing up as a poor a$$ just won’t let me get rid of perfectly good ones. Lol.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@dadventuretv2538 me too, need another 15k out of the stock set before I move on to 35s.

[@pescatoralpursuit1726]

The squiggly is traction control

[@McIntosh1006]

Not trying to be smart here,,,but everyone should really take the time to read through their Owners Manual. You'll be surprised by what you learn about your vehicle.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Agreed. It’s a treasure trove.

[@seanwatson3790]

Ya well we just bought a used 2021 jlu 2 days ago and the first owner stole theirs. So that's not always an option. Smart guy

[@evorm7329]

​@@seanwatson3790you can find almost every modern car's manual online... that's how i read through my rubicon's manual even though i have a physical one cause i can search for specific words inside the digital version.

[@eddyruelas8377]

@@dadventuretv2538bro can you do one when you unlock them back I’m stuck with mine on 😢😢😢😢😢

[@PunkN_JTM]

​​@@seanwatson3790dowload the pdf smoothbrain 😂😂😂

[@nickgrant5272]

Yep I believe I was the 1st one to ever post anything about that. In a Gladiator group. That is the exact same steps you need to do the Mojave. The Mojave is designed to do it. So I just tried it on my Rubicon and bingo.

[@alexneamah4188]

I have been looking for this for ever thank you

[@etomlinson11]

Awesome thanks man! 2021 turbo diesel locked

[@dadventuretv2538]

Sweet. Glad it worked for you. I plan to use it next weekend on the beach.

[@johnpurtell1142]

You should only use the lockers when you come apon your obstacle. Say your climbing a big hill as you approach about 15 yards you engage. When your done with the obstacle you disengage.

[@dadventuretv2538]

I’ll agree most times that is the way to do it. And def true about the front. But if you’re on something like a sandy beach, or loose desert or constant mud you can leave the rear on. In that situation sometimes having them already engaged will prevent getting stuck when you encounter an unexpectedly deep patch of soft sand or quicksand like boghole. Just need to remember to turn em off. Lol.

[@geneshadd4483]

@@dadventuretv2538that is hard on your components . Also over 20 miles it disanges regardless

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@geneshadd4483 not in sand or snow or mud, which is where it’s useful. So much slippage almost no stress on the diff. Im mean any axle locker is hard on the diff if used improperly. And I’m pretty sure it stays on over 20 mph, but I’ll have to check. It’s a feature on the Mojave that Jeep themself tout about the model- only reason it’s hidden on the Rubicon is to differentiate the models.

[@geneshadd4483]

@@dadventuretv2538 it's not hidden in the manual . Rubicon and mojav both have been running and working for shops for years . Your not the first one to talk on you tube . In low track and stability auto disengage which is why manual it in 4 high and it will only work with rear not front. Mini taz allows both . Also. Disengage stability and track is only 70 percent not full . No secrets about it. That's one of the features of that button.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@geneshadd4483 ffs dude yes it’s in the manual but a lot of people don’t read the manual. It’s hidden in the sense that they advertise it in Mojave but make you jump through all these hoops in the rubicon. Of course I’m not the first but it’s to spread the word and help people out who may not know. Look at the comments, it’s helped a lot of people. Yes Tazer allows a lot of extra cool stuff, but a lot of people don’t have it. Go drive your Jeep.

[@BlueCollarBachelor]

Buy a Tazer, lock your diff when you want to, even in 2wd.

[@philliprollman7421]

Is it worth the price?..if so I'm getting one

[@shadow9600]

Worked on my 2022 JTR!

[@wpg1977]

This video will be tough for u to top !! Thanks so much just worked in my 2021 rubicon 2door. Thanks again man 👍 I think it’s because only 21 has off road plus button , it allows us to do it 😀

[@dadventuretv2538]

Lol. Thanks man. Glad it worked. So all my other vids- 50 views, 25 views, 6 views. This vid 4.3K. Guess I finally hit on something. Wonder what will happen with the next two vids I’m about to upload pointing out some of the issues with Rivian. Altho I anticipate mostly negative comments on that one. Lol

[@wpg1977]

@@dadventuretv2538 either way great video and thanks 👍👍👍

[@1969darr]

My rubi can run locked and SB disco in any condition thanks to a few switches and an hour of time. I can shut off TC too ;)

[@dadventuretv2538]

Def cool. Im getting a Tazer when I do lift and tires, til then this is nice to have. 🤙

[@richardgartly7771]

Just another reason why the Rubicon is th true G.O.A.T of Jeep. The Mojave is a beautiful truck but without the front locker Rubicon for the win.

[@geneshadd4483]

Just add a better aftermarket then it always locks in any gear . You don't have to worry about system fail.

[@keithfrost1268]

I don't get the display on the center screen, but it works! thank you

[@zautomotive]

TaZer checking in

[@dadventuretv2538]

Truth. Plus so much more. But nice to be able to do without though.

[@zautomotive]

@@dadventuretv2538 definitely, we liked the little nod you gave to us about using the Tazer

[@Michael_00001]

Works on my 21 JT. It's really only for sand, mud, and maybe snowy conditions off-road.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Awesome!! And yup. Love it for the beach.

[@mikestrate1468]

Does sway bar as well in 4H

[@inalaop]

Yes, you "can" drive with the diff locked on hard (even paved) road surface but only if you are driving in a straight line and not making any turns. You don't want to make turns with diff locked unless road is slippery, snowy, loose gravel etc. I wonder if the off road plus, may be a benefit when driving on snow covered freeway (higher speed) going straight... anyone have any experience with that?

[@dadventuretv2538]

True words. Wish there was more info on exactly what Offroad+ does. I haven’t been able too find much except general language of adjusting throttle tip in and gearing shift points, as well allowing the rear diff to be locked in Hi.

[@johncarrillo3518]

Cool

[@ILovJeep]

Good stuff , but I wonder why one will need to lock diffs when one travelling in a track that is 4H friendly

[@dadventuretv2538]

Soft sand and snow. Sometimes mud. Don’t need 4 Lo for those but often a locking rear differential helps- mostly from getting stuck if you already have it engaged.

[@kengeroo]

perhaps an explanation on why someone would need/want to do this ???

[@dadventuretv2538]

Sand mostly. Mud too. Anywhere you want less torque but higher wheel spin but still need a locker bc a front and rear may slip at same time.

[@bobbyg7552]

If you’re driving on the road in snow, should you lock the rear locker?

[@dadventuretv2538]

Hey, great question. Not if driving on a road, unless maybe you are starting to get stuck, then use it and then discontinue once you get going. If you are on a trail in deep snow, then you can use it. Remember though, Jeeps (at the least the Rubicon but I think all models of the Gladiator) have a Brake Actuated Traction Control System, like what a lot of companies these days have, that will sense wheel spin and apply some brake to the wheel that is spinning in order to spin and thus send torque to the wheel that has grip. So a lot of times that is all you need. Hope this helps. Have fun out there.

[@RAILCON]

Works great I use it a lots

[@RJ-rv6qe]

This actually in the 2023 jeep wrangler owners manual page 146

[@dadventuretv2538]

It’s in the Gladiator too. But you know how many people actually read their manuals. Lol.

[@Lyudtaru]

Is it possible to install locking diff in a new gladiator if it didn't come with one? And if yes, how?

[@kevinmay5350]

When you showed the off road pages did it not also show the front was locked it looked like it also had the same symbol??

[@dadventuretv2538]

I didn’t think so but had to go look at it again. Lol. No the front is unlocked. The lock that is shown as locked on the top is the transfer case or center differential. That means the vehicle is in 4 wheel drive. Only the rear axle locker was locked, the front axle locker was still unlocked.

[@sgute691]

I had to replace my sensor on my 22 gladiator. Tried this feature out and it will not lock the rear axle. Bummer

[@Indyjeeplover]

There is a VERY good reason this is NOT listed in the owner’s manual. It would typically be a very bad idea to engage the rear locker under normal driving conditions. The differential allows the wheels to move at different speeds when turning. When the locker is engaged, the axle is a solid unit. If you are on a slippery surface, the tires can slip to relieve pressure on the drive line. If you engage the locker on a hard surface, there is a good chance of severe damage to the drivetrain during turns. I cannot see a reason to have the axle locked at high speeds. It’s only meant for low speeds while off road. Jeep is trying to save you from yourself

[@dadventuretv2538]

I understand all of your para 1- I’ve been driving offroad since I started driving. You still can’t engage it in 2wd. (Although I’ve heard you can with the Tazer and there have been plenty of 2wd trucks over the years that had a rear locker). So that takes care of preventing morons from blowing up their diff. I would never have it in 4 hi in “normal driving conditions.” But there are plenty of offroad scenarios where you can go faster than 4 lo speeds and might want to lock the rear diff. Beach comes immediately mind. They allow it on the Mojave and expressly advertise it as a benefit of the Mojave. So Jeep obviously feels it’s OK to let people do it and know when to do it. Imo it has more to do with differentiating the Mojave from the Rubicon. Cause now that Rubicon can do it one less difference.

[@00ninja00]

I’ve owned many Tacoma trd Prerunners that allow to lock rear in 2wd and I’ll tell ya, in slippery snow or sand, to get out of a rut, it works wonders. So I can definitely see this being super useful!

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@00ninja00 yeah man.

[@jorgelrod]

This is meant to be used for driving in sand. It's an approved feature from Mopar

[@rich7447]

You shouldn't be driving on high traction surfaces with the center diff locked (4 hi).

[@gemfaceter]

What do you want to do void your warranty. There is a reason the manual says to use 4 low only.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Actually it doesn’t. This comes from the manual- see pages 174 and 175. Lockers in high are not a problem if used properly. They have been used in four hi and on some trucks even in two wd for decades.

[@stevenvanlingen2914]

How do you do this with a manual transmission?

[@dadventuretv2538]

It should work the same as it is only for 4 Hi, which I don’t think there is any difference getting into between an auto and manny. See pages 177 and 323 of your owner’s manual though. I am pretty sure it only works on 2021 or later model years though.

[@1smokan]

Surprising Jeep didn't do this years ago, my Colorado ZR2 Bison does this and think they have been doing this for the past 7 years now.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Agree. So many things about vehicles that make me wonder - why did it take them this long to do this? The tazer allows you to do it and Jeep leaves a lot to the aftermarket so maybe that is it?

[@gemfaceter]

Why would you want to do it is there some advantage ?

[@bigross0318]

Why does the dash say your fronts are locked too tho

[@dadventuretv2538]

It doesn’t. That other lock is the center diff- comes on when you drop it into either 4 Hi or 4 lo. If the front axle were locked there would be a third lock above the one you are referring to.

[@pescatoralpursuit1726]

Thanks!

[@eddyruelas8377]

Bro she us how to unlock him back I’m stuck with them on

[@dadventuretv2538]

Push the “Lockers off” button to the left of the axle lockers switch. They will also disengage when you drop from 4 Hi to 2 Hi.

[@jamesmcgarry8660]

What is the max speed when engaged?

[@dadventuretv2538]

Im not sure. This is all the owner’s manual says about it (page 175): Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range), Off Road+ is turned off by the driver, ESC “Full Off” is exited, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. At page 174 it says the following about the rear locker in 4L: The axle lock disengages at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h), and will automatically re-lock once vehicle speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h). So for me, I’ll keep it below 30 mph.

[@someguy4476]

They need to allow it to lock in 2wd, just like the Ford trucks. Up to 25 MPH

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@someguy4476 100% agree. You can with the Tazer but you shouldn’t need that to do so.

[@williamkurrus]

It makes sense since the mojave can do it.

[@kmurillo32]

What is does that off road + do?

[@dadventuretv2538]

It holds it in gear longer. Also changes throttle tip in. That’s what I have been able to tell. Not sure if it changes anything with the steering as I have not felt any difference in steering.

[@kmurillo32]

@@dadventuretv2538 thanks

[@BennyTygohome]

Pretty cool. Was this in the owners manual? It should be if it isn't.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Try page 175. I found it buried in an online thread and tried it. Definitely should be easier to find. But I wonder if Jeep doesn’t want to let it out there too much because it males the Rubicon and the Mojave less different.

[@XJStryker]

Shorter vid we are hmguys we dont need all the backstory lol

[@richardthomas1531]

I know Mojave does it.but I thought it was exclusive?

[@dadventuretv2538]

Not for 2021. The Rubicon can also do it. I think on the Mojave tho you can just do it normally without needing go through all the hoo ha but I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it on a Mojave. Maybe this is why Jeep is kinda hush hush about the Rubicon being able to do it- it means there is less of a difference between the Rubicon and Mojave from the dealer floor.

[@charlesadkins5775]

Same process for my 21 Mojave, the owners manual has the same instructions

[@djdj-qx3hb]

Alright now lock the front hubs

[@networkguy3152]

Must be for drag racing…

[@mikethompson7406]

For my next trick, I will show you how to disable both rip cords on your parachutte after exiting the airplane! Stay tuned! :D

[@MrCheerbo]

I don’t like these futures in my jeep gladiator 2021 doesn’t have these futures only need swift gears that’s all

[@dadventuretv2538]

Certainly entitled to your opinion. I’ll disagree though. Being able to lock the rear differential in 4Hi has its uses offroad.

[@matthewanderson6767]

This is in the owners manual. Read the manual.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Correct. That’s how I found it. Sharing for others as it’s not widely advertised as a feature.

[@wesley20991]

Why can’t they just make a jeep maybe it’s just me but I’m just not into all that gadget stuff off-road plus buttons turn this off and on I don’t get it.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Agree would be nice if it were simpler. But they are giving us a locking rear diff in hi which it didn’t have, so I’ll take it.

[@m2003h]

Awesome ain't it.\m/

[@dadventuretv2538]

🤘🤘

[@barelymadeit]

This is a cool fearure but im not really sure why its great. When youre offroad you really want to be in 4low depending on the situation, but even in 4h you shouldnt be in a situation where you need to lock the rear. I could be wrong though.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Beach or desert running. Mud where you want some wheelspin. Or any low traction situation where you don’t want a lot of torque. Agree with you- Most of my time offroad is spent crawling around in 4lo, but there are those time when this is handy.

[@billsterling5790]

Hi it's me again! UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmm we know who you are stop..............This is why yo have 430 peeps lol

[@dadventuretv2538]

Lol. Not everybody counts their worth with subs. So again. Gtf off my lawn. There are plenty of other channels to go watch.

[@mattb2252]

Dear lord. Read your owners manual. Or own a car made after 1995 or so. The squiggly thing as it says off is traction control off.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Well actually in the Rubicon at least is for both ESC and traction control, push once to disable ESC and push and hold for five seconds to disable traction control. But an explanation of the two and the differences would be for another video. I forgot the words when making the vid and this isn’t my job, I do it to provide helpful info, so I didn’t shoot it again cause I don’t care and it is irrelevant to the video- if someone wants to lock the rear axle understanding the nuances of the ESC/traction control button is immaterial. But there are insecure dbags out there who feel the need to make comments to attempt to demonstrate their superior knowledge, even if all it does is demonstrate a lack of understanding between ESC and traction control. So why don’t ya sit down in the back row and raise your hand next time before making obnoxious comments.

[@gustavihernandez639]

Fuck me I got a 2020 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@dadventuretv2538]

Doh!! Well reason to trade in and get new one!! Lol

[@WolfCross]

The 2020s cannot.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Thanks for posting and letting us know. Shame cause it is definitely a nice feature.

[@jasunto]

Tazer Mini allows this and got it for tire size changes so best of both worlds.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@jasunto yup. But until then…

[@WeirdGoalieDad]

My 2020 JTR can do it. Discovered it a few weeks ago.

[@WolfCross]

@@WeirdGoalieDad there is talk about A software update but I never take mine to the dealership.

[@billsterling5790]

SQUIGGLY THING?!?!?! gtf OUTTA HERE dADDY o HELL TO THE no

[@dadventuretv2538]

Squiggly thing. Gtf off my lawn.

[@천샘s라이프]

Wow This is very good info. Let's start my 2021 rubicon right now

[@dadventuretv2538]

Glad it helped. Definitely a cool feature.

[@shadow9600]

Worked on my 2022 JTR!