What's it like to drive a MANUAL Jeep OFFROAD!

[@mynamesedwin]

Dude. Do you know this is practically the only video on how to drive a manual JL in 4L? It is exactly what I've been looking for. Going on my first off roading trip and have had so many questions about it. This was extremely helpful.

[@drivenmad2089]

Awesome! Glad I could help out a little 🤙🏻 Thanks for watching!!

[@BrandonsYouTube]

6 months later... Did you break anything?

[@hunterromano5562]

i don't go out of my way to try and talk shit on the internet, but this demonstration is wildly bad. if the poster was trying to depict how things in a low speed 2wd environment it would be pretty solid. this guy strikes me as a 4wd in the rain kinda guy because he's never been in a situation where 2wd or 4wd really made a difference.

[@alfreddoumtaz215]

I know all video are about how to put in high or low. like if the owner need a course for that. lol this is also what i was looking for . great

[@carlosbido4611]

Only video on KZbin that explains how to drive a manual in 4 low off road. Excellent.

[@rickr1689]

Back in the 80's if you showed up in an automatic 4x4 they would be laughing.

[@mattmaster2582]

Good thing we don’t live 40 years ago, plus with modern transmission now a days, people will laugh at you if you show up with a manual!!

[@rickr1689]

@@mattmaster2582 Thing is, I can drive both automatic and manuel. How bout you? Lol

[@WTMNNJR]

As they should.

[@dawson3474]

@@mattmaster2582 its okay some people are just more skilled than you

[@racefanjen6592]

I don’t want to off-road with anyone that would laugh at me in my Manual Transmission Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

[@gbrlsanchez1]

oh wow! I kind of had eliminated the manual from my mind because I was worried about having to think too much about the clutch and gearing off-road. This puts my mind at ease about it. Super helpful, thanks!

[@Sebzzz03]

Same here

[@mytruenorth5593]

Same, I was actually kind of bummed because I love a manual, but recently got into jeeps. I figured they would be a pain in the ass off road.

[@Nomadpnoys]

Actually when I wheeled before I regeared, and it was pretty tough with 35s and the 3.21 ratio. I don’t know how many times I’ve stalled. I just recently regeared to 4.88 so I have yet to wheel with it.

[@jcblackmon]

Great information. I’m a new manual Jeep owner and needed this info. Thanks!

[@PLT123]

This just solidifies the fact that I want a manual. Thanks man!

[@drivenmad2089]

Desiree Davis no problem! Thanks for watching!

[@PLT123]

@@drivenmad2089 Thanks for making a cool video :)

[@JacksonLesko]

Especially when you consider that the automatic is an extra $4,500.

[@katertot98]

Great video! I've owned manual *cars* for years, but taking my new manual jeep offroad and engaging 4L was a totally different driving experience. I need to work on better coordinating the roll into N and then into 4L. I nail it about 50% of the time. Super helpful video!

[@drivenmad2089]

Haha yeah it’s a little different feeling. You feel like you’re going to break something. Thanks for watching!

[@twoallame]

Love my manual transmission in my jeep. Some good input. This is true driving as you actually drive not just point the vehicle. Learned how to drive one 40 years ago

[@axelmureichen9068]

Jawohl richtig rumrühren im Getriebe............ sorry aber automatik kann jeder , ich habe noch Autofahren gelernt ohne die viele elektronischen Helferlein 😊

[@kpfalconi]

If you stall or have to the jeep off, you can start it without using the clutch. Good for water crossings so you never have to depress the clutch when submerged. Also using the key you can use the starter to help you crawl over obstacles if stuck.

[@headache7871]

Bro you literally answered every question that I had about my manual Wrangler. I changed my whole thinking regarding it, and feel super ready now.

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help man! Thanks for watching!

[@kassieraine110]

With manual...when you get off road put in 4-low. Start out in 2nd even 3rd gear. Gives good speed control to creep.

[@LongRangeDesertGroupX]

Thank you for this video! I just bought a manual gladiator Rubicon and I’ve never had a manual off road vehicle so this was very informative.

[@yolojv380]

Thanks a TON!!! I personally like driving a manual car and bought manual 2019 JLUR. I’ve been looking for a video like this to do it right. I’ve looked at different forums and manuals to know more about it..but never found something like this. This video is very informative and answered most of the questions that I have. If possible Can you please also post a video driving fast in different terrains like sand dunes and in mud so that we can get an idea around the gears that must be used.

[@christineevans4264]

Thanks - great practical advice. Going out for my first 4WD now!

[@Junior-jw1bb]

I’ve been driving Jeeps since the 70s. I’ve had both manual and automatic transmissions. I’ve had stick shifts in other vehicles like a ZO6 Vette, a Porsche, and a BMW. I prefer the manual transmission but from my experience off-road , I think the automatic is better for one reason. If by some chance you blow a clutch and you’re far out on a trail it could be a problem especially if you’re out there alone.

[@raysmetaltracks6782]

Been wanting a Jeep for years, finally made my purchase today! And its a manual! Thanks for this video!

[@drivenmad2089]

Congrats man! Thanks for watching!

[@hellaacapella]

I love wheeling my manual wrangler for all the obvious reasons… especially in the hot SW desert…. but… I totally fucked up my clutch bearings by being in neutral a lot off road as well as shifting gears while going over roughy terrain. Now I learned to avoid neutral as much as possible and not pushing in the clutch when actively crossing rough terrain

[@bosse641]

So much more engaging and fun with a stick

[@mattmaster2582]

That’s what’s she said!!

[@AznBbuilder]

@@mattmaster2582 very nice

[@julieheyer9240]

Nice video! I have a 2018 JLU Sport S, and added 35” tires and a lift. The stock gearing definitely doesn’t just go over obstacles at this point. I am upgrading to 4.88 gearing and looking forward to having actual power again in low gear. The crawl ratio for the Rubicon is much better too, compared with the Sport. So it’s definitely not the same across the Wrangler family, but still really nice to see JL manual on the trail :). Thanks for posting!

[@ajsap8160]

Also if it does stall you don't have to push in the clutch in 4lo, just start it. This is so you don't press the clutch while in muddy water, as I understand it mud can enter the flywheel.

[@jeanfleury6637]

Good Video. One thing you could have added at the end is when in a steep grade, if your engine ever stop, better to restart in gear (feasible in low) than restarting using the clutch as you will go down quickly (steep) and then have a tendency to slip the clutch to recuperate it...and those JL clutch are definitely not robust enough to get abused...clutch is light all the way (pedal feel and the rest too)

[@TheVtecdelsol]

Awesome! Excited to get my JL

[@parkerscalf6206]

Great video, super helpful!! I’ve been looking for a video like this for a while now 👍👍

[@msafirimhehe]

That looked sweet! Must have been lots of Fun! Nice nature cruising in a Manual Trans Jeep Wrangler. Thanks for sharing..

[@drivenmad2089]

Thanks for watching!

[@Drift680]

if you want a tip from a 16 year old kid if your ever going over any obstacle that has big rocks when your crawling in low range you almost never need to touch the gas pedal you should always just let the clutch out and roll on up it you don't need gas for almost any incline if you need a comparison if your in 4lo you are stopped and you put it in first gear you can dump the clutch and apply no gas and the jeep will start rolling albeit very jerkily it wont stall if your really stuck on an obstacle and you keep stalling because theyres a big rock you can put it in first with the engine off and turn the key and the starter motor will turn over the motor and pull you up the hill itll also bump start the jeep, if you arent stalling offroading you are doing something wrong and could brake something

[@eljefeslash]

Thank you for this! I've been driving manual most of my adult life, but I just got into 4WD and off-roading, so it's a little bit of a learning curve with the manual/4WD combo. I'm not a Jeeper (4Runner), but I appreciate this info as I can't find much in my Toyota groups. I had no idea about 4Lo and not having to use the clutch (as much), and that would have been extremely helpful when I was recently going uphill over some rocky terrain (in 4Hi) and kept pushing the clutch in and out (to keep from killing the engine) trying to climb and maneuver. Thanks!

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help man! Thanks for watching!

[@noahlevreau3061]

Took me months to find this video. It is exactly what I was looking for!

[@BennyTygohome]

That's a nice crawl ratio. I love 4lo in 1st gear

[@sheerkhanful]

This gave me a great deal of confidence to go back to a stick for off road. Thank you for sharing this.

[@drivenmad2089]

For sure! Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@nocconvict]

This video sold me on getting a manual jeep. Now driving a manual 2021 gladiator.

[@captainbc52]

Thanks for the video! Bought a 98 TJ manual about 4 months ago and dying to get it off road....this video helps a ton!

[@drivenmad2089]

Brandon Carroll glad I could help out dude! Thanks for watching! And sweet profile pic 👌🏻

[@bigdog4574]

Love it not alot of videos explaining these interacted. Same for TJ… low the low gear range for my small personal plow!

[@carlosmera6097]

Great video and very informative!!!! Subscriber from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@noahnagle1449]

Absolute lifesaver with my Jeep jl. No idea on how to off-road in a manual. Gods work my friend!

[@drivenmad2089]

Noah Nagle glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@ayresc56]

Thanks for this. Just got first manual off-road vehicle and it’s definitely different. This gave me all I needed to be aware of.

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help man! Thanks for watching!

[@damnjustassignmeone]

Appreciate this. Thinking about getting a 2 door Wrangler with a manual. Never had a 4x4 with a stick though. So wasn’t sure how all this worked.

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help! I really enjoy a manual offroad. Just adds a little bit to the experience. Thanks for watching!

[@dogscats7748]

This is great thanks its good to know what to expect when driving on the trail which is what i wanted to know. Thanks heaps

[@drivenmad2089]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@wendychicas2666]

We need a 4 high video this was super helpful

[@BrazenFlux]

Great video. Definitely one of the most helpful, practical and to the point videos I have seen.

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help out! Thanks for watching!

[@barrywinslow9798]

Well done. Nice and easy...on the Jeep and you.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Good video! Was going to do this video myself, but maybe not now... but got a few minor points of debate. Been wheeling a wrangler for 20 years including Rubicons and Non-Rubicons. 4 low is being used too much in Rubicons and you’re not alone in this... use 4high more and go into 4low when rock crawling obstacles or on extremely steep climbs. Why? 4low kills your gas and if you wheel remote places like me, you need to be conservative. It’s not hard to go between 4low and 4high either so I say use the least amount of capability needed. Now when I wheeled command trac, 4low was used WAY MORE. Also, you don’t need to use lockers that much (I bet you could have gotten up that unlocked). Your Jeep’s traction control system will do the job most of the time. Also, being locked increases your potential to break. So try it in 4low without lockers first. This will make you a better wheeler. If you fail or you feel like you have to push the jeep too much to get over it, then lock. Also, it may not be true anymore, but I still follow this, don’t shift while water fording. At least in older models, this action can allow water into the system. Not trying to be critical, but hopefully this adds to your insights. If you come to Colorado, let’s put our Jeeps against each other and film some fun!

[@gipstetz6720]

Hi there...am curious about using a manual on those off road mtn passes around Telluride. Any thoughts on the subject would be much appreciated.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Gipstetz No issue at all, use 4low and 1st gear. Crawl in control down. Have fun!

[@Mike_hocksbig69]

You don't need lockers anywhere at Hidden Falls lol. Hidden Falls is easier than Yankee Hill if that makes sense?

[@jeremyvirdell6095]

learned my first vehicle a 1974 wrangler still drive it to this day! Just got myself a 2020 wrangler sport that’s manual. Can’t wait to build it up.

[@drivenmad2089]

Congrats on the new Jeep! Thanks for watching!

[@ericschmidt1987]

Helpful video. There are rare manual jeep videos and didn’t know how to go to 4 lo for a few days

[@michaelspearinjr.2508]

Yes! Thank you! Now I might not roast my clutch while Offroading💀🥲

[@gregp6414]

Thanks for making this video. I offroad with friends who have auto JL and JTs, needed a good explanation on how to offroad in a manual

[@drivenmad2089]

Awesome man! Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@Akar_97]

This car just unbelievable

[@jbanime6]

Thanks man! Getting a manual JLR soon and this eased my mind a little about going off-road with it.

[@drivenmad2089]

It’s a little different at first. But hit up some easier trails a couple times and you’ll get used to it in no time! Thanks for watching!

[@milesdunn9313]

I live in Austin I will definitely be going to this place once I get my jeep

[@drivenmad2089]

It’s definitely a fun spot. Has a nice mix of easy trails and some decent difficult trails to get some good practice! Thanks for watching!

[@bobnoblesjr.465]

Just watched this. Great video and very informative. Thanks for some great instruction, too!

[@kas_ey]

Hey! Thanks for the video. I have never taken my new (to me) jeep off-road and have never used the 4WD. Could you do a video on when/where 4 high is appropriate and what that looks like? I never would have guessed to completely remove foot from clutch and let it roll. A little more intimidated now...

[@jacobbenns6090]

4hi is primarily for terrain like mud and such where you need all four wheels going, but are driving at higher ish speeds, and then 4lo is gonna be your crawling gear, super slow, but a buncha torque, for stuff like rock crawling, hope this helps

[@dogwood3946]

Much more control with a stick! Sticks rule off road.

[@gregoryredlon4186]

Super informative, only problem I have is my jeep does not have an rom gauge. 1993 xj, I guess they didn’t think it was necessary

[@ramseyhazemey795]

Really great video. Very clearly explained and Helpful to see the pedal box and excellent resolution.

[@lifelong5425]

Thanks, all of this helps, as not everyone can just do the off road driving...and deal with clutch...good video.

[@gamrkidd]

Wow .. very informative video . Thanks ! I just bought my new (to me) 2003 TJ wrangler x and of course it must be the manual.. manual 4.0 . I have never owned a Jeep only manual Hondas and VW so I’m completely new to off reading .. excited to take it to my semi local trails here in Ventura and LA Counties but so far haven’t touched the 4wd selector in my Jeep I did actually order the old school TJ Jeep video on VHS to learn hahaa

[@drivenmad2089]

Just takes practice like anything! just remember in low range it doesn’t take as much throttle as you might think. Thanks for watching!

[@bluecactus8559]

That was helpful! Would love to see a part 2

[@joshrude6918]

Sending it up a wet steep hill in 2nd is the best

[@NotJackAlderson]

Just send it bud

[@Jacob._.0619]

I didn’t think I needed to know any of this information but I’m super happy I do now! Coming from an off road noob of course 😂

[@drivenmad2089]

Jacob Werner Glad I helped out haha Thanks for watching!

[@builtnotbought7787]

Really helpful, I am getting use to driveing manual cuz I'm fixing a jeep yj as my first vehicle and was confused on offroading in manual

[@twosnjuk]

This was great ... Thanks for the video. I always wonder about the high RPM ... I like the way you say just let the jeep do the work.

[@drivenmad2089]

Antonio Wosnjuk glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@eddieblackmon5938]

Helpful and cool, thank you sir!

[@terryxia2188]

Love the channel! I have a 2 door JL manual (in mojito tho), only in sport s so hopefully gonna try to get bigger tires soon

[@drivenmad2089]

Terry Xia Sweet dude! Thanks for watching!

[@alfreddoumtaz215]

thanks I was wondering and this was well explained.

[@estebanamador7601]

Just to clarify, the Rubicon has a 4:1 low gear ratio in it's transfer case , and 4.1:1 axle ratio, vs the others (if I remember right) 2.72:1 and 3.73 respectively. Really great video. Greetings from Costa Rica, Latin America.

[@mursebobby408]

I had a manual 98 wrangler and I remember the first time I had it in 4L and let the clutch out and thinking how cool it was that the jeep didn’t stall lol

[@CCCL350]

Good video. Should have read the owners manual. Im over here jamming the 4wd shifter into gear wondering why it wouldnt engage.

[@alfonsoduran9654]

Nice video. Wish I saw this before I took my 2021 JLR on its maiden voyage. I stalled out so many times on sandy slopes uphill.

[@lukescholey5872]

Learned some new things. Thank you!

[@davej8746]

Off road newbie here...cool vid! Thanks! Q? How did you scope out the depth of that 1st water pool, the 1st time you drove this trail? My Jeep doesn't have a depth finder like my boat. Ha! Ha! I'm subscribed and looking fwd to learning more from your channel. Thanks again!

[@adrianolacerda3410]

my dads 2011 s10 2.8 turbo diesel could start out in 5th gear in low range

[@A-TeamOffRoad]

I have to agree with the previous comment. This is the only video I’ve seen going into detail on how to shift to 4L and engaging in 1st 2nd and 3rd gear. I took my recently bought manual Jeep off-roading this past weekend and it was a fail. Would I have seen this video I would of cleared it. I had a Jeep jk in the past automatic and 2wd was always engaged rarely did I use 4L. Stick is a lot different for sure thanks so much for this tutorial I’ll be heading out to some practice spots this weekend and try again

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@FumblingArborist]

Chris Evans is a great Jeep tutor. Thank you

[@drivenmad2089]

Haha 😂 I wish Thanks for watching dude

[@BennyTygohome]

Excellent instruction. There only part i "worry" about are steep downhill descents on loose (slippery) dirt and need to shift up or down because going too slow or fast... Pushing in that clutch on a super steep descents i try to avoid.

[@drivenmad2089]

True, but if I do that I just come to a complete stop with The brakes, then shift into the other gear. 1st and 2nd are both good at downhill stuff plus you can still use the brake if you’re going to fast in say 2nd gear.

[@KevinSummers-t4e]

Just drag the brake

[@jenbaby1974]

This information is great! I needed this!

[@Nomadpnoys]

I recognize Hidden Falls right away. Nice vid! It was pretty tough for me when I wheeled with 35s with 3.21 gearing. I kept stalling and going over things too fast. I had to feather the clutch alot and the Jeep just smells like burning clutch the whole time I was there. I recently regeared to 4.88 and have yet to wheel it.

[@drivenmad2089]

With 4.88’s you won’t have to worry about the clutch. With heavier wheels and 35’s with 4.10 gear I can let the Jeep crawl over mist things in first without adding much gas. Thanks for watching!

[@pboverlanderz1926]

Great Video and more importantly great information. I've driven manual transmissions for years but new to both the Jeep world and 4WD. Basically what I gather is when in 4 Low you pretty much let the vehicle drive itself and select the gear you want prior to the obstacle which determines your speed. Can you shift gears while in 4 Low? Also, what about 4 High can you shift gears while driving or should the gear be selected prior? You help would be greatly appreciated.

[@drivenmad2089]

PB Overlanderz Yeah man you can shift like normal while in 4 low or 4 high. It’ll be a little “rougher” than normal and not as smooth but I do it all the time. And it’s just like normal. Just be a little slower while shifting

[@pboverlanderz1926]

@@drivenmad2089 Awesome man I thought I was breaking something LOL when I drove up a mountain here in Georgia. I had it in 4 Low but it was crawling to slow and figured I should shift to 3rd. It was definitely a rough experience but at the same time a learning experience.

[@anupmenon240]

Great video ! Can you please help with a video showing in a normal manual transmission without low end gearing on how to climb muddy slippery inclines with rocks and the clutch control there & how not to burn it. That would be awesome to know since most of us have normal gearing cars so the torque is less and it stalls easily. Appreciate some expert advise

[@tomcaldwell5914]

Great instruction. Well done!

[@gipstetz6720]

Great vid. Great Info. Love manual transmissions. Have a question. What type of transmission is preferred on those off road mountain pass trails near Telluride Co? Is a manual ok for that type of trail? Thanks for any thoughts on the matter.

[@drivenmad2089]

Gipstetz Unfortunately I haven’t been out there. But if you’re comfortable with a manual that it’ll be great! Get all that aggressive engine breaking! And full control. If you’re not that comfortable with a Manual then going with the auto will take some “stress” off of you when you’re hitting obstacles. Either way you’ll be fine! Thanks for watching!

[@KubanKevin]

Using a manual off-road nowadays is the equivalent of doing a game play through on the hardest difficulty

[@ahaneesh]

7:28 do need to press gas pedal or it just crawls up ?

[@h001139]

Great video. Thank you for posting

[@drivenmad2089]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@anitadahlstrom2036]

This is an excellent video, just what I've been looking for! I've always off-roaded in my automatic Rubicon or my 2014 Sahara manual. I now am driving my 1997 manual TJ on the trails. I assume the same tips for putting it in lo and 1st or 2nd and letting it creep works the same in my TJ? (I know, newbie question!) thanks!

[@MH831]

Thanks for this vid!! been looking at a manual tacoma but ive been kinda freaked out because I wasnt sure how it would be off road

[@jcarry5214]

It can get tricky but you should get that tacoma. You'll have more fun on the daily. manuals are also a lot harder to overheat off road. The toyota setup is extremely friendly to fast clutching and picking your way. I have a Nissan and they are noticeably harder than the tacos I've driven but I can still monkey over small boulders without too much stalling. Just do lots of practicing before trying anything super steep. If you stall, you lose power brakes and that can get hairy.

[@jacobbenns6090]

Go for it, I got a 97 ram 1500 manual 4x4 thats a blast to use, its heavier than the automatic dakota I had b4, but its much more engaging

[@johnmack4591]

Great video and very informative. Have a qestion on recovery: if the manual JL was stuck in 4Low 2nd gear and someone tried to help to pull it out using the hitch or rocovery hook at the back, should the JL be put in neutral for both of the gear boxes?

[@drivenmad2089]

If you’re just getting a quick pull out just leaving it in 4L and putting tue shifter in neutral should be fine. If you’re going to be getting towed for a long time, then probably a good idea to put both in neutral. Thanks for watching!

[@thunderbear0]

Can you put direct to 3rd gear?

[@mrcountit]

Now you ride the brakes and keep the revs at 2500, at a walking pace, more revs and/or brakes for obstacles, but stay the same pace….that way you always at max torque…

[@marcr.650]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@drivenmad2089]

No problem man! Thanks for watching!

[@djmysticalone321]

Awesome video

[@richardwhitson4898]

Great videos man! Very informative. Keep it up

[@HP-sb5sg]

Great information. Thank you.

[@drivenmad2089]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@FirstnameLastname-ni9uh]

Manual is hard when crawling up hill. Even worse with no lockers :(

[@natigmammedov4]

I always use 4 low in heavy traffic. It feels almost I'm driving auto transmission.

[@IskateUphill]

Looks like a manual would be nice and fun to drive but i also drive an 18 wheeler with a 13 speed. I shift enough throughout the week and I'm not real sure... I'll probably get a manual anyway

[@zephyr707]

at 7:35 was that a non e-brake rollback getting into first or something else?

[@drivenmad2089]

zephyr707 yep just putting the clutch in and not keeping my foot on the brake 👍🏻

[@annkelton3309]

I love your channel ... I have a 2020 rubicon ... 2 door same color as yours but it’s automatic ..: my boyfriend has a 4 door ... my question is ..: can my automatic do the same thing that the manual does ... we are also in Texas .... we live in Htown

[@drivenmad2089]

Ann Kelton yep! The automatic will react very similar. The manual technically has a better crawl ratio, but you can force your Jeep to stay in a gear if you switch it to “manual mode”. But in low range it’ll still walk down stuff slowly and give you a lot more control. You just get to relax a tiny bit more haha Thanks for watching!

[@street_legal_go_kart7356]

Yes you can do everything in the auto that you can in a manual other than push start. You can absolutely drop gears use engine compression and if you don't have low gears you can also pull a couple clicks up on the e-brake to help slow your downhill. There is no advantage in manual anymore slap shift is stupid fun.

[@street_legal_go_kart7356]

Actually off road the automatics give a lot more control there's a reason most your rock bouncers and rock crawlers run Auto.

[@Pampam619]

Very helpful

[@yappingaboutcars]

I have this problem with knowing how much throttle to give in reverse on a steeper incline, I find myself burning the clutch a little, still learning how to drive stick off road, any advice on how to drive it in reverse with an incline without just flooring it out and burning the clutch? Thanks!

[@jonjones622]

Where are you wheeling?

[@timcapuchino3563]

Great job