I have read the warranty book but it isnt clear. I know low range when doing heavy work or climbing steep hills ect. But what about riding over farm land, through streams, up small hills, ect. Do I use D1 or D2? Thanks for any help.

 

D1

 

I would use D1,only use D2 for fairly level ground where your not putting much pull or strain on the tranny.D2 doesnt down shift quick enough for hills or aggressive trail riding, D2 can be hard on the clutch if not used properly.

 

If you're not hauling or pulling, D2 is fine. Out of the 3400 miles on our Rubicon carrying two people and a trunk full of gear on mountain trails, at least 1/3 of the miles on in D2, 1/3 in D1 (for the steeper and rougher stuff), an 1/3 in ESP. We get our best gas mileage in D2.

 

Thaks for the help! To be safe I think I will run it in D1, I dont know why they bother with D2 if it doesnt really do much. I guess some engineer had an idea and convinced his department it looked good on paper. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Use D1 if there are hills and stuff around but D2 is great for flat ground, its kind of like an o/d mode. I use D2 alot, even going up and down hills with 27" tires and have no tranny problems in 3800 miles but I wouldn't recommend anything but flat ground riding while using D2 to anyone else.

 

I don't think there is a cluth to hurt on this hydrostatic drive system. I will check cuz im not 100% sure.

 

There is a wet clutch like all other auto-clutch ATV's. We still use D2 allot while traveling roads and most trails. D1 and ESP for when it gets rougher. Still no troubles.

 

Yep if anybody wonders how it works read this..

http://www.motorsports-network.com/h...01/tranny.html

had to find out for sure...thanks

 

oh yes ...... this is a common question among rubicon owners. I am fairly new to the rubicon, but after reading the the trans operatin , and experiencig with D1 and D2 ........ here is what i found.

difference between D1 and D2 is engine RPM range

since this is a hyro-mechanical trans, it makes no diffrence weather it is D1 or D2 for the transmission.
the answer lies in enigne RPM.
simply, the control module ( computer) keeps the engine in a higher RPM range in D1, as it moves the trans through its range
where as in D2 it keeps the engine in a lower RPM range by shifting the trans to "higer gear" sooner.

just like when you drive a car with a manual transmission !!!!
you could rev the engine to to high RPMs in each gear before shifting, that is D1 = performance shifting = quicker acceleration =more horse power, more gas usage.

D2 is ... (with all respect) grandpa driving mode, just like short shifting a manual trans,
as soon as the RPM hits 2000 you upshift one gear. this is equals a more economical way of driving because the engine is in a lower RPM range.

the down side is, if you use the D2 on other than flat ground , you will be "lugging" the engine,
just like driving a manual transmission car in 3rd gear at 15 MPH
the transmission don't care !!! but your clutch and engine does.

on the clutch: it is a centrifugal clutch...... more engine RPM = stronger hold. less RPM less hold
however the clutch will engage as soon as you move the engine off idle.

on the engine "lugging it" = too much gas , not enough RPM

to sum it up :
D2 is ok to use on flat grounds or moderate hills under light to moderate throttle use, or should i say normal use.
D1 is performance use good for technical or climbing, towing and such, where more power is desired.