I have noticed that the engine braking on my Ruby isn't as strong in the D2 mode as it is in D1 mode. I am wondering if this is normal or something may be wrong with the tranny.

 

very normal, D1 is for slow rideing and heavy hauling. D2 is for sport

 

I believe your discriptions are backwards...D1 performance(sport), D2 is torque(pulling).

Ride, and ride often

Schtick

 

Skyline: Yes this is normal. D1 is like having your automatic car in Overdrive so to speak. There will be less engine breaking in D1 than D2. D2 is like drive, there will be better engine breaking. This is an example, D1 is for performance, and D2 is for torque, which is for pulling etc. later

 

Skyline, mine does the same thing. There isn't a huge difference but there is a difference. I think its because D2 keeps the motor at a lower rpm. When I'm just cruising around at 10-15 mph I usually use D2 beecause the rpm stays lower and its quieter. I love the punch of the D1 up hills though. Thanks for the post on toe-out it was very helpful.

 

I noticed the same thing on my Rubicon. It does have better engine braking in D1 than in D2. I am not sure, but I will call the dealer and ask them if they know why.

 

Same here, D1 has more braking than D2. I attribute this to the engine being geared lower so to speak in D1, giving it more braking and in D2, the swash plate is set for higher gearing. It's like taking a manual machine and going down a hill in second gear, than in first. First will have a lot more engine braking.