A friend of mine just bought an 06 Rubicon and we were talking about the drive settings and he said he read somewhere one time where people were talking about how D1 was really for towing, but that you shouldn't tow heavy loads in D1 because it can damage the transmission.
I realize that D1 is lower than D2, but what is the best trail riding gear? We have also heard you should pretty much just leave it in D2 or ESP and forget about D1. So can anyone give us the facts of what is best and why?? Thanks!

 

From what I have heard, you should not use D2 but use D1 or ESP. I would also like to know more.
I have a rubicon and whenever I use automatic(ESP most of the time) I use D1. I have over 3200 miles with no trouble with the transmission.

 

D1 is for fast riding or hillclimbs (best power), D2 is for low traction situations (best torque). ESP is just like a semi-auto, but smoother. If I want to go fast (well, less slow) or hill climb (without shifting myself in ESP) I use D1. If I want to ride around at a lower RPM (low noise)(without shifting myself in ESP) I use D2. D1 is idiotproof and what I hear most people say they use (not implying anything). Haven't heard of anyone messing one up towing in D1. I like ESP, but if I'm out for a lazy ride I usually ride in D2. Low range automatically selects D2, but you can use ESP in low too. Whenever I tow something heavy it's in low. Easier on the clutch, just like a foreman semi-auto.

Could you line the two of them up? You in 1st and the Rubicon in ESP 1st and low range. Let us know which one appears to have the lower gear in that condition. Always been curious.

 

I recently bought a new Rubicon too. One thing I did not know about it before buying was that, with 4-wheel drive active, using either of the handbrakes operates both the front and rear brakes simultaneously. It mentions this on a sticker on the Rubicon.

I'm not trying to hijack the thread but I found this interesting.

 

unless they've done something different this year, this is the same regardless of brand. if you are in 4wd actuating either front or rear brakes will affect the other axle (not the brakes though, that is a general statement meant to make one aware). How you could get the front brake (master cylinder) to actuate a cable rear would be a new trick!

If you are in 4wd on your Grizz and hit the front brakes, all 4 wheels will offer resistance to movement, even though you are not actuating the back brakes.

I see some of other brand riders use this as an argument FOR single lever brakes. However, even in 4wd, there's enough driveline backlash, and torque on the suspension from braking, that actuating the front OR rear brakes has a different effect on the weight shift and handling during braking. Carefully try it in 4wd, grab a ton of front brake then a ton of back brake going down the steepest hills and see how it makes the front dive and its affect on steering too.