A 4×4 car or truck has several names, some of them include 4×4 (4WD) or 4×4, which means a system where a vehicle’s engine supplies all four wheels equally. In general, trucks and cars usually have four options. They are as follows: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive. Considering selec Trac vs Command Trac? This content will help you.
Jeep, Master Of Trac?
Jeep is a brand known for its prowess on any terrain, most especially rough or poorly looking terrains. This might be because Jeep has harnessed the act of being able to design their car to be compatible with off-written tracks.
With its 4×4 system, you have all you need to help you navigate the tracs perfectly. The company believes it will take more than one system to give you the control you need which is evident in the long run on the road.
What Is Command-Trac?
Command-Trac works as a part-time, temporary on-the-fly shift system. One of Jeep’s legendary capabilities. It functions in Four-wheel drive mode.
Two-wheel drive (2Hi) is known to make the front axle rotate freely but sends power to the rear axle and the wheels. Those features drive the car.
Command-Trac might seem like a strong contender but it lacks the automatic feature that is present in selec-trac. So, for instance, if you run into a floor of dry ice, there might be a need to slow down before being able to switch to 4WD mode.
It is because both the front and back are locked with no feature that enables them to slip. Hence any change to be induced is mechanical and must be done manually. You can also relate it as an effect of the direct connection of the chain that drives the shaft.
Command trac is a basic 4×4 system that offers a 4-Hi, 4-Lo, and 2-Hi system. The 4-Hi allows all the wheels to move with simultaneous speed. The 4-Lo also allows simultaneous and synchronized movement while also providing extra torque at lower rpm. It can be effective for finding your way out of sticky mud or snow. 2-Hi is a standard that is always on standby. It is connected to the rear wheels. Does the command-trac part time 4wd?
The first use of Command-Trac in Jeep was in the 1980s and since then, it has undergone several reformations to make it better. It has a shift-on-the-fly system. Drivers are allowed to choose a neutral range or a 2.72:1 Low range depending on what the condition warrants.
Is Selec-Trac Worth It?
Selec-Trac is losing its ground as several car owners are opting for more current trac systems like Rock-Trac, Command-Trac, and a lot of other varieties. This has brought several questions. Is Selec-Trac still worth having?
One thing every rider should know is that you can not use 4H when driving on dry pavement. You’ll need a selec-trac for a transfer case. So, if you have discarded your selec-trac, it is high time to reconsider.
Also, selec-trac is a good feature if you do much riding on icy roads. Most people who stay in the snowy region experience black ice after a heavy downpour of ice. It is a feature that will save you the stress of needing to shift to 4wd in case of emergency. You get the services without having to request them right when you need them.
It can also function as a safety character because of its on-demand feature. It can save you from a sudden slide on ice without any need for you to change your speed or slow down which might lead to accidents, especially on highways or freeways.
It won’t be a surprise that selec-trac is more expensive after all, extra money for its features can not hurt the purse.
What Is A Jeep Selec-Trac?
Jeep Selec-trac shares similarities with 4-Hi, 4-Lo, and 2-Hi systems, as it is present in Command-Trac. But one striking difference is its 4-Full time.
This is also called All wheel drive. Compared to Command-Trac which ensures all wheel’s movement is synchronized as in every car, the 4-Full wheel allows the 4 wheels to move at different speeds. This is a feature that gives the wheels a firmer grip when navigating roads with unfavorable conditions.
For instance, a dry or slippery surface. It is also good for navigating slippery roads, curvy roads, or wavy roads. This is thanks to its center differential features that support the 4WD feature by allowing the front and rear axle to function independently.
To switch from 2WD to 4WD is done automatically. So, you do not have to worry about mechanical and manual lever changes when driving.
It can also function as a Command-Trac if it is put in a partial lock system. It will place the front and rear axle under lock, stripping them of their individuality advantage.
Most Jeeps come with a smart lock system that allows seamless transmission when in need of a 4WD system. It is also known to be long-lasting during usage. Also, its dependable nature has made it the first choice for a lot of Jeep owners.
However, some users complained about its inability to respond quickly to lower torque handling rate.
Selec-trac made its debut in the automotive industry in the 1980s, similar to the Command-Trac. It is why most times they are pitched against one another. Several Jeeps used this system at first but with time and the emergence of other innovations, it has been discontinued in many Jeep lines.
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Which Jeeps Have Command-Trac?
Ever since the first case of use in 1948, Command-Trac remained in the automotive market. Although, it was discontinued in some Jeep models because it wasn’t doing effectively well in terms of sales.
Below is a breakdown of Jeeps that have Command-Trac in place:
From 1980 to 1987, Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (SJ) was the first model to launch the Command-Trac system.
It was followed from 1984 to 2001 by the Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Then from 1986 to 1992, Jeep Comanche (MJ) used this traction system.
Jeep Wrangler (YJ, TJ, JK, JL) still uses the Command-Trac system from 1987 to date. Also, from Wrangler 1993 to 1995, Jeep Grand Cherokee used the Command-Trac system.
In addition, from 2002 to 2007, Jeep Liberty/Cherokee (KJ) was also a model with this system.
Conclusion
The choice of use should be based on your immediate surroundings. If you áre exposed to black icy roads, you might want to consider having selec-trac but anything else, command-trac will function just well.
