4low engine braking while doing steep dirt descents

[Jeff_DML]

I just got back from the eastern sierra's and did several steep dirt descents.

One example:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=81033

Previously I would use the brakes to slow me down, either in 4 high or 4 low depending on the situation.

This trip I ended up using 4low and manually selecting a low gear via sport(Automatic mode seems to upshift as fast as possible) and using engine braking. This was nice since I didn't run into what I think is the ABS freaking out with the traction issues, i.e. suddenly losing braking or it locking up the brakes, and easy to modulate the speed.

Searching around whether it is ok to do seemed to pop up mixed messages. Some articles say it is bad for your engine and drivetrain, any thoughts or actual good articles? Yeah I did not dig through the manual yet so maybe RTFM.

TIA

 

[Humble Leader]

have you tried DAC? down hill assist control. I've gone down a pretty steep hill a couple times in 4lo. using engine brakes in 4lo is fine, 4lo isn't just for going slow up or through things, it's good for downhill as well

 

[Jeff_DML]

have you tried DAC? down hill assist control. I've gone down a pretty steep hill a couple times in 4lo. using engine brakes in 4lo is fine, 4lo isn't just for going slow up or through things, it's good for downhill as well

Yeah I have tried DAC but I only have one speed version on my SR5 so have not been happy with it.

thanks for the reply

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Going to lower gears in low down a hill is perfectly fine. I have been doing it since 2003 on my 1st 4unner, 10 years on my 2014 which is still doing fine and will continue to do it on my 2024. Dac is useless and noisy. on steep docents put it in 1st in low range and shift to second or 3rd as needed. Just tap the brakes if needed to slow down more. It gives you much better control than riding the brakes all the way down in hi range.

 

[Jeff_DML]

Going to lower gears in low down a hill is perfectly fine. I have been doing it since 2003 on my 1st 4unner, 10 years on my 2014 which is still doing fine and will continue to do it on my 2024. Dac is useless and noisy. on steep docents put it in 1st in low range and shift to second or 3rd as needed. Just tap the brakes if needed to slow down more. It gives you much better control than riding the brakes all the way down in hi range.

yep, exactly what I was doing and my other complaint about DAC

 

[Yamahamer]

I'll be turning 80 years old soon and have owned a lot of vehicles in my time. I have ALWAYS used the transmission to control speed on descents. Whatever it takes - 1st gear in the tranny and low range in the transfer case if that works. As long as you don't let the engine overrev you are doing no harm and I consider the advice to just use the brakes instead just a lot of hot air. I know of no one in the Jeep clubs around here who follows the advice to just use the brakes.

 

[comtn4x4]

No issues whatsoever doing this and highly recommended. It helps you keep control of the vehicle, especially if your foot slips off the brake.
Bonus: Keeps your breaks from wearing and prevents from overheating

 

[fkheath]

I consider the advice to just use the brakes instead just a lot of hot air. I know of no one in the Jeep clubs around here who follows the advice to just use the brakes.

If you use just the brakes, they will overheat. When the brakes overheat, they become worthless. Been there, done that.