Newb Questions

[JohnnyG]

In the past, we did our wheeling in a Jeep Rubicon. The Xpedition XP5 Northstar is our first Side by Sides. I got about 70 miles on the new XP5 and I have a few questions.

We are in western Colorado and so far, we have mostly been running dirt roads. I usually run in high and in one wheel drive. For the most part, the wheels have not slipped. For these good traction situations, should I use one wheel drive or two wheel or 4 wheel drive.

What drive do you use for running on blacktop roads? Again, I assume one wheel drive, is that best?

When I put the XP5 in gear and hit the gas, I sometimes hear a clunk coming from the rear. I assume this is the trans engaging, but I am not sure if it is normal. Is it?

Thanks
JG

 

[DogRunner2]

Turf mode for the riding you describe. A little driveline play is normal.

 

[Keyster]

Turf mode on my lawn and paved roads, 2wd for all else, 4wd when needed or before I get into sticky situation.

 

[JTBarlow]

I run 1 wheel drive (turf mode) only on pavement. The second I hit dirt/gravel/off-road it goes to 2 wheel drive. 4 wheel drive I only use as needed such as steep hills and deep sand.
The reasons are this;
Turf mode will allow wear on the rear differential. SxS diffs aren’t nearly as strong as automotive ones.
2 wheel drive on pavement chews up the tires, so turf mode helps extend the tires life a little.
4 wheel drive engages the front differential. It’s not a locking differential, so it also increases the wear on it.

Basically all these are to extend the life of the drivetrain.

As to the clunk when hitting the throttle, the clutches have fairly open tolerances between the spider and towers on the primary, and between the rollers and helix on the secondary. The clunk is normal, and while jumping on the throttle from idle won’t kill anything right away, easing into it will help extend life of the drivetrain components.

 

[JohnnyG]

I run 1 wheel drive (turf mode) only on pavement. The second I hit dirt/gravel/off-road it goes to 2 wheel drive. 4 wheel drive I only use as needed such as steep hills and deep sand.
The reasons are this;
Turf mode will allow wear on the rear differential. SxS diffs aren’t nearly as strong as automotive ones.
2 wheel drive on pavement chews up the tires, so turf mode helps extend the tires life a little.
4 wheel drive engages the front differential. It’s not a locking differential, so it also increases the wear on it.

Basically all these are to extend the life of the drivetrain.

As to the clunk when hitting the throttle, the clutches have fairly open tolerances between the spider and towers on the primary, and between the rollers and helix on the secondary. The clunk is normal, and while jumping on the throttle from idle won’t kill anything right away, easing into it will help extend life of the drivetrain components.

Thanks JT. I'll adopt these guidelines.

One week (two weekends) and I have around 180 miles on the XP5. 15 of those miles on a road surface getting from the trailer to trailhead.

Life is good.

 

[attakracer]

Thanks JT. I'll adopt these guidelines.

One week (two weekends) and I have around 180 miles on the XP5. 15 of those miles on a road surface getting from the trailer to trailhead.

Life is good.

That's a pretty good start !!!

 

[JohnnyG]

Stayed in Silverton, CO last night. Doing the Alpine loop today. I CO

 

[johndeerefarmer]

In the past, we did our wheeling in a Jeep Rubicon. The Xpedition XP5 Northstar is our first Side by Sides. I got about 70 miles on the new XP5 and I have a few questions.

We are in western Colorado and so far, we have mostly been running dirt roads. I usually run in high and in one wheel drive. For the most part, the wheels have not slipped. For these good traction situations, should I use one wheel drive or two wheel or 4 wheel drive.

What drive do you use for running on blacktop roads? Again, I assume one wheel drive, is that best?

When I put the XP5 in gear and hit the gas, I sometimes hear a clunk coming from the rear. I assume this is the trans engaging, but I am not sure if it is normal. Is it?

Thanks
JG

We have ran our XP5 in CO a lot. We run the gravel roads and blacktop and trails in one wheel drive (turf mode). Turn on 4x4 for the rocky or steep trails. I think turf mode issues are overblown. My Ranger with over 5k miles runs in turf mode 99% of the time and no issues.
Since the XP5 is geared so low we run in high on lots of the trails. Quieter and saves on fuel. Then shift to low and 4x4 if necessary
The clunking is the clutch. Usually way worse in high gear.
I have the Aftermarket Assassins cruiser clutch kit which makes most if not all of that noise go away.