How Do I Know If My Jeep Has A Quadra-Drive? (Explained)
Jeep has multiple systems that work in different ways. Some include Quadra-Drive, Quadra Trac, Active Drive, Selec Trac, etc.
Most Grand Cherokee models have a quadra drive. In this article, I’ll help you understand what quadra drive is and how to know if your Jeep has one. Let’s get the ball rolling!
Generally, the easiest way to know whether your Jeep has Quadra-Drive is by checking the badge located at the bottom left side of the tailgate and the badge at the back of the gear shift. However, note that not all Jeeps have a Quadra-Drive.
What is Quadra-Drive?
The foundation of the Quadra-Drive is the Quadra Trac II system, which adds limited-slip differentials to the rear and front axles to form a four-wheel-drive system.
This system can direct torque to the axle using the best traction and uses the best traction to operate the individual wheel on the axle.
However, there’s a disparity between the Quadra-Drive system and the Quadra Trac system. Read more about Jeep Has Quadra-Lift.
Even though they are both 4×4 systems, the Quadra drive uses a traditional electronically controlled differential.
In contrast, the Quadra Trac uses three brake-traction control systems to reduce sliding on rough terrains.
How Does Quadra-Drive Work?
As the driveshafts spin at varying speeds from wheel spinning, the pump produces the pressure which locks the front driveshaft to the rear driveshafts.
This lock also occurs with the Quadra-Drive axles in-between the right and left wheels on each assembly.
Quadra-Drive utilizes the New Venture Gear NV247 transfer case attached to the rear and front axles containing the Jeep’s Vari-Lok.
These axles form the gerotor style limited-slip differentials. A typical example is the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Additionally, you can get the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you don’t intend to leave the pavement in New Haven but need improved handling and enhanced training.
However, SUVs like Grand Cherokee models and Jeep Renegade aren’t AWD equipped.
They function fully as 4×4 systems and deliver full capability by sending over 100% of torque to an individual rear wheel. Lastly, their limited-slip differential operates electronically.
How to Determine if My Jeep Has Quadra-Drive?
According to a user forum, one of the Jeep owners said, “each time I start my car, it shows a Jeep icon and will say Quadra-Drive in the EVIC.”
Well, this could be the easiest way to find and identify yours.
Alternatively, you could check the badge located at the bottom left side of the tailgate and the badge at the back of the gear shifts to see whether your Jeep has a Quadra-Drive.
However, note that you may not see Quadra-Drive in all Jeep models. In addition, Jeep utilizes different four-wheel-drive systems in their cars.
These systems range from basic part-time that need a driver to operate the control level to send power to four wheels and the permanent four-wheel system that controls traction needs at all four wheels no matter the condition.
How Do I Know If My Jeep Has Quadra Drive 2?
Your Jeep has the Quadra-Drive 2 system if it has rear and front electronic limited-slip differentials.
All the Jeep Grand Cherokee models have the 4×4 system, also referred to as Quadra Drive 2.
Although the Quadra Trac system primarily ensures reliability, the Quadra-Drive 2 enhances capability.
It delivers off-road and all-weather capability, making the Jeep brand distinct from others. In addition, its traction control is standard and excellent.
Another significant feature is the Airstream suspension which allows you to lower your vehicle on-road for improved handling and fuel efficiency and raise it for an improved off-road and best class capability.
Currently, the only Jeep model that uses the Quadra-Drive 2 is the Grand Cherokee. The best part is that the system is not compulsory for the Summit, Overland, and Limited Trims.
Also, it has five operating modes and can be attached to an air suspension system for better off-road ability.
Furthermore, the Quadra Trac 2 can move power to the axle with the most traction, but the Quadra-Drive 2 can shift power to the wheel drive system with the most traction.
So, if you’re still confused about whether you have Quadra Drive 2, observe if the braking system is less reliant on arresting wheel slip.
The system is programmed to deal with low-traction conditions and make proactive adjustments. It also has user-selectable neutral and low ranges, including hill-descent control.
What Jeeps Have Quadra-Drive?
Currently, there are only four Jeep models that have Quadra-Drive. They include:
#1. 1973-1979 Jeep Wagoneer
This Jeep is an expensive vehicle manufactured using the 4×4 system and marketed under Jeep, its automakers, from 1962 to 1991.
It was designed using a station wagon body style. The design concept was introduced by the innovative designer Brooks Stevens.
#2. 1973-1979 Jeep Cherokee
The SJ series Jeep Grand Cherokee is an all-around SUV that was manufactured between 1974 to 1983 by Jeep.
The idea for this design came into existence after Brooks Stevens designed the Wagoneer in 1963. This connection is one of the reasons why it was built with Quadra-Drive.
#3. 1973-1979 Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is part of a series of full-size pickup trucks that originated from the Wagoneer platform, built and sold under multiple marques between 1962 and 1988.
The Jeep Gladiator design has endured in the market for more than 26 years on just one automobile platform generation.
It has excellent features, including improved handling and exceeding off-road capability.
#4. 1976-1979 Jeep CJ-7
The Jeep CJ-7 is a small and compact off-road vehicle built and sold by the Jeep automobile marque from 1945 to 1986.
It has a Quadra-Drive, and an improved off-road perfect. The CJ-7 is also used as a pickup truck.
Jeep Quadra Drive Problems
The Jeep Quadra Drive has a few annoying problems that hinder its efficiency. The major three issues include:
#1. Issues with the Transfer Case
One major issue is the transfer case’s progressive coupling, which makes the front wheels quake rather disruptively when the wheels are turning halfway or more.
A typical example is when making a U-turn or parking at a parking space; the front wheels force themselves to lock up as though they’re grabbing for traction.
It seems like a part-time four-wheel-drive system igniting dry pavement in most cases.
The automakers believe that a progressive coupling in the transfer case should allow the wheels to move freely, but it’s not. Sometimes, this coupling could cause an accident.
#2. Gear Noise
The noise starts occurring after you must have driven the car over 40 MPH. Then, the whine of the gears ignites, and the bearings begin to grind.
The grinding starts slowly, but once it reaches 70 MPH, it becomes loud noise. It’s akin to driving on the rumble strips by the side of the road.
When the gear noise becomes louder, everything seems like it’s malfunctioning. The noise hits louder as though it’s originating from the front and rear axles.
Even when set at a reasonable volume, the noise is strong enough to overpower the radio.
Some dealers think that gear noise is normal for vehicles with Quadra-Drive. But, truthfully speaking, there are tractor-trailers and trash trucks that are quieter than these types of cars.
Sadly, replacing the transfer case or axles may not fix this problem. The best option will be to get a new ride.
#3. High Cost and Limited Features
The next problem, which isn’t connected to safety but is a very annoying issue, is the high cost. Most Jeeps with Quadra-Drive cost approximately 40 thousand dollars.
For a car that costs that much, it’s only best to have all the necessary features, but there are numerous limitations.
The heated seats are limited. Even the automatic temperature control has limitations too. Cars with Quadra-Drive are supposed to give off a feeling of luxury, but most times, that’s not the case.
Conclusion
It’s necessary always to understand the features in your car, but in cases where a particular part isn’t doing so much good, you may have to take a new one.
For example, I understand that Quadra-Drive and Quadra-Drive 2 have their benefits. However, its downsides are enormous and may not be worth purchasing.
Besides, there are other SUVs with more efficient features.
