Probably you are about to purchase a jeep Cherokee but you do not have any idea about the vehicle’s wheel system. Basically, the jeeps like Cherokee are designed for off-road trips, their bulky body can bear the bumps and the superior quality shocks can tolerate heavy impacts. Moreover, one needs a four-wheel system jeep if one is traveling to desert or jungle-like areas.
You should not use the jeep for a particular purpose in case you do not know about the technicalities of the system. Anyhow, jeeps come with two types of wheel systems, Quadra-Trac I and II. Both of these systems work in similar ways but their tiny difference creates a major performance difference. However, the technical problems are hard to understand so take a deep breath and let’s discuss Quadra-Trac I and II in easy-to-understand language.
Quadra-Trac I Vs II
Jeeps are not simple vehicles, they are a complete lifestyle. As a jeep fan, I can understand that the feeling of driving that truck or bigger vehicle provides is exceptional. If you study history, you will know that the first jeep was used by the army in 1940. But those vehicles were not as efficient as today. Currently, we have different kinds of jeeps, trucks like jeeps, cars like jeeps, Cherokee, Rubicon, Sahara, and so on.
With the passage of time, different brands participated in the evolution of jeeps and the present jeeps are completely different from 20th century models. Those private companies introduced upgraded vehicles with better technology. Their interior, seats, speed, shocks, height, size, storage, and wheel systems all are improved now. Other discussions apart, the wheel systems are far better than ever.
The entire system from wheel size to power method is part of the wheel system. In 2004, a new technology came on the market and people called it the Quadra-Trac I. It revolutionized the jeep wheel system and opened the doors for more innovative technology for the future. The next year in 2005 they introduced another wheel system, the Quadra-Trac II. It was an updated version of the previous one but also had some problems.
However, there are further updated versions available but the most common ones are these two. Choosing one of them is really a difficult task and you cannot pick one of them randomly. You should also know that the Quadra-Trac I is not inferior, it is suitable for most conditions. On the other hand, the Quadra-Trac II fills the empty space where the first one does not work. Here are both of them explained.
Quadra-Trac I
The first advanced wheel system was Quadra-Trac I which is extremely beneficial for all times. It is a simple four-wheel system that is also considered a full-time high range system. Basically, the input from the driver is unnecessary to split the traction in a certain driving situation. The power is divided into two parts, 52 percent goes to the rear axle, and the rest of the power, 48% goes to the front axle.
Yes, the system is rear-wheel biased and the reason is a bit complicated. The bigger vehicles like the jeep Cherokee require more stability and balance to run smoothly on broken and rocky roads. For this purpose, the rear axle is more suitable to maintain the stability and control power of the jeep. On the other hand, if power distribution is equal, you may find trouble handling the jeep at a fast speed as well as in certain situations like being stuck in a hole.
Additionally, the rear wheels are efficient in brakes, they effortlessly resist speed and allow the vehicle to stop smoothly. Plus, the power from behind is more effective for the vehicles than the power from the front. That’s why Quadra-Trac I is biased and the 48:52 ratio of the power is constant therefore you cannot change it.
If you are planning a trip to icy places and fear that the vehicle may slip or late brakes might cause problems, you are wrong. The 48:52 ratio is perfect for all kinds of places whether you travel to the jungle or drive in Egypt. Plus, the Quadra-Trac I work continuously and rear wheel biases are inevitable.
Furthermore, the Quadra-Trac I use has advanced technology featuring an open differential. If you do not know, it provides power to the left or right wheels according to the requirement. For example, if the left wheel is stuck in a hole, it will provide more power to the other three wheels to get the stuck wheel out of the hole.
The system has unique properties including the latest brake system. Quadra-Trac I has sensors, which take information from all the wheels, and in case any wheel is losing its grip, it applies brakes to that particular wheel and provides more torque to the other three wheels. Hence one can effortlessly overcome the situation and face the difficulty.
The tracks of hill-like areas are not paved like the roads of New York or Washington DC. You must keep preparing yourself to face challenges like holes or rocks. In such conditions, having the Quadra-Trac I is the best remedy. You can fearlessly drive on open roads, confidently face harsh conditions, and keep your family safe.
Quadra-Trac II
As I have mentioned above that the latter is an updated version of the previous one, this system is 80 percent similar to the Quadra-Trac I. For instance, this version also provides power to four wheels in a biased manner. The power was distributed 48 percent to the front axle and 52 percent to the rear axle as the power was distributed in the old version. Maybe you are imagining that if the power split has the same rule then why did companies introduce it?
It is true that you should take a jeep Cherokee that has a more traction wheel system. Otherwise, you may fall into misery or face obstacles like wet surfaces, rocky paths, or unpaved tracks. For this purpose the Quadra-Trac I is fine but II can provide you with more power. Actually, the major difference between both of these systems is that you can transfer 100 percent power to a particular axle.
In Quadra-Trac I, the driver had a 48:52 ratio of power respectively for the front and rear axles. The case is the same as this one but you can customize the power. For example, if you are stuck in a small hole or encounter a robust rock and the rear axle requires 100%, you can cut off the front axle temporarily and be able to deliver complete power to the desired axle.
Of course, in this way you can excellently transfer the torque and stand against any type of barrier. On the other hand, the Quadra-Trac II provides four low mode locks. Sometimes, the driver does not need speed but requires more torque. In such situations, if you have Quadra-Trac I, it will never work. But the updated version can assist you with customization.
You can shift the gear in a low range to enhance the amount of torque and decrease speed. This feature is useful if you are stuck in a bigger hole, where the speed of the jeep is not as important as torque. Moreover, the low range decreases the consumption of fuel by slowing down the engine. You can use it in poor road conditions or while driving in a desert.
Anyway, the system has sophisticated strengths such as smart sensors to detect the wheel movements. Actually, it automatically identifies if a disturbance occurs to any of the four wheels. Let’s say you are driving in low gear range and you pass over the mud. As you go straight, the vehicle suddenly falls into a hole of mud. Now you require more traction and the wheel because mud is slippery.
To solve this problem, the vehicle wheel system will detect the power requirement for the stuck wheel. It will provide more power to the other three wheels instead of wasting fuel on the stuck one. In this way, you will get out of the mud, no matter if the place is slippery. The sensors will open all channels of power to all three others and close channels for the troubled wheel.
The Quadra-Trac II is undoubtedly an extremely helpful wheel system that can save you in times of hours. It is available in the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and for other Cherokees, the feature is optional. Even though it is highly beneficial but in some conditions, the system is unsuitable for you. In addition, the majority of people are confused about which is the best wheel system for them.
Which Is The Best Quadra-Trac I or II
Comparisons are always challenging but for safety concerns, one should know which system is suitable for him. Both the Quadra-Trac I and II came 15 years ago. Currently, there are more advanced systems but still, people prefer one of them. Actually, these systems are the pioneers of smart wheel systems of vehicles and today they are available for every vehicle.
But their presence is more significant in jeep Cherokees because people use them to travel to the side areas of the country. These vehicles generate more torque, provide increased power, and are made for off-road duties. The vehicles are designed to stand against bumps, thumps, shocks, and impacts. Plus, you need a more powerful vehicle to travel the hill-like areas, jungles, or deserts. The cars are good for paved roads and smooth rides.
For the sake of a comfy tour on unpaved and broken roads, the efficiency of the wheel system matters a lot. Therefore, you should be careful while choosing the wheel system. Quadra-Trac I is exceptional, it provides different kinds of properties like four wheel power, and delivers power according to the requirements of the wheel. But the system is a bit old and does not offer plenty of smart features.
Moreover, Quadra-Trac I was the old and first version so it had some downsides. Such as you cannot customize the power of the axle, the system is power biased and there is no low range gear. Hence, you cannot run the jeep at a slow speed with high torque. In simple words, the system is irresponsible if you are driving on a stony road.
On the other hand, its competitor has 80 percent similarities such as the power split ratio of 48:52. But you can change it in case your vehicle requires 100 percent power for a particular axle front or rear. As well, you can use the low gear range for more torque and less speed.
The smart sensors detect slippery conditions of wheels and automatically increase power for other wheels. Anyhow, the Quadra-Trac II is far better than the I. But it is required if you have regular off-road movements where the driver needs more traction. In contrast, if your house is on a cliff or you need an advanced system of wheels for wandering around town then Quadra-Trac I is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quadra-Trac 1 have 4 low?
The Quadra-Trac I is the first advanced four wheel system. It does not provide a low gear range for divers. The system has simple power features.
How do I know if I have Quadra-Trac 1 or 2?
The procedure of identification is not difficult, you can check it by building a sheet. If the mentioned wheel system is AWB it means it is quadra drive but if you see DHF, it represents the Quadra-Trac II.
What is the key benefit of Quadra-Trac 1?
The system is highly beneficial, it provides four wheel power with perfect power distribution. Quadra-Trac I is useful for off-road trips or in case your jeep is stuck in a hole, the system will assist to get out of trouble.
Conclusion
The wonders of technology are still developing but sometimes people like to stick with old gadgets. Quadra-Trac I and II are one of them, even though there are so many advanced wheel systems, but people still prefer these two old systems. Anyhow, both of them are excellent, the first one is great for less dangerous tours while the second is perfect for high traction. However, I have explained quadra I and II, I hope you find it helpful.*-+
Hi! Ulberto Williams here, a passionate adventurer who has been driving jeeps all his life. My passion for the thrill of off-roading has allowed me to learn what modern-day jeeps have to offer. Exploring the popular trails and seeking thrills in the unexplored terrains allowed me to discover the true intimacy nature had to offer and become an avid learner of Off-roading with Jeeps. Hence, I decided to create this blog to share my experiences of jeep riding and off-roading with the world. My only goal is to provide the readers with quality reliable information about jeeps.