One of the most important things for the young enthusiastic Rover driver to remember, is to NOT leave CDL engaged after brief use, and to NEVER use it on pavement or similar surfaces or risk real danger of windup destruction of drive line parts. I should know all about this, for I have torn up my front differential on one occasion, and tore up my right front hub on another, all due to windup!

Another thing to keep in mind, is that the 2004 also has electronic traction control, so that at slow speeds on dirt roads, in any gear range, high or low, when one wheel begins to spin, braking pulses will begin on that wheel, allowing power to be transferred to other wheel on that same axle.

 

Wait, can you clarify this? I was always told not to use CDL on paved roads, but off road it is fine. I've owned tons of 4wd vehicles and have never grenaded a T-case in 4wd-low or 4wd-hi while off-road. And yes, they were all "CDL-equipped", in fact you couldn't turn "off" the CDL. My 2011 GMC is the same way, and it just says "don't use 4Hi/Lo on dry pavement."

I'm asking because when I'm in Moab, I imagine having the CDL engaged for a significant amount of time while off-road.

I totally agree, 100%, do NOT leave the CDL engaged at highway speeds on the freeway, but in the sand/rocks where the tires can slip, you shouldn't have driveline wind-up.

 

Lots of good information guys. Thank You!

Im gonna go give this '99 a test drive and I'll report back.