4x4 question......

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Jun 18, 2003 | 11:48 AM

manstruck

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4x4 question......

Ok - I bought my first 4x4. I was told by a buddy of mine that when my truck is 4x4 only one tire from the front and one tire from the rear are doing the work? If that is true - then how is my truck a true 4x4?

Can someone explain how my F150 4x4 works.

Ed

Jun 18, 2003 | 12:43 PM

proeliator

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From: Oregon

4x4 question......

Most stock "4x4"s are really on 2x2s.....they have open diffs front and rear therfore when traction is lost (and you need it most) only one wheel spins per axle. This is why you see all the talk on here about spools, lockers, and limited slips. These devices cause all four of your wheels to spin, with the spool doing the best job and the ls doing the worst. There are allot of other factors to consider when installing a traction device, which is why most people don't put in a spool even though they rule off road. I'd do a search because there is plenty of good info buried on here on this topic. Hope that helped.

Jun 18, 2003 | 01:06 PM

manstruck

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4x4 question......

I heard its pretty expensive to do any of what your talking about. Oh well, I'll just ahve to wait to see if I ever get stuck anywhere. Then I will make a decision about spending the $.

Ed

Jun 18, 2003 | 05:49 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

4x4 question......

To be a little more specific, it is a true 4wd truck, when traction on all 4 tires is equal. The minute a tire from an axle has lost traction, it will recieve all the power. If you jacked up the left rear tire, and tried to drive away, it wouldn't move even though that right rear tire is still on the ground. That form of differential is called "open". It provides the most comfortable/smooth ride. Some trucks came with limited slip differentials stock. They introduce a set of clutches, which helps even out the power between the two wheels. However, it will still slip (hense limited slip) when turning. When turning, the tires need to spin at different speeds. With a locking differential, it is set up so that both tires recieve equal power no matter what, but will sort of ratchet itself when turning to let the tires spin at different speeds. This will not provide a smooth operation on the road. A spool will lock both tires together completely, with no slippage allowed. The only way to have both tires spin at different speeds around a corner, is when the tire slips or skids. This is why you can only use spools for dedicated off road rigs. Go to "howstuffworks.com" for more information.

Jun 20, 2003 | 02:01 AM

Psychostrkr

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Joined: May 2003

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From: TX

4x4 question......

I was going to get into Arb and Detroits [ the best imo], but you didn't leave much left Mustang.......

Jun 20, 2003 | 07:35 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

4x4 question......

Yah they also have "selectable lockers" which you can select "open" or "locked". Those types of lockers allow you to switch from an open diff when driving on the street, to locked when you need the traction off road. Great stuff but expensive. The best thing is the selectable type where it is a limited slip or locker instead of an open/locker combo. A limited slip will provide almost 50% more traction than an open differential and is still very smooth on the street so it's great. Then when you get off road, hit the switch and you're locked and ready to rock!