4x4 vs AWD mode Comments
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4x4 vs AWD mode Comments
I've lived in the snowy mountain west for over 20 years now, and have had a lot of experience with driving in snow. I'm not an off roader.
I currently own two AWD cars, Audi and Eagle Talon, and previously had a Suburu.
I'd had 2 Broncos, a 4x4 95 Chevy, and now my 12 EB F-150, so I have
a certain amount of experience with drivetrains and vehicles in snow.
I lived in a neighborhood where 4x4 was necessary most of the winter to get
to my driveway.
A few years ago, Dodge and GM offered a transfer case with the AWD in
their upscale model, comparable to the Lariet, and Ford didn't, until 2012.
That's why I waited for that model year. I really wanted that option, and
I'm very happy with it.
I can't tell any difference between AWD and 4x4 in the driving I've done. With the other 4x4 vehicles, your gas mileage is terrible when engaged, and your driving speed and road conditions are
limited in 4x4. No question about using it during a major snow storm, but when the road conditions are not as bad, I find AWD to work fine.
Audi/Suburu AWD systems put power to front and rear all the time. As I understand it, Ford's system runs in RWD until some slippage occurs, and in
a nano-second, engages the front differential. I don't know how long it stays
engaged, but I've messed around on slick roads, and can't tell any difference peeling out on ice with 4x4 or AWD.
My thoughts are: if you're in really bad conditions, put it in 4x4 as opposed to AWD otherwise the
clutches, or however, the system works, will be overused cycling in and out, and will prematurely wear.
Any thoughts, opinions, or experiences? Oh, a couple more from me. Your
system is worthless without the right tires. What you need is up to you
to figure out. Other thought based on experience: 4x4 is worthless if your
foot isn't on the gas.
Amazing how many people end up in a ditch driving too fast down a super slick, downhill road,
and say "Gee, how did this happen. I've got AWD."
I currently own two AWD cars, Audi and Eagle Talon, and previously had a Suburu.
I'd had 2 Broncos, a 4x4 95 Chevy, and now my 12 EB F-150, so I have
a certain amount of experience with drivetrains and vehicles in snow.
I lived in a neighborhood where 4x4 was necessary most of the winter to get
to my driveway.
A few years ago, Dodge and GM offered a transfer case with the AWD in
their upscale model, comparable to the Lariet, and Ford didn't, until 2012.
That's why I waited for that model year. I really wanted that option, and
I'm very happy with it.
I can't tell any difference between AWD and 4x4 in the driving I've done. With the other 4x4 vehicles, your gas mileage is terrible when engaged, and your driving speed and road conditions are
limited in 4x4. No question about using it during a major snow storm, but when the road conditions are not as bad, I find AWD to work fine.
Audi/Suburu AWD systems put power to front and rear all the time. As I understand it, Ford's system runs in RWD until some slippage occurs, and in
a nano-second, engages the front differential. I don't know how long it stays
engaged, but I've messed around on slick roads, and can't tell any difference peeling out on ice with 4x4 or AWD.
My thoughts are: if you're in really bad conditions, put it in 4x4 as opposed to AWD otherwise the
clutches, or however, the system works, will be overused cycling in and out, and will prematurely wear.
Any thoughts, opinions, or experiences? Oh, a couple more from me. Your
system is worthless without the right tires. What you need is up to you
to figure out. Other thought based on experience: 4x4 is worthless if your
foot isn't on the gas.
Amazing how many people end up in a ditch driving too fast down a super slick, downhill road,
and say "Gee, how did this happen. I've got AWD."
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
Can anyone explain to me how the AWD system in the newer trucks work? I had that option in my 2000 Expedition, and as far as I know, it was mechanically the same as 4x4. As far as I know, it would run in RWD until it detected slippage, and then engaged 4x4 (shift-on-the-fly) and would disengage a short time later if it no longer detected slippage. So there weren't really any clutches or anything. I wasn't a fan of that system, Ip referred to run locked into 4hi on snowy roads, as it seemed to upset the handling when it shifted into and out of 4x4.
Do newer AWD systems in the F150 work the same way? If so, I don't see it as an advantage over plain-jane 4x4 systems at all.
I'm pretty familiar with the AWD systems on cars like subaru, but I don't think that's in any pickups, is it?
Do newer AWD systems in the F150 work the same way? If so, I don't see it as an advantage over plain-jane 4x4 systems at all.
I'm pretty familiar with the AWD systems on cars like subaru, but I don't think that's in any pickups, is it?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 722
Likes: 6
I don't know, but I fully loathe full time systems. My wife's Subaru has, Subarus patented "Symmetrical AWD" which works like a gem.
It is clutch based, and always splits the front and rear distribution by 50:50, and then everything in between as needed. IMO that system works fantastic in her 173hp, 2.5L car, but would not be robust enough IMO with 420 lb/ft of torque constantly on tap like with our trucks.
I honestly prefer a part time system, to full time units in heavy duty applications like 1/2 ton and greater trucks. I've already had my '13, Fx4 in the snow , and was impressed with how well, and effective it was in just 2-high range, using the locker here and there and the aid of the traction nannies.
When I'm in a situation where 4wd or AWD is required, I prefer to be fully locked and in control of the power distribution, rather than a computer. With that said, if this truck where my wife's DD, then I would prefer auto-AWD so she doesn't have to think about it though. But my wife is less likely to put the truck through its paces as I would venture lol.
If I had the AWD feature on my FX4, I would probably never use it, just to keep wear off the viscous coupler or clutch packs. I find part time 4x4 to be most effective and more durable when I need it.
It is clutch based, and always splits the front and rear distribution by 50:50, and then everything in between as needed. IMO that system works fantastic in her 173hp, 2.5L car, but would not be robust enough IMO with 420 lb/ft of torque constantly on tap like with our trucks.
I honestly prefer a part time system, to full time units in heavy duty applications like 1/2 ton and greater trucks. I've already had my '13, Fx4 in the snow , and was impressed with how well, and effective it was in just 2-high range, using the locker here and there and the aid of the traction nannies.
When I'm in a situation where 4wd or AWD is required, I prefer to be fully locked and in control of the power distribution, rather than a computer. With that said, if this truck where my wife's DD, then I would prefer auto-AWD so she doesn't have to think about it though. But my wife is less likely to put the truck through its paces as I would venture lol.
If I had the AWD feature on my FX4, I would probably never use it, just to keep wear off the viscous coupler or clutch packs. I find part time 4x4 to be most effective and more durable when I need it.
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