4wd with oper rear diff

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Dec 4, 2004 | 12:37 AM

Metro2

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Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 67

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From: Colorado

4wd with oper rear diff

I am new to the 4x4 truck scene..Just picked up a '02 Ranger XLT 4wd with the 4.0L..Just wanted to be schooled on why would Ford put a open rear diff in a 4X4? That seems to be on the contrary to the whole 4WD idea...With a open rear diff, don't you just basically have a front wheel drive truck when you have 4wd engaged? Thanks in advance...

Metro2

Last edited by Metro2; Dec 4, 2004 at 12:40 AM.

Dec 4, 2004 | 02:21 AM

SoCalDesertRider

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 3,959

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From: USA

Actually you have a 2wd truck when 4wd is engaged on a truck that has open diffs in both axles. You get one tire driving in the front and one in the rear.

Yeah, I agree, every 4x4 should have some kind of traction adding differential in the rear axle, they help alot

. But Ford, and the others too, leaves that up to the buyer to decide and makes a little extra money when the limited slip rear diff option is chosen.

I have limited slips in both axles of the Bronco and the F350 has an open front and locked rear. Both combinations work excellent

.

You should check out the new Dodge Powerwagon, it comes with selectable lockers in both axles, 33" BFG All Terrains, low ratio axle gears, a winch, and a few other off-road goodies, all factory stock! Who knows, maybe someday Ford will offer us those kind of tastey treats too....