Awd/4wd
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
A fairly standard answer (I'm not real familiar with the 2nd gen control trac system).
AWD usually refers to a system that is always sending power to all four wheels (In 2nd gen AWD systems, I believe default mode is 30% forward, 70% rear). Wheel/axle sensors feed data into a computer that detects wheel slippage. When wheel slippage is detected, the system is able to change the power split to send more power to axle with more traction/less slippage. Typically, AWD systems don't have user selectable modes, so everything functions without user input.
4WD systems usually have multiple user selectable modes. Typical modes that are available:
2 High (2H): 2WD mode where all of the power is sent to the rear and no power can be sent to the front. This mode should be used under most dry/paved road conditions.
4 Auto: similar to AWD described above. The comptuer uses data from wheel/speed sensors to detect wheel slippage. When wheel slippage is detected, the computer can alter the power split and send power to the front. Can be used under normal dry driving conditions, as well as under low traction conditions.
4 High (4H): Power is split 50:50 front to rear, locking the front and rear together. Because the front and rear can't differentiate, this mode should only be used under low traction conditions (mud/snow/sand/etc.).
4 Low (4L): similar to 4H, with the addition of a significant gear reduction at the transfer case (typically 2:1 to 3:1). This mode is useful for extreme conditions or when real low speeds are necessary (such as rock crawling). Like 4H, this mode should only be used under low traction conditions.
AWD usually refers to a system that is always sending power to all four wheels (In 2nd gen AWD systems, I believe default mode is 30% forward, 70% rear). Wheel/axle sensors feed data into a computer that detects wheel slippage. When wheel slippage is detected, the system is able to change the power split to send more power to axle with more traction/less slippage. Typically, AWD systems don't have user selectable modes, so everything functions without user input.
4WD systems usually have multiple user selectable modes. Typical modes that are available:
2 High (2H): 2WD mode where all of the power is sent to the rear and no power can be sent to the front. This mode should be used under most dry/paved road conditions.
4 Auto: similar to AWD described above. The comptuer uses data from wheel/speed sensors to detect wheel slippage. When wheel slippage is detected, the computer can alter the power split and send power to the front. Can be used under normal dry driving conditions, as well as under low traction conditions.
4 High (4H): Power is split 50:50 front to rear, locking the front and rear together. Because the front and rear can't differentiate, this mode should only be used under low traction conditions (mud/snow/sand/etc.).
4 Low (4L): similar to 4H, with the addition of a significant gear reduction at the transfer case (typically 2:1 to 3:1). This mode is useful for extreme conditions or when real low speeds are necessary (such as rock crawling). Like 4H, this mode should only be used under low traction conditions.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Webster, NY
I'll add that at least on the 97 models the AWD is based around limited slip operation in the rear differential and in the transfer case. The determination of how to route additional power to the wheels that are not slipping is done without the aid of the computer, it is a viscous coupling that does the work.
As MrShorty said, this system is always on and can not be disabled by the operator.
As MrShorty said, this system is always on and can not be disabled by the operator.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ceres, Calif.
I have a 97 Mountaineer with a 5.0 and AWD, What I would like to know is can I get a kit to make it a 4WD, I E switch from 2WD to 4WD. I also have a 78 CJ7 Jeep which had AWD, I brought a locking hub kit and a Transfer case kit to were I could switch back and fouth, by doing this I gained 3 more miles per gallon and more power in my jeep.
I just picked up the Mountaineer last week with only 100,000 miles on it and very clean. Has anyone tried doing this? If so, was it simple? Hard? What was the cost of all the parts. Most of all was it worth it? and if so did you gain any more power? MPG go up?
Thanks
GITanker
I just picked up the Mountaineer last week with only 100,000 miles on it and very clean. Has anyone tried doing this? If so, was it simple? Hard? What was the cost of all the parts. Most of all was it worth it? and if so did you gain any more power? MPG go up?
Thanks
GITanker
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