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4WD & AWD systems explained

1376 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 9:11 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Outback, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Envoy, Performance Mods, Tires, Suspension, Transmission, Truck, SUV

#1336 of 1376 Re: 4matic AWD in E500 [paisan] by ateixeira Aug 01, 2008 (11:57 am)
Replying to: paisan (Jul 31, 2008 3:51 pm) Way back when Drew would have told us. He was a great M-B resource. At one point Benz used 3 open diffs and let traction control manage the rest. Nowadays I'm not sure.   The Audis use a Torsen. That would be good for track duty, given that's where you often drive.   For street/snow I would go with the Legacy. Replies to this message: paisan (Aug 01, 2008 12:37 pm)
#1337 of 1376 Re: 4matic AWD in E500 [ateixeira] by paisan Aug 01, 2008 (12:37 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 01, 2008 11:57 am) Well let me elaborate....   The LGT Wagon that I have will continue as my DD as well as track duty. The Armada will remain as my tow vehicle and in-law hauler.   The "new" car will essentially be a backup for my DD and weekends, trips up to the lake, etc. etc.   The car may be on the track but most likely won't be on track. Although an Audi A8L would be interesting to see on track   I'm afraid the new 2010 Legacy will not be larger enough (is that a phrase?) than my 05 to differentiate itself from it and would overlap where my current Legacy stands.   -mike
#1338 of 1376 1998 yukon trouble engaging 4wd by tom13940 Aug 27, 2008 (12:27 pm)
Hi Guys: I just bought a 1998 yukon to use for towing and am having trouble getting the 4wd to engage. The light on the dash wants to eather not stay lit or go off after awhile. Can anyone help? Replies to this message: paisan (Aug 28, 2008 5:37 am)
#1339 of 1376 Re: 1998 yukon trouble engaging 4wd [tom13940] by paisan Aug 28, 2008 (5:37 am)
Replying to: tom13940 (Aug 27, 2008 12:27 pm) I think in 1998 you can only use 4wd on dirt/mud/snow. If you are trying to use it on pavement, you will kill your differential.   -mike Motorsports and Modifications Host
#1340 of 1376 okielinda by okielinda Dec 07, 2008 (3:21 pm)
Is there such a thing as an Suv AWD with mpg of 20 or better? What 3 AWD suvs can you recommend that have mpg that is better than 20? Replies to this message: paisan (Dec 07, 2008 3:35 pm) ateixeira (Dec 23, 2008 8:58 am)
#1341 of 1376 Re: okielinda [okielinda] by paisan Dec 07, 2008 (3:35 pm)
Replying to: okielinda (Dec 07, 2008 3:21 pm) Sure, some of the cute-utes get over 20mpg with FWD-based AWD systems. What size vehicle are you looking for?   -mike Subaru Guru and Track Instructor
#1342 of 1376 Re: okielinda [okielinda] by ateixeira Dec 23, 2008 (8:58 am)
Replying to: okielinda (Dec 07, 2008 3:21 pm) Sure...   Subaru Forester 2.5X Toyota RAV4 4 cylinder Honda CR-V Nissan Rogue Ford Escape 4 cylinder (plus the clones) Ford Escape hybrid   There are a bunch more, but those are probably the most fuel efficient ones.   We have a 2009 Forester and mileage has been between 22-36mpg, with a mid-high 20s average most of the time.
#1343 of 1376 front axle of 97 Ford Exp by monaco70 Jan 17, 2009 (8:21 am)
Hi, I'm new to 4WDs and Fords already 2 strikes against me. Can anyone help me figure out why the front axle w/n engage even though I can hear the (clunk) when switched to 4 Low or 4 high. The ratio to the rear axle does change however when in 4 low, but the front axle never engages. Any suggestions out there? Replies to this message: xwesx (Jan 20, 2009 8:36 am)
#1344 of 1376 Re: front axle of 97 Ford Exp [monaco70] by xwesx Jan 20, 2009 (8:36 am)
Replying to: monaco70 (Jan 17, 2009 8:21 am) I am pretty sure that system is electronically controlled, so there might be an actuator that is burned out or failing to engage. Otherwise, if the vehicle has auto-locking hubs on the front axle, perhaps one of those is the culprit. I suspect that vehicle has an open differential in the front, so if one hub were not locking, all the power would go to that half-shaft.
#1345 of 1376 Chevy Suburban 2006 LTZ by 2006SubLTZ Jan 27, 2009 (2:01 pm)
Today was the first day we have had snow since I bought my 2006 Suburban LTZ. I work at a hospital and must be able to reach work at all times. I have been driving in the snow for 20 yrs with 4WD. This morning I had no control over my vehicle. I called the dealership who assured me it was AWD and I should not slide. Unfortunately that was not the case. What are the advantages of AWD vs. 4WD? Replies to this message: xwesx (Jan 27, 2009 3:00 pm) tidester (Jan 27, 2009 4:46 pm) arrie (Mar 30, 2009 10:07 am) ateixeira (Mar 30, 2009 11:37 am) arrie (Mar 31, 2009 4:56 pm) and 12 more...

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