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139 messages, Last post on Aug 27, 2009 at 9:18 PM
You are in the Dodge Nitro Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: w9cw (Jan 17, 2007 2:23 pm) |
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Has anybody tried a ride comparing both drivetrains? How is the performance and traction between the two drivetrains? The last car I had with RWD was my 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 which was fassssssssssssst on dry surfaces but not so great on wet or snowy roads with my Goodyear Polyglas tires.
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Jan 30, 2007 4:55 am) My wife and I both have driven a two wheel drive Nitro and a 4 wheel drive version. I have since ordered a 4x4 RT. We both agreed that we liked the little bit of extra seat height the 4x4 had. We are both sold on AWD or 4x4 also as we do drive a lot on wet and slick highways. I did not notice any difference in performance but the 4x4 really did feel more stable. I ordered the full-time 4x4 as it is essentially an AWD, and I have no desire to take it off-road. We need two cars, and now, my wife is also considering getting/ordering one for herself.
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Replying to: linderman (Jan 30, 2007 9:43 am) I am trying to determine if the added costs, the 1 MPG less in gas mileage plus the added parts that can break would be worth the extra cost for the 4X4. It sounds like you are for the 4X4. Is your 4X4 always engaged or can you select the 4WD when desired? I also am not expecting any off road driving but will be driving in some snow at times and do not want to buy the strap on chains or sand bags I needed for my RWD Duster of years past.
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Jan 30, 2007 11:29 am) Read what this pro has to say about it: http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html A very informative site. It was the reason for our decision. Good luck.
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 01, 2007 2:09 pm) According to the Dodge Nitro Specs on the www.dodge.com site, the term "Part Time 4WD" is used for the 4 speed Automatic transmission. According to the link you provided, the 4WD should only be used when moving in a straight line on surfaces without good traction. The article says: "Here is why part time 4WD should not be used on pavement: If you own a vehicle with part time 4WD the need for different rpm front and rear represents a major problem. The transfer case will power the front and rear drive shafts with same rpm and is not able to satisfy the front axle's need for more rpm. Remember, the combined rpm of front wheels (A+B) is higher than the combined rpm of the rear wheels (C+D). Only full time 4WD systems are able to negotiate the needs of front and rear. So, with part time 4WD engaged your front wheels are forced by good traction on the ground to rotate faster than the rear - but since the front drive shaft delivers only the same rpm as to the rear there is a fight between front wheels and rational force coming from the front drive shaft. The front drive shaft in effect tries to slow down the front wheels. This results in very wide turns (understeer) and dangerous handling on pavement. The name "part time" derives from its use. It can only be used part of the time - most of the time (for most uses) it has to remain in 2WD. Only "full time" - notice the name - can be used full time for all uses" The article also indicated that a part time 4WD car that is engaged in 4WD has this situation---- "Here is another important fact: Since front and rear axles are not able to rotate independently ABS will not work properly." Thanks again for the link. It now seems that the 4X4 is only useful if I get stuck in mud or trying to SLOWLY go up a snow covered hill.
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 01, 2007 3:45 pm) As that site says...for slick pavement, AWD or full-time 4WD is best.
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 01, 2007 4:57 pm) Is this MP140 and MP143 a code for manual or automatic transmissions? With the full time 4wd, I believe the additional traction benefits will be available on rain slick or snow covered roads. If this how you have found the Nitros that you drive?
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 02, 2007 3:21 pm) "If" you plan to use your Nitro off-road a lot...then consider the part-time 4WD.
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 02, 2007 3:41 pm) I am surprised your R/T is still in order mode. I have seen a number of R/T's in the dealers inventory on line in the Baltimore/Washington area. The Fitzmall site still does not have the R/T's but the 28 other Nitro's are offered at $1000 to $1500 off MSRP.
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