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Dodge Nitro

139 messages,  Last post on Aug 27, 2009 at 9:18 PM

You are in the Dodge Nitro Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Dodge Nitro, SUV


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#65 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [rockfish1] by linderman
Feb 01, 2007 (2:09 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Jan 30, 2007 11:29 am)

Full-time 4WD is always on. (Essentially AWD and you may drive on slippery surfaces or dry) With part-time you have to engage it, and you have to dis-engage it. If you forget and drive on dry pavement for a time.......BIG REPAIR BILL.
 
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.
#66 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [linderman] by rockfish1
Feb 01, 2007 (3:45 pm)
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 01, 2007 2:09 pm)

Thanks for the link.
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.
#67 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [rockfish1] by linderman
Feb 01, 2007 (4:57 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 01, 2007 3:45 pm)

Well, a four speed tranny comes standard on the SXT & SLT, whether or not you get 4WD. The RT comes with a 5 speed auto.
 
As that site says...for slick pavement, AWD or full-time 4WD is best.
#68 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [linderman] by rockfish1
Feb 02, 2007 (3:21 pm)
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 01, 2007 4:57 pm)

I picked up a Nitro brochure and looked at the chart in the back. This has more info than the wen site. It seems the part-time 4wd is on the SXT with the MP143? and full time 4wd is on the SLT and R/T with MP140? 4 or 5 speed auto transmission.
 
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?
#69 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [rockfish1] by linderman
Feb 02, 2007 (3:41 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 02, 2007 3:21 pm)

I now have an AWD Infinity FX35. Great traction. I ordered a Nitro RT with the full-time 4WD because I feel that set up is best for wet/snowy/icy pavement. My wife is looking at an SLT with the same setup. When that happens we will sell the Infinity. Nothing wrong with it, I just fell in love with the Nitro and like a change every few years. My RT has not even hit the build stage as yet. Ordered it in Nov!
 
"If" you plan to use your Nitro off-road a lot...then consider the part-time 4WD.
#70 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [linderman] by rockfish1
Feb 02, 2007 (5:08 pm)
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Replying to: linderman (Feb 02, 2007 3:41 pm)

On road driving will be 99.999% of my driving. That is why I was questioning just having RWD. The part time 4wd is not much of a benefit for me so I am glad to see the Nitro brochure showing full time 4wd for the SLT and R/T. Dodge needs to update their website.
 
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.
#71 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [rockfish1] by tidester HOST
Feb 02, 2007 (6:44 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 02, 2007 5:08 pm)

On road driving will be 99.999% of my driving.
 
Incidentally, that translates to 1 mile offroad for every 100,000 miles driven. Thought you'd like to know.
 
tidester, host
#72 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [tidester] by rockfish1
Feb 02, 2007 (8:00 pm)
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Replying to: tidester (Feb 02, 2007 6:44 pm)

Since I have 145,000 on my '99 Dodge Minivan and I have not had it off road except for the few feet I drove on the shoulder of an Interstate, I may have understated the percent!
 
Not having driven a vehicle with a drivetrain other than RWD and FWD is one reason I don't know that much about the pros and cons of 4WD part time, 4WD full time or AWD. With an offering of a variety of drivetrains on the Nitro and other car/truck vehicles, I am interested in determining if the costs will match the benefits for me.
 
The link provided by linderman was very helpful
Read what this pro has to say about it:
  
 http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html
  
  

Is there an active forum on drivetrains?
#73 of 139
Re: 4WD verses RWD [rockfish1] by steve_ HOST
Feb 02, 2007 (8:25 pm)
Reply

Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 02, 2007 8:00 pm)

If you are interested in 4WD/AWD, try the 4WD & AWD systems explained discussion. There's also FWD, AWD, RWD and the Luxury Performance Sedans that should have some points of interest.
#74 of 139
trans shudder by rfloyd4
Feb 06, 2007 (10:30 am)
Reply
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY PROBLEMS RE:TRANS SHUDDER,TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK UP ON 07 NITRO?IF SO WHAT FIXED IT.

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