4WD Auto Question

[Mkrucejr]

Since this is still new to me.....I know it's been said this 4wd is NOT like AWD.

and since i never had this type of 4wd, i need to ask.....

When and how can i put it into 4wd Auto? In the manual it says "at any speed" How true is this?? How fast is too fast to put in?? What is the top speed I can drive in this??? What road conditions are Ideal?? I was driving down a highway today, about 50-65mph....it was raining pretty good, it then turned to a monsoon rain for a few mins. now, i know with normal 4wd systems, this is still pretty hard on the front end. Is this system ok for this type of situation?

 

[aeaglenfitch]

im assuming your switch has 2wd-auto4x4-4x4 low? the later models have
auto 4x4-4x4 hi-4x4 low.

you can use auto 4x4 at any time, in any place, any contitions because auto 4x4 only kicks in when you need it. it detects slippage in the rear wheels and automatically locks in the front wheels. so basically if you're driving straight down the road and you've got auto 4x4 on you're actualy only using your back wheels but suppose you hit a patch of ice, then your front wheels kick in the moment your back wheels slip and carry you through safely. auto 4x4 also improves handling through turns, it helps pull you through the turn. now although you can drive in auto 4x4 at all times i do believe that on the earlier 2nd gen's driving in 2wd saves gas due to how the front drive shaft is connected or something. anybody back me up on this?

 

[Mkrucejr]

Yes...I have "2wd, 4wd auto, 4wd low"

So there is no speed restrictions of putting it into 4wd auto? or speed limits driving in it?

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto, the key to any of the "AUTO" 4WD transfer cases is the application of the front wheels. The other two settings of the later models include 4WD, those are true locked 4WD settings. The true 4WD settings are the ones which you never want to use on dry pavement. The front and rear driveshafts are locked at the same speed, and the weak links will break, usually the axles or axle joints.

The Auto settings all selectively engage the front driveshaft, without ever locking the front with the back. No harm will be caused at any speed with the Auto settings. Regards,