4WD vs AWD?

[DorkFish83]

Guys,
This is probably a rookie question, but I couldn't find a definitive answer in search.

My '98 Explorer (4.0 SOHC) has a knob on the dash for the 4 wheel drive (auto - high - low). I've been looking at buying another Explorer and it is a 4x4 but does not have this knob. How do you switch between ranges in these trucks without the knob? Am i missing something? I was under the impression that my '98 was an AWD but is this not the case?

 

[Glen4X4]

The V6 Explorers are equipped with Auto 4wd which is selectable. V8's came with AWD and not selectable its always a 60.40 split

 

[corkey]

might be the V8 with AWD,
if it was that is the one i would get,
than put the 4406 manual t case in it, and have 2wd 4wd and low range,,

 

[BrianDye]

If the guy is claiming it is a 4x4, and theres no switch on the dash, then hes lying about something, OR its an AWD.

AWD doesnt have any switches on the dash.

 

[DorkFish83]

The one I'm looking at has the V8 but is definitely not 2WD. When I noticed there was no switch, I crawled underneath to make sure it had a front differential and T-case, which it DOES.

So I'm guessing the AWD version is the same as leaving mine in AUTO mode all the time and there's no way to lock up the T-case? Makes me want to reconsider getting a V8 powered Explorer/Mountaineer. Kinda stupid IMO.

 

[Glen4X4]

With the V8 AWD your front and rear tires are always grabbing for traction no matter what. If you're into modifying you can swap in a BW4406 T-case from an F-150, there are write-ups on here for that.

 

[corkey]

might be the V8 with AWD,
if it was that is the one i would get,
than put the 4406 manual t case in it, and have 2wd 4wd and low range,,

yep,

 

[Spdrcer34]

One of the most reliable drivetrains out there.....buy the V8 AWD!, and if you want a REAL 4x4, swap in a 4406...

Ryan

 

[DorkFish83]

So in the 4WD (V6) version, are the front wheels only engaged when the rear wheels start to slip? I was under the assumption that they were engaged all the time...

 

[yeah61794]

So in the 4WD (V6) version, are the front wheels only engaged when the rear wheels start to slip? I was under the assumption that they were engaged all the time...

They are only engaged when the rear wheels start to slip. Much more traction than just straight 2wd but not quite as much as turning the selector to lock 4wd in.

 

[BrianDye]

Ive had 3 4x4 Expos, and 1 AWD.


1. (92 Eb, 4x4 didnt work)
2. 95' V6 With Control Trac (Never only 2WD), Dash had Auto, 4hi, 4lo
3. 95' V6 2WD with selectable Auto, and 4lo
4. 00' V8 AWD


The sport I had was my absolute favorite (Tcase wise), 2WD, and then when conditions got bad (Snowy), flipping it into Auto, it was great. (Not as great as AWD though). But I had the option of 4lo.

Now I have the V8 AWD. I wouldnt trade it for a V6 anyday. The V8s power is amazing, sounds great, BETTER MPGs than all my V6's got, and has so many more power mods.

The AWD system is great in the snow. Downright great, I havent got stuck at all (Got stuck in my Sport 3 times last year), BUT my dream is todo the 4406 Tcase swap. That gives you fulltime 2WD, with SELECTABLE 4hi and 4lo. (No more AWD, or Automatic).

Ive heard, and can only imagine that the AWD system robs this engines power like crazy, but its still a beast compared to the V6's ive had.

 

[Glen4X4]

Just reminding you, 95 and 96 Did Not have Auto/hi/low it was 2wd/4auto/4low, you must have had a different Bezel Brian, don't want to confuse new people with false information.

 

[BrianDye]

Hmmm, my 95' 4 door I had didn't have a 2wd option...It had the Control Trac system or whatever it was called.

The front wheels WOULD spin without being in 4pm/hi.
I'm sure I have a pic somewhere in my PB of the bezel, I'll try to find it.

 

[siu]

Reading all this has confused me...I have a 98 EX V6 with full time 4x4. I have a switch that has three positions. AUTO, 4 High, and 4 Low. Can I switch this rig to a part time 4x4 to get better gas mileage???

 

[Van]

Reading all this has confused me...I have a 98 EX V6 with full time 4x4. I have a switch that has three positions. AUTO, 4 High, and 4 Low. Can I switch this rig to a part time 4x4 to get better gas mileage???

I have the 99 with auto, 4 hi and 4 lo switch.
As I understand it, auto is part time 4X4.
It's rear wheel drive until the rear wheels slip, then traction is engaged to the front wheels making it part time 4X4.
Seems to me that would improve mileage.

 

[shadowless127]

I have the 99 with auto, 4 hi and 4 lo switch.
As I understand it, auto is part time 4X4.
It's rear wheel drive until the rear wheels slip, then traction is engaged to the front wheels making it part time 4X4.
Seems to me that would improve mileage.

This is correct. Auto is "Part-time" 4wd.

 

[safn1949]

My 2000 AWD is a beast in the snow,it's a whole bunch of fun to drive and I haven't come close to getting stuck yet.

 

[Joe Dirt]

This is the proper bezel from the ControlTrac equipped '95 & '96...

 

[windsors03cobra]

So bulletproof AWD case or electrically controlled POS?
Tough choice there. Never mind the cream of the crop when it comes to small V8's

I wouldnt touch a V6 exploder or electric transfer case with a ten foot pole.

 

[shadowless127]

So bulletproof AWD case or electrically controlled POS?
Tough choice there. Never mind the cream of the crop when it comes to small V8's

I wouldnt touch a V6 exploder or electric transfer case with a ten foot pole.

AWD case isnt bulletproof, but it is a well built unit.