4x4 Active at High-Speed?

[BuffaloXplorer]

I've got a '96 4.0HV with the 4r55E tranny. Is there a speed cutoff point for the ControlTrac 4WD? I can't imagine that it's active all the way up to 75-80mph, but was just wondering. I know that i cannot engage it after a certain speed (i.e. once on the highway), but the 4X4 light does not go off if it was engaged before getting to highway speeds.

 

[TPLYNCH]

There is no speed cutoff that i'm aware of in auto. If the system senses slipping, it will activate. On '97+, the system is in use until speed = 35mph, after which it "sleeps" until it needs to kick in. There were threads 3-4 years ago explaining the operation of the system in very technical terms. Tom ? was the person who did the research and write up.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Thanks Tom - i was curious b/c on occasion, when the roads are not in great condition (slushy), i tend to drive a bit faster than i would if i were in a 2wd vehcle. Someone recently mentioned to me that they thought the system was disabled (completely) at highway speeds and that i didn't have the protection that i thought i had.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Just remember, with the auto, their is a lag time between sensing slip and application of power to the front end. It's miniscule, but then again, lots of bad things can happen in milliseconds. I always keep track of whose run off the road in snowy/icy weather. Drove to work during storm last week. 10 accidents/spinouts in 25 miles. 7 were SUV's.... and this was on "semi clear" highway (tire paths clear, slush/ice in the middle/sides of lanes.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Definitely - changing lanes through the slush paths is always tough and warrants all of your attention.

It's one thing to just drive an SUV, and another thing to KNOW how to drive an SUV - especially during these months.

I would consider myself (realistically) a good, aggressive driver, but i know of the a$$holes that are just aggressive SUV drivers and all too often see them in the ditches.