4X4 vs. All wheel drive?

[mydland89]

I am looking at a 1999 explorer, V-8 which is as you all know is AWD. I am wondering if the AWD performs as well as the 4-high in snowy conditions, or mud? I currently have a 1993 X-sport V6 I already test drove the V-8 and I like it a LOT ... please chime in if you have any experience with question...

 

[hinkle_e]

AWL all the way!

I currently have a '98 XLT 5.0 w/ AWL and I love it. You don't have to worry about spinning the tires and/or fishtailing when it's wet/snowy/etc. The only problems I've encountered are 1) very few mods can be done to the truck and 2) it's still no good ON ICE...just ask my insurance company...$6500 two winters ago for taking out a guard rail

 

[ahhjaws]

I don't know, I like have control of 4 wheel drive. And besides how are you going to do your doughnuts and loop-de-loops with AWD?

 

[94EBexplorer]

you can still do dounuts in awd i could get some crazy dounuts in my talon....

 

[espnfreak]

Few mods to the v8? heck its a 5.0, there should be plenty

 

[coolchris]

yea.. there are a fair share of mods. and oh yes, you can still do doughnuts and all that fun stuff. i went into teh canyons and found a nice little dirt area and had a lot of fun

 

[GR899V8]

I love the AWD but wish it had a transfer case. Man, I must have too good of tires, I can't even do a decent cookie in the snow!

 

[rvitek]

I came from a 4X4 J**p Cherokee. I now have a 2K1 AWD. I gotta say, I love the AWD much more. I don't have to worry about anything, it's all done for me. But, on the other hand, I don't off-road, so I don't miss the 4X4 LOW either.

Oh yea, I share the same problem as GR899V8 does, my tires are too good as well

 

[RogerL]

I have an 99 XLT with the 4x4 but my understanding is that its also awd. There is a switch on the dash that reads: auto, 4 high, 4 low.
I took it offroad sunday (had the truck for a month now) and played around the small sand dunes/hills. I left it on "auto" mode and it does kick in when needed.
The more I drive it, the better I like it.
Roger

 

[Fat Boy]

Originally posted by GR899V8
I love the AWD but wish it had a transfer case. Man, I must have too good of tires, I can't even do a decent cookie in the snow!

you aint doin it right!!!

i never had a problem in the snow doing donuts, figure eights, snow plows, anything in my X...hella good times..

just make sure its fairly untouched snow, and all will be good.


also, i found tapping the break some while breaking our donuts helped, for some reason..

 

[99explorer5.0]

gotta be careful doing doughnuts with the AWD. I broke my CV joints with only 8,000 miles on the truck from doing doughnuts.