4x4 Vs Awd?

[Steelhead31]

I am looking to purchase our families 2nd Ford Explorer and have seen some great deals on 2002 AWD Explorers. What is the main difference between the two? Always thought they were the same. I have am cabin in upstate Pa that i go to for hunting and need something with extra wheel drive to get through the snow. Don't do any heavy off roading but will need something for the snow storms etc. Are they both adequate or equal? Any help to this newbie would be much appreciated. And GREAT site!

Thanks,
Brent

 

[MrShorty]

Two main differences between 4WD and AWD as I understand it.
1)AWD operates without any input from the driver. There is no 2WD mode, no "true" 4WD mode where the front and rear are locked together. "True" 4WD has a selectable 4 auto mode/2wd mode and a 4H mode where the front and rear are locked together.
2) AWD doesn't offer a low range. "True" 4WD systems will have a selectable 4L mode.
For most people, these differences are minor, if they even can tell the difference. You are in the best position to decide for yourself which way you want to go. Personally, I wouldn't be quite satisfied with an AWD vehicle, because I use my low range.

 

[Steelhead31]

Awd

Thanks Mr Shorty
The vehicle i'm looking at has a AWD hi and lo button. I can't find anything on the net or elsewhere to tell me about it though. Guess i should just question Fords service dept.

Thanks!!

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Its not AWD then...AWD requires a special transfercase that has a viscus coupling. This allows the each of the axle speeds to be different. They do not have 4-low. Nor are they controlable in anyway.

A transfercase thats a true 4x4 will "hop" or "churp" the tires on the street because both axles are turning at the same exact speed being locked together.

 

[spta97]

Here's a good write-up on AWD / 4WD:

http://www.consumerreports.org/main...R<>folder_id=113261&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=333145

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Thats a great article! that should be in the FAQ

 

[B94Sport]

If it has hi and low then it's 4WD... AFAIK, Ford does not let you control the AWD... On my car I can vary the torque split between the front and rear axles and/or lock the center diff, so I get all the benefits of both (except for the low range of 4x4.) I never used that though. Keep in mind that the AWD will give you slightly poorer fuel economy than a 4x4.

 

[Steelhead31]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys!!

Well i don't know what to think now. Even the Ford dealer service dept. manager says its AWD and it does have hi/low buttons in AWD. Its a 2002 and i can't find any info anywhere on their AWD systems. Maybe they don't know what a 4X4 is? Who knows!


Thanks anyway,
Brent

 

[Premier]

Yea, its not AWD. Proabbly 4x4, but it has the auto function. So it isnt 2wd either. Most of the power goes to the rear wheels and then some goes to the front. If there is slippage, then more goes to the front. You can disable this, just search for brown wire mod.

 

[Premier]

Oh, a good way to tell is only the V8 explorer has awd. The V6's dont.

 

[Steelhead31]

Thanks for the good info. Premier. It is only a V6 so it must be 4wd.

Thanks!

 

[Premier]

Yup, 4wd auto. Like I said, check the "brown wire mod" thread, and you can make it true 2wd.