Control Trac 4x4 Question??

[MattStarr]

Alright, I have a 97 xlt sohc with the control trac 4 wheel drive system. I have michelin xc lt4 tires and was wondering about how to drive off road with the control trac. It has auto, 4hi, and 4lo. I am not sure, but is the auto setting the same as the all wheel drive on the v8 explorers. I was wondering b/c i want to drive on the beach but dont know what setting to use. All tips would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jason_25]

Driving on the beach you will want to use 4 high or low. Whatever feels comfortable for you. The 4-auto is really only for use on the road.

Also, be sure to air your tires down to 15 psi or so.

 

[PghBill]

Control Trac 4x4

Matt, there are other threads here that deal with the control trac. Try a "control trac" search.

From my reading, in a nutshell, "Auto" means that up to 35 mph, if the rear wheels spins faster than the front, the computer will send a signal to the tranfer case to engage and send power to the front axle, thus automatic 4x4. Normally, 95% +/-of power goes to rear, 5% +/- goes to front, and at 35 mph, 100% goes to the rear. With the auto, you will have trouble doing donuts in the snow in the snow at the local Kmart lot.

I had my 91X at the beach several times. You must use either 4x4 hi or lo. I generally use 4X4 lo. I had no trouble, even in sugary sand. (Saw several ricers and Jimmy/Bravada types thoroughly bogged down.) And, even though the Ford owners manual doesn't recommend it, I always drop tire pressure to about 18 PSI when going onto sand

I'll be giving my 97X with "AUTO 4x4HI LO" a workout at OBX in October. I'll be using 4x4 HI & LO for sure when on the sand.

Good luck