Dumb question regarding diffs and transfer case.

[2006GrayXLT]

Question is do any of the differentials or transfer case have a lock up feature?

 

[Rcflyer330]

There are no locking devices in the differentials.

 

[dacaur2]

All traction control on gen 4 explorers comes from the brakes. The diffs are completely open.

 

[michael loibl]

But the front and rear driveshafts out of the transfer case will lock together in four high and four low

 

[dacaur2]

Well yes, if you put it in 4x4 part time or 4 low, it is assumed that the front and rear will be mechanically locked together, but in 4 wheel full time, there is no "locking" device that will lock the center diff.

 

[Mbrooks420]

4 wheel full and part time are poor uses of terminology. Typically a full time 4wd system is just that. Always driving both axles and not at all selectable.

The Explorers use 4wd auto, 4wd high, and 4wd low.

In high and low the transfer case clutch locks the front and rear driveshafts together.

 

[dacaur2]

Unfortunately, just like in any industry, the terminology depends on the manufacturer and other than 4x4 part time and 4x4 low, you cant really say "this term means this" or "that term means that" definitively. Jeep for instance uses the term "full time 4 wheel drive" to describe the exact same system ford calls "4x4 auto".

 

[Mbrooks420]

Okay, then it’s a poor choice of wording to use on a Ford product that has never used those terms, which are logically nonsensical.

Also, Ford’s 4 auto is more like Jeeps On-demand 4wd, than it is like their Full Time 4wd.

 

[dacaur2]

Full time 4 wheel drive really doesn't refer to a specific 4x4 "system". Its basically just any 4 wheel drive system that can be used on any terrain, i.e. you can use it "full time".... :"full time" as in "always on" as opposed to "part time" which you can only use "part of the time"..... I believe the term you are thinking of is "all wheel drive"

 

[Mbrooks420]

I fully understand what all wheel drive is.

I also understand Ford has never used the term “full time 4wd” when describing any system put into an Explorer.

 

[dacaur2]

I never said they did, but that doesnt make calling their "4x4 auto" setting "full time 4x4" wrong or inaccurate (or a poor use of terminology).
"Full time 4x4" is not necessarily a 4x4 "system". Its a descriptor that accurately describes any 4x4 system that can be left engaged at all times regardless of terrain. You can leave it on "full time", so its a "full time 4x4" system.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

its funny because 4wd auto isnt even auto and its always throwing 20% to the front.... for the rear diff you can swap in a replacement trakloc from a 03-04 cobra and it is the cheapest option to add limited slip to the explorer another member did a very good write up on his thread and its even more cheaper if you know how to swap it yourself.... its a pretty good use of $250 if you do alot of low traction driving.... every winter I want to do it and when spring comes I lose interest