How is the V8's AWD compared to having 4hi/4low?

[BrianDye]

Ive been putting a good amount of money away for the last while now to put towards getting another Explorer, since id be able to afford one now.

I was really excited in hopes that I was gonna get a V8 2nd gen. Our winters here in Michigan are terrible, one day we have 2' of snow on the ground and 2 days later its 60 degrees outside, in other words, having 4x4 is a must to me.

I had always known the V8's were AWD, but I also thought they came in 4x4 (4hi, 4low, etc) but learned today that they dont...

How "capable" if thats the right word, is the AWD system compared to 4hi or 4 low?

I wont lie, I do like to drive to State Park with my friends in the winter time and mess around on the snow mounds so 4 wheel drive is a must.

Thanks!

 

[Turdle]

search for "4406" and find the how to thread.


You will find your answer.

 

[BrianDye]

Oh wow, thanks for the prompt reply, I found the how-to, thats quite out of my range of mechanical skills, I would love to be able todo that, but I might just be stuck with getting a V6

 

[Explorer Junky]

Oh wow, thanks for the prompt reply, I found the how-to, thats quite out of my range of mechanical skills, I would love to be able todo that, but I might just be stuck with getting a V6

DON'T!!! I would stay with the V8! The AWD to me has been pretty capable in our Michigan winters. I hunt and am on back roads plenty, and have yet to have an issue getting stuck. My Pops has the 6 with the select track and almost wound up in a ditch because he could not put it in true 4X4 because the snow on the ground was intermittent. But, he hit one patch and was looking at the car that was Behind him, was now in front of him!! The AWD is always there and always turning. I love mine. Rethink the v6

 

[BrianDye]

I had the automatic AWD on me last 4.0, I loved that setup, it was 2WD, then Auto AWD, and 4 Low.

But my question is, is the AWD as powerful as 4 low? If me or my buddies get stuck, is AWD gonna get me or them out?

I wish I knew someone personally who had the V8, that would help a ton...

 

[rhauf]

think of the AWD as automatically switching into 4hi when traction is lost. (at least thats my understanding of it)

i'm sure if you're running a v8, and you don't have huge tires, you will be fine without a low range.

 

[Explorer Junky]

I had the automatic AWD on me last 4.0, I loved that setup, it was 2WD, then Auto AWD, and 4 Low.

But my question is, is the AWD as powerful as 4 low? If me or my buddies get stuck, is AWD gonna get me or them out?

I wish I knew someone personally who had the V8, that would help a ton...

I have never had to pull anyone out! I have have never been stuck. I have gone through some stuff that made my dad way nervous!! It does NOT have the low range ability of an Ex with a "selectable" 4low option. But, you could buy the V8 with the AWD, and save your pennies, and spend the 300-450 on the 4406 later. The power and tow-ability you will get from the V8 vs. the V6 is VERY noticeable. The problem with the Select Trac to ME is. That, when you are driving along and that select trac is banging in and out, you could lose it if it does not come on in time. My dad hates the fact that his will make the truck herk and jerk all over. Thats why I am doing "brown wire" mod for him.

 

[BrianDye]

Well thanks guys for all the info, the 4406 is def. way out of my range of mechanical skills, as awesome as that would be though.

I have another question now, is there any way to make the V8 only 2WD?

 

[my pos mounty]

They were manufactured with 2 wheel drive, but those were mainly sold in the southern regions of the US since they do not see snow.
The AWD system can not be beat in the snow. (Try going long distances at highway speeds with the A4WD system in 4hi). I have had mine since 2001 and drove from the seacoast of New Hampshire to Boston, Mass daily...rain, shine, snow, hail, whatever mother nature could dish out. I don't know how Michigan is with their plowing expertise, but Mass and New Hampshire both suck until it has stopped snowing for 12 hours.
I have driven in blizzard conditions numerous times. I wouldn't want any other truck for that driving. If you go offroad on a regular basis, then the A4wd system MIGHT be better.
The transmission in the V8 is darn near bulletproof, unlike the 6 cylinder transmissions. If I was to ever buy a second gen again, it would only be the V8 AWD, period.

 

[BrianDye]

Thanks for that....but I do like to have some fun when we have a lot of snow, so you said the AWD doesnt like to be driven rough...

The plows here sometime are literally on the road by the time theres only an inch of snow, other times, it takes them 2-3 days if they even do decide to plow

I dont make a habit of off roading, but I do like to have fun sometimes like I said going through some heavy snow, or going through some muddy trails when/after it rains.

 

[my pos mounty]

Thanks for that....but I do like to have some fun when we have a lot of snow, so you said the AWD doesnt like to be driven rough...

The plows here sometime are literally on the road by the time theres only an inch of snow, other times, it takes them 2-3 days if they even do decide to plow

I dont make a habit of off roading, but I do like to have fun sometimes like I said going through some heavy snow, or going through some muddy trails when/after it rains.

No, I never said the AWD system doesn't like to be driven rough.
I beat my truck like it owes me money. Have done so since day 1.
This rig is tougher than any other vehicle I have ever owned and I must give Ford credit for making it as indestructible as it has been. No other vehicle I have ever owned has lasted beyond 120,000 miles. My truck has more than double that and still going strong. As far as I am concerned, the truck likes it rough.

 

[BrianDye]

You know what man, I took it wrong the way you said it, you said:

The AWD system can not be beat in the snow

I took that as it doesnt like to be driven roughly, sorry about that lol

 

[james_c17]

i absolutely love my AWD system, i get through a lot of mud, i climb some pretty good (steep, washed out) hills, and the only time ive been stuck was in some tractor ruts (black swamp mud) . And trust me, being 17, i drive it, i drive it extremely hard..

And it did great when i went to ohio to stay with my mother in the winter and snow!

 

[jds3403]

I ve got a 99 5.0 AWD and I love the hell out of it. It is good off road as it is full time 4WD nothing to worry about. I wish sometimes I had 4low just for laughs but I have never run into a situation that I absolutely needed it. Think about it what is 4 Low for anyways in a AWD V8? you aren't going to break the 4R70W the 8.8 has 31 spline axles, the front axle is jeep's rear axle! and the motor is a trusted 5.0 since the sixties? so seriously don't worry The only thing I used 4Low for was in my 4.0 ohv ranger that was anemic anyways, it needed 4 Low just to help at the boat ramp! V8 AWD, not a problem. The only thing that I wish I had more than 4Low is 2High, I would unhook the front d-shaft and use the parking brake but my parking brake cables are rusted (Thanks minnesota and your $%^&*(& SALT!!!!!!!!) and trying to be cheap and not get cables right away, I tried unhooking the D-shaft as I personally didn't believe that it parked through the front axle and I was terribly wrong as was my arm under the front wheel as it rolled backwards (32 X 11.5 BFG AT's left a nice imprint) and bumped the neighbors car below me!!!! anyways enough digression, you can definitely live without 4Low IMO but to each his own do what your gut tells you so you don't regret it later

 

[BrianDye]

Well from what you guys are tellin me, the V8 sound like the way to go.

I was just very weary from searching the differences of AWD and 4x4, and some of the posts (Well alot kind of) made it sound like AWD is good for a little bit of mud/snow etc but 4 low is the way to go.

But with the added reliability, more engine modification options, and you guys making AWD sound pretty kick ass, unless I find a steal on a 4.0, I will hopefully be getting a V8 before winter hits!

 

[james_c17]

good choice!

 

[my pos mounty]

Well from what you guys are tellin me, the V8 sound like the way to go.

I was just very weary from searching the differences of AWD and 4x4, and some of the posts (Well alot kind of) made it sound like AWD is good for a little bit of mud/snow etc but 4 low is the way to go.

But with the added reliability, more engine modification options, and you guys making AWD sound pretty kick ass, unless I find a steal on a 4.0, I will hopefully be getting a V8 before winter hits!

Good choice, grasshopper.

Click me if you cant see the pic

 

[BrianDye]

Haha nice...this leads me to my next quesţion that I might as well ask in here.

What would be the best year to look for? Dont the 99's and newer have the timing chain death rattle or someţhing? (Sorry if im spelling stuff wrong, im on my phone in bed and I just woke up)

 

[my pos mounty]

No, the "death rattle" is not associated with the V8.
Thats the timing chain tensioners associated with the SOHC 6 cylinder, just another reason to avoid them

 

[BrianDye]

Wow, HELL YES im getting the V8 then!

Thanks man!!!