Slipping and sliding in AWD

[BigDadys93x]

I have a 98' EB with 5.0 AWD. This is my first awd and let me tell you it drives a whole lot different in the snow than my 93' did with part time 4x4. I have noticed that in some conditions it swings the back end around as if I was in 2 wheel drive it feels very uncontrolable in these situations. I have noticed as far as traction is concerned in snow and ice it only seems to begin hooking up when Im on the gas which is the complete opposite of my 93'. I was wondering if any of you with AWD Explorers experiance the same thing? Is there something I should know about driving this thing in adverse conditions that Im not doing? Is my AWD working correctly? I mean it may just be me and the fact that i have never owned an AWD Explorer before and that I am used to driving part time 4x4s where power is split 50-50 to the wheels. This bugs me because it seems to drive worse in slippery conditions than my wifes Windstar and that just doesnt seem right. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[302Xplorer]

I know that the AWD is at least 35/65 front/rear ratio and can go up to 50/50 when slick. I have never had any problems with it getting loose in the snow. Maybe it's your tires.

 

[BigDadys93x]

I just bought a new set of BFG at ko's before winter I have had BFG's on every 4x4 I have ever owned and never had a problem with them in snow. These tires have maybe 3k on them since I got them.

 

[302Xplorer]

I have heard of some "clearing" issues w/ the ko's (clearing the clogged treads) when it comes to snow. But if you have used them before w/ better results then the tires shouldn't be the problem. Are you sure the AWD is working?

 

[BigDadys93x]

thats what im wondering i thought the AWD worked on a clutch type system in the transfercase and wasnt electronic am I wrong? if so What circuit controls it?

 

[302Xplorer]

It's the old style viscous coupling, no electronics involved. Take it out w/ another person and see if you can get them to all spin. I've done it when I pulled an old single axle dump truck out of the mud. The ABS light will come on and stay on until you restart the truck.

 

[IAmTodd]

It's the old style viscous coupling, no electronics involved. Take it out w/ another person and see if you can get them to all spin. I've done it when I pulled an old single axle dump truck out of the mud. The ABS light will come on and stay on until you restart the truck.

What is with the ABS light coming on!?

I would definetly check to make sure that you are spinning a front tire. Mine does excellent in the snow, but will also play well when you put your foot down. If anything I notice mine understeer in the snow than oversteer.

 

[302Xplorer]

What is with the ABS light coming on!?

Happens every time I spin them for an extended time.

 

[BigDadys93x]

With a vicous coupler its either a work or work bad situation (from my past experiance with my old Jeep Grand Cherokee with quadra trac) . When it works it is a 35-65 split unless slipping occurs then it is 50-50. When they go bad you still have 4x4 but it goes 50-50 all the time like if you were locked in 4hi all the time and it doesnt allow for slip in the front when turning so it acts like your in 4 hi on dry pavement when you turn (we all know what that feels like). I dont believe this is my problem. When I went out at lunch time today I was doing donuts in the parking lot with it in an inch of snow without even trying this doesnt seem right when I went to park in my parking spot I backed in and gassed it and the front wheels were flinging snow so i know the AWD is working just seems wierd that it just doesnt feel very controlable in slippery situations.

 

[410Fortune]

BFG KO's are good in deep snow but SUCK on icy/wet roads IMO
I was not used to the AWD in my 5.0L explorer either, after driving my 4x4 BII for 10 years. I got in a slide and over corrected it and rolled the truck.

The AWD is a different animal then the 4x4 high range t case. It does well in the snow, but will take some getting used to, dont expect it to act like the 50/50 slip high range/low range t case you used to have, in fact treat it more like driving a RWD truck.

 

[smiley1]

No problems in the snow here. Love my AWD!