True 4wd? Or awd?

[wheelspin]

To further muddy the waters:

If AWD is when a vehicle is primarily either all 4 wheels always driven, or 2WD and engages the other 2 wheels when it detects slip... It meets this standard in the normal setting.

If 4WD is when a vehicle can engage all 4 wheels manually by a lever, switch, or dial... it meets this standard when you spin that wheel. In sand mode it splits power 50/50 front to rear.
I have confirmed this both in the air on a hoist and on ice. Engaging sand mode also disables the stability and traction controls.

I actually refer to this as the proper snow mode. Nothing like drifting 2 and a half tons of 7 passenger goodness all the way down the block to get the neighbors looking.

 

[peterk9]

To further muddy the waters:

If AWD is when a vehicle is primarily either all 4 wheels always driven, or 2WD and engages the other 2 wheels when it detects slip... It meets this standard in the normal setting.

If 4WD is when a vehicle can engage all 4 wheels manually by a lever, switch, or dial... it meets this standard when you spin that wheel. In sand mode it splits power 50/50 front to rear.
I have confirmed this both in the air on a hoist and on ice. Engaging sand mode also disables the stability and traction controls.

I actually refer to this as the proper snow mode. Nothing like drifting 2 and a half tons of 7 passenger goodness all the way down the block to get the neighbors looking.

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:

Peter

 

[1995E]

To further muddy the waters:

If AWD is when a vehicle is primarily either all 4 wheels always driven, or 2WD and engages the other 2 wheels when it detects slip... It meets this standard in the normal setting.

If 4WD is when a vehicle can engage all 4 wheels manually by a lever, switch, or dial... it meets this standard when you spin that wheel. In sand mode it splits power 50/50 front to rear.
I have confirmed this both in the air on a hoist and on ice. Engaging sand mode also disables the stability and traction controls.

I actually refer to this as the proper snow mode. Nothing like drifting 2 and a half tons of 7 passenger goodness all the way down the block to get the neighbors looking.

Mud mode is actually a little more stable. I use that instead.

 

[wheelspin]

My goal is maximum instability. lol

Helps alleviate the wait for spring to get the Mustang back out.

 

[Deleted member 303716]

2013+ Explorer AWD vs 4wd

First post by shiny new member.

I'm looking at late model Explorers as a successor to my current F150, and had a question about awd/4wd on these things. And figured I'd pose the question to the actual users rather than a salesman, if any would be so kind.

From reading it seems that Ford introduced a new electronically controlled AWD system available on Explorers from 2013 on. And I just wanted to check

- what is this system based on? A central differential?

- if an Explorer is 4wd, does it necessarily have this AWD system? Or do I have to learn to recognize the difference between 4wd and AWD when looking at used Explorers?

Thanks.

 

[4X4Bauer]

All explorers past 2002 are AWD. Meaning, you cannot (normally) put it in 2WD. Once the explorers started being based on the unibody Taurus platform, they incorporated a new AWD system that's biased to the front wheels. I believe it's a 60% 40% split. If you're still confused, I suggest you read up on the differences and similarities between AWD and 4WD.

 

[Deleted member 303716]

Thanks for the reply!

Not to split hairs, but I think they make 2wd (front wheel drive) Explorers, no? So what you're saying is that all 4x4 Explorers are AWD. And from 2013 on they have the new awd system.

On top of that, there's the Terrain Management system - again - is this optional? Or will I find it on all 2013+ 4x4 Explorers?

Thanks.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the reply!

Not to split hairs, but I think they make 2wd (front wheel drive) Explorers, no? So what you're saying is that all 4x4 Explorers are AWD. And from 2013 on they have the new awd system.

On top of that, there's the Terrain Management system - again - is this optional? Or will I find it on all 2013+ 4x4 Explorers?

Thanks.

There has been no change that I'm aware of from 2011 to the present. They are all FWD biased switching automatically to AWD when conditions warrant.
Your thread has been merged with this one on the same issue, unless of course it was built as a FWD model.

Peter

 

[WJGreer]

All explorers past 2002 are AWD. Meaning, you cannot (normally) put it in 2WD. Once the explorers started being based on the unibody Taurus platform, they incorporated a new AWD system that's biased to the front wheels. I believe it's a 60% 40% split. If you're still confused, I suggest you read up on the differences and similarities between AWD and 4WD.

I almost argued that point relative to my 2004 XLT - then I realized that the "least" I can do is put it in 4WD Auto. In that mode it takes so long to detect wheelspin that it might as well be RWD!

 

[MarCar]

When I look at the emblem it appears Ford made the "A" look like a "4"! I say it's an all wheel drive disguised as a 4 wheel drive.

Marty

 

[MikB]

Hey now, I've settled this issue. Pick your poison below!

 

[peterk9]

When I look at the emblem it appears Ford made the "A" look like a "4"! I say it's an all wheel drive disguised as a 4 wheel drive.

Marty

MARKETING

Peter

 

[182RG]

A central differential?

No center differential.

It's a Haldex style AWD system (think car) It's normally a front wheel drive centric system. The rear drive shaft is connected to the transmission via a PTU (power transfer unit), and is always spinning.

At the rear of the drive shaft is a electric clutch system that supplies power to the rear differential, based on dynamically changing input controls from the computer. The computer also adjusts shift points, and traction using the anti-lock braking system.

There is no notion of mechanical locking, nor is there a way to shift into "4HI or 4LOW", as you would find in a 4WD (think truck).

 

[182RG]

Thanks for the reply! Not to split hairs, but I think they make 2wd (front wheel drive) Explorers, no? So what you're saying is that all 4x4 Explorers are AWD. And from 2013 on they have the new awd system. On top of that, there's the Terrain Management system - again - is this optional? Or will I find it on all 2013+ 4x4 Explorers? Thanks.

Correct. There are front wheel drive (2WD) Explorers. All Explorers with optional 4WD are actually AWD. The new Explorers started in 2011, not 2013. Terrain Management is the computer system that controls the AWD. It's not optional.

 

[Deleted member 303716]

Thank you, all, for the very helpful info.

What I've learned in this and another thread:

- since at least 2011, Explorers come in two drive options: FWD and AWD

- the AWD is full time Intelligent AWD. There is no hard 2wd setting. Computer control optimizes the power sent to each wheel depending circumstances.

- there are no other drive options. If an Explorer is 4wd, or 4x4, it has the AWD system

- the Terrain Management system comes with the AWD system. All 2011+ AWD Explorers have it.

- towing - 2011+ Explorers do not come standard with a hitch.

- a standard 2011+ Explorer with an added aftermarket hitch is rated for 2,000lbs towing

- there is one, and only one, factory tow package available, and it's called the Heavy Duty Tow Package. It includes hitch, electrical connector, extra tranny rad, and a dash mounted tow button that modifies the transmission shift pattern. When equipped with this option, the Explorer's towing capacity goes up to 5,000lbs, but they recommend a weight-distributing hitch, although I have not found anything to say above what weight they recommend such a hitch.

 

[PlatinumOwner]

Does anyone know how this differs from the Ford Everest? It has the same "Intelligent 4WD" system in the that vehicle but it offers a true locking differential and 4x4 Low modes.

 

[182RG]

Does anyone know how this differs from the Ford Everest? It has the same "Intelligent 4WD" system in the that vehicle but it offers a true locking differential and 4x4 Low modes.

The Everest is based on the Ranger T6 platform and is truck based. It is 4WD, with a center differential and selectable ranges.

The Explorer is based on the Taurus platform and is car based. The Explorer isn't truly a traditional SUV. It's more of a CUV. Personally, I'm glad. We wouldn't have bought it if it didn't have a nice, soft car-like feel.

2 different animals.

 

[PlatinumOwner]

Thanks 182RG, that is good to know!

 

[13Sport]

try climbing slippery rocks the rubicon trail and you will understand why it isn't 4 wd

I know this was a post from December, but the recent bump on the thread brought it to my screen.

This is kind of a misnomer.. the Explorer will not crawl rubicon more so because of clearance and stock tires than because it doesn't have a locking differential. In sand mode power is applied to the axels at a 50/50 bias and traction control is disabled, technically that's equal power to 4 wheels making it 4WD.

With no body-on-frame you can't get movement, angles, and clearance like you can in a jeep or truck, which also equates to not being able to put as large of tires for the necessary traction you would need for the task.

 

[boelteq]

Why is the Explorer marked as 4wd? The car automatically takes care of four wheel drive and I thought this was called AWD instead.