What is AWD good for?

[Ed Clark]

First off thanks for reading this.

I recently bought my wife a 97 XLT Explorer. It has a 5.0 V8 and AWD.

How good is the AWD when it comes to driving "off road"? I'm not big into 4X4 or anything but if I have it I'd like to know what it's capable of.

I have a couple of buddies here are work with new Toyota Tacoma 4X4 trucks. They are brand spanking new probably have never even been rained on. We all have the chance to do some off roading and they are talking like I'll just be a burden on them because they'll have to be pulling me out all the time. Is this the case?

Thanks again,

Ed

 

[Hartman]

4WD is more for off road. AWD is more for gaining traction on slick roads, etc.

 

[FORDisKING]

Ditto above post.

Jason

 

[rpenner54]

As long as you know how to drive it right you will do just fine. There are a few folks on here that have surprised me with their abilities to go places I didn't think they could make it without the assistance of low-range. Sure it wasn't nearly as gracefull but it can be done!

 

[98Ranger]

But with AWD the front wheels are still gripping if the back ones loose traction, so where is the difference?

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by 98Ranger
But with AWD the front wheels are still gripping if the back ones loose traction, so where is the difference?

It takes the back to loose traction to get the fronts to start pulling more. That alone will cause you to loose momentum which can result in a stuck situation if the traction is really bad. AWD also doesn't have the option of a low range transfer case which helps control the torque when going over large objects or up and down steep grades.

I went wheeling once with a guy in a '98 Jimmy that had AWD with no low range. He used his Jimmy to pull a 2WD Ranger out of the sand. I was quite surprised when I couldn't detect any wheel spin (front or rear) as he gave a tug on the Ranger. The downside to not having low range came on some of the steeper grades we were going up. I could go up them at about 5 MPH which allowed me to pick my line carefully. He didn't have enough torque to go up them that slow so he had to get a running start and go up them at 15-20 MPH while bouncing off all of the objects he was trying to avoid.

 

[Heath]

I have the AWD system in my 96 X, I can't go EVERYWHERE that the guys with 4 Lo go, but as some of the people will attest after CCR, I don't get left behind very often... Look at peoples picks on here from CCR2001, I did wheeler lake with the big dogs, so did Rummney and he's got the same thing I do... He has an ARB locker in back, I'm just running the stock LS diff...

But I'll usually try just about anything I get pointed at!!! And I don't normally get turned away... I'll be the first to say that the AWD really suprised me...

And for the record the AWD transfer case is always sending at least 30% power to the front of the truck...

If you want to know more search the board about AWD, also StadX2 is a HUGE resource of info on the AWD system...

 

[EasyRhino]

Agree with all the above posts in general, with a couple of addiitons )I have a 97 5.0 AWD).

(1) It was the only way I could get any kind of 4WD/AWD with a 5.0 pushrod V8.

(2) My wife would only break a 4WD. In order for her to be able to drive in the slippery stuff, it had to be invisible to her.

(3) My kids took after my wife when it comes to driving. They would have broken a 4WD, too.

FWIW, I have been driving down the Intersate high and dry and head into the mountians where they are plowing/salting heavy snow continuously, and blow up the hill while every other car just tucked behind the snowplow at 25 mph.

Admittedly, I have not the serious off-raoding these other guys do, but I have been in wet/muddy/snow and never been close to stuck.

 

[98Ranger]

Now, if a truck has 4x4, and it is in 4wd high, is that the same as having an AWD?

 

[Ed Clark]

Originally posted by EasyRhino
Agree with all the above posts in general, with a couple of addiitons )I have a 97 5.0 AWD).

(1) It was the only way I could get any kind of 4WD/AWD with a 5.0 pushrod V8.

(2) My wife would only break a 4WD. In order for her to be able to drive in the slippery stuff, it had to be invisible to her.

(3) My kids took after my wife when it comes to driving. They would have broken a 4WD, too.

FWIW, I have been driving down the Intersate high and dry and head into the mountians where they are plowing/salting heavy snow continuously, and blow up the hill while every other car just tucked behind the snowplow at 25 mph.

Admittedly, I have not the serious off-raoding these other guys do, but I have been in wet/muddy/snow and never been close to stuck.

First off thanks for the replys,

The reasons above are all exacty why I wanted her to get that partiular Explorer. BTW, I wanted the V8 to pull my Mustang to and from the track.

I pretty much knew about the low range missing. We had a Trooper II before the Explorer. It saw 4x4 duty mainly in the snow and even with the little 4 banger engine I never had to use 4 low. I'm guessing Ford uses the bigger engine to partially make up for the lack of a lower gear range.

The 5.0 in the Explorer really does surprise me with it's low end and mid range.

I'm going to have to take it out and see how it does. I hope I don't start to liking 4x4ing too much, I already have too much wrapped up in the stang and can't afford both!

One other thing one of they guys at work said was that the running boards on the Explorer were quick to fall victim during off road use. Any fact to this?

Hey, one other question while I have your attention. Exhaust system. It looks like a mess. Is there a good aftermarket dual solution for the Explorer? Be pretty cool to make it sound like a Stang! Or is that in bad taste?

Thanks again,

Ed

 

[Ed Clark]

Sorry, double post.

Ed

 

[EasyRhino]

Ed,

Are you the same Ed Clark that posts over at the Corral?

 

[Ed Clark]

Originally posted by EasyRhino
Ed,

Are you the same Ed Clark that posts over at the Corral?

OH OH, you know about me!!

Ed

 

[Jason_25]

Ed,
I see you live in Virginia Beach. There's really nothing in virginia beach that your running boards can't handle. When you start hitting the rocks is when your running boards get smashed.

 

[Monty'01]

I agree with the guys from your work. Your running boards hang rather low and are easy to damage if you don't take care. Careful driving and maybe a spotter will help you through the rough stuff. Otherwise, get out there and see what she's got!

 

[EasyRhino]

Originally posted by Ed Clark


OH OH, you know about me!!

Ed

Well, lets just say I've heard of you

I'm 98 YelloVert on Corral

I'm mostly a lurker on this board. But they have lots of good stuff here, and the folks are helpful and knowledgable.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by 98Ranger
Now, if a truck has 4x4, and it is in 4wd high, is that the same as having an AWD?

Not quited. An AWD (at least the Explorers) will divert the torque to whichever end is turning the slowest. According to Ford literature the AWD can transfer up to 97% of its torque to the wheels that need it most. It relies on slip to make the transfer. 4x4 high on the otherhand doesn't require slip. Both ends are locked 50/50 and are always pulling. The only place it can be used is when the wheels have the ability to slip like snow, sand or mud. When you turn, your front and rear need to be able to turn at different speeds. In 4x4 high one end needs to slip. In AWD the torque will be diverted to the end that needs it so you can use it in any conditions. AWD is a better choice when driving on pavement in inclement weather. Once the road is completely snow covered 4x4 High is a better choice.