Which is better 4wd or awd?

[mhartson]

don't quote me, but i think that if the spin between the F/R in AWD gets excessive there will be a full lock. The fluid heats up and changes and allow the plates to lock, so in severe slippage you should get 50%/50%, once it cools down they are allowed to slip again.

Can anyone confirm if this is correct? I would love to know how my system really works and no one at any Ford dealership that I have called can tell me anything which is pretty bad considering these guys get paid to know how these vehicle work so they can sell them. Anyway if anyone knows please let me know. Thanks

 

[jrford]

this is where i found some info on it, might provide a better
understanding or more questions. . . .LOL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscous_coupling_unit
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential5.htm

and of course
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225515

 

[mhartson]

Thanks That really did help and I also called a different for dealer and was informed that more than 35% can be put to the front if needed.

 

[k2sb2003]

From when i worked for Ford. the Control trac system can change up to 95% front to rear in auto. the awd system can however send up to 100% to the front wheels if needed depending on the year. for instance the aviator was a control trac transfer case minus the low range if you ordered advancetrac. you could manually lock the center diff via the message center. Im almost positive the mountaineer was the same way too.