Why is AWD more expensive then 4x4 on new sport trac?

[Coilshot]

I was using ford website to build a sport trac to check pricing and I noticed AWD is more expensive then 4x4. Could someone explain why? I thought it was best to have 4x4 verse AWD.

 

[Joe Dirt]

More complex components, sensors, and less are built- higher stocking charges to get the components to the plant.

 

[BigV]

More complex components, sensors, and less are built- higher stocking charges to get the components to the plant.

+1 AWD is a lot more involved then 4x4 all the parts for it to activate and deactivate when the computer senses then slipping etc.

 

[Coilshot]

+1 AWD is a lot more involved then 4x4 all the parts for it to activate and deactivate when the computer senses then slipping etc.

So overall is 4x4 still a better choice verse AWD then?

 

[GreenMando]

So overall is 4x4 still a better choice verse AWD then?

I would say yes.
I have friends who own a off road shop, asked them about all wheel drive. Their advice is that it is fragile and very expensive to repair.

I was thinking about all wheel drive today, it really seems more of a advantage for cars on iffy footing.

I only need 4 by a few times a year, but it sure feels great when I engage it. Feels like a tank, and I have been in a tank a few times. My priority on four by's is low range availability, not available with all wheel drive.

 

[BigV]

I like the AWD my f150 used to spin in wet weather when I tried to pull into traffic. Now I just nail it and it grabs. Sure you could throw it into 4x4 but AWD is like Ronco set it and forget it.

 

[Phil Van]

am I reading this right, the explorer has an AWD with a 2 gear transfer-case allowing 4 low?

 

[my pos mounty]

am I reading this right, the explorer has an AWD with a 2 gear transfer-case allowing 4 low?

Nope, you must have read that wrong. AWD is always on, always there, not two speeds. (I wish there was, actually)

LESS complex components, LESS sensors, and alot less involved.
No shift motors, no solenoids, nothing electric at all.
1 Viscous coupling and a chain in a transfer case, not much else.
Why does it cost more? Marketing!

EDIT: And, BIGV, your wrong. The AWD system doesnt "sense" a damn thing in the computer. Again, like I said, Its ALWAYS there, not monitored or controlled.

 

[Phil Van]

Okay i thought so. I'm currently looking for a new T-case for my Escape. So far i've redone the suspension thanks to an old Jeep Willy's. Now i'm contemplating on switching to a 2gear T-case..
Suprisingly the 4Hi has worked on the mild and moderate trails.
Back to original thread..and thanks for clearing that up..

 

[GreenMando]

Okay I thought so. I'm currently looking for a new T-case for my Escape. So far I've redone the suspension thanks to an old Jeep Willy's. Now I'm contemplating on switching to a 2gear T-case..
Suprisingly the 4Hi has worked on the mild and moderate trails.
Back to original thread..and thanks for clearing that up..

Did your Escape come in 4by? My wife had a fit when she found out we could have bought her Escape in 4x4. I don't think our dealer even had any 4bys on the lot. They had to get my truck from a Mohave dealer.

The little Escapes really impress me, might pick up a used one for a beater.

 

[BigV]

I miss spoke I meant with the traction control and we do have 4 wheel low. You can put my adrenalin n 4wd 4wd low or AWD.

 

[Phil Van]

Did your Escape come in 4by? My wife had a fit when she found out we could have bought her Escape in 4x4. I don't think our dealer even had any 4bys on the lot. They had to get my truck from a Mohave dealer.

The little Escapes really impress me, might pick up a used one for a beater.

Mine says it's 4X4 but its actually a T-case from Dana that is called "Intelligent 4X4". When the computer notices any slip it goes into 4hi or basically AWD. I've been out on open trails, mild and mod hill clibs, snow and mud and it's kept up with the jeeps that aren't going too crazy. I took a 49 willys rear shock brackets and cut the Ford brackets off allowing me to put RS 9000. The front struts we are still messing with. But it would make a great beater. i suggest you do research and get a '05 and up as they have less problems. Also Do a thorough check on the tranny with both auto or stick..

 

[my pos mounty]

Mine says it's 4X4 but its actually a T-case from Dana that is called "Intelligent 4X4". When the computer notices any slip it goes into 4hi or basically AWD.

I miss spoke I meant with the traction control and we do have 4 wheel low. You can put my adrenalin n 4wd 4wd low or AWD.

Nope. AWD can not be "selected" on the dash, is not computer controlled and is anything but "intelligent". It isnt controllable at all. What is in the transfer cases of an AWD truck is VERY different from yours. An AWD transfer case is an input shaft coupled to a viscous coupling, that has a chain around the outside of the viscous coupling. The chain drives the output shaft for the front wheels. Thats pretty much it, not solenoids, nothing, all mechanical and fluid dynamics.
What you have is "Traction Control", basically computer controlled 4 wheel drive, NOT all wheel drive. Just because you have 4 wheels and you are in 4 wheel drive does not make you an all-wheel drive vehicle. Sorry, your still driving a 4x4.

 

[Phil Van]

Thats what I want, I just want 4Lo as well.
Had I done more research on the Escape i'd have purchased an older Explorer or a decent BroncoII. But by next year this "E"should be a whole different rig..

 

[my pos mounty]

You are still confused, you can't (by definition) have a low range on an AWD system. Just by having the ability to select the low range, makes it a 4X4. It sounds that what you are looking for is a two speed AWD transfer case?? Doesnt exist. I wouldn't add a 4X4 transfer case and expect to be able to run it down the highway at 80MPH while in 4 wheel drive and have it hold together. Wont happen. So, you have to make up your mind what it is that you want. Are you looking to make a daily driver out of this or a weekend trail truck?
AWD can run down highway at any speed without damage to transfercase, 4X4 can not.

 

[Phil Van]

No I'm not confused, I understand it can't be done. but at some point i'm going to redo the whole drive train, and take the AWD out and replace it with an older system. I'm hoping it will be under $10,000 to complete the whole process..

 

[my pos mounty]

No I'm not confused, I understand it can't be done. but at some point i'm going to redo the whole drive train, and take the AWD out and replace it with an older system. I'm hoping it will be under $10,000 to complete the whole process..

When you get to the point of dropping parts off it, make a thread and take a TON of pics. Plenty of people would love to see this. Myself included.

 

[Phil Van]

you bet. it will be awhile and slow but for sure..Thanks for the info and is it cool to PM you with questions?

 

[my pos mounty]

Sure, I'll help you if i am able. Anytime I am here

 

[loaderopp]

I like the AWD my f150 used to spin in wet weather when I tried to pull into traffic. Now I just nail it and it grabs. Sure you could throw it into 4x4 but AWD is like Ronco set it and forget it.

yup that's why i have pulled 3 out of the snow bank this year, 1 guy was so pissed, he was going to get rid of his.