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

[BigV]

Ok I don't have 4 wheel low just 4wd.

 

[BigV]

From what I understand when locked it's in 4wd.

 

[my pos mounty]

From what I understand when locked it's in 4wd.

When you are running "normally" down the road, no 4x4 light, just awd "auto" , then you can lock it into 4x4? Kinda seems redundant to me, awd being a transfercase that is manufactured to run full time, at all speeds, without any selection process. Maybe this is a computer controlled 4hi system that engages the front with wheel slip/demand? I'm stumptified.

 

[BigV]

I think it locks all 4 wheels for true 4wd that is why they say not to drive in it normally it is only for severe conditions. In the end I really have no idea as long as I don't get stuck and get to my destination in one piece.

 

[my pos mounty]

I think it locks all 4 wheels for true 4wd that is why they say not to drive in it normally it is only for severe conditions.

Which makes me think that its not a true AWD but more like the second generations auto-4WD system, without the added benefit of 4LO (ie: electronically controlled clutch to engage front driveshaft). They also warned of engaging 4HI for "extended periods of time."


VERY nice ride by the way

 

[raparker63]

Mine has all the above plus 4 lo if I am not mistaken > 08 Trac. It self engages the AWD and I electronically engage 4x. It works well in AWD, as it engages when I go to the hills at my mothers. It has the slippery condition mode too. Too many buttons and gadgets, but nice for me; used to manual lock outs before.

 

[my pos mounty]

Mine has all the above plus 4 lo if I am not mistaken > 08 Trac. It self engages the AWD and I electronically engage 4x. It works well in AWD, as it engages when I go to the hills at my mothers. It has the slippery condition mode too. Too many buttons and gadgets, but nice for me; used to manual lock outs before.

<sigh> You are mistaken. You describe an impossibility.

AWD: It is Always on, not electronically monitored, CAN NOT HAVE HI or LOW range, is not selected on the dash, does not have "bells-and-whistles", does not have "slippery conditions mode", NO buttons, no controls, does not have the ability to "engage" nor can it be "disengaged" (short of removing the front driveshaft), has no shift motor or switches anywhere. It is an extremely easy thing to picture if you can rid yourself of the delusion that ALL WHEEL DRIVE is the same as 4 wheel drive. Just because you can count 4 wheels on your truck, AND you have 4 wheel drive, DOES NOT mean you have ALL WHEEL drive! The definition of All Wheel Drive is, FULL TIME, un-selectable, non-computer controlled, Front and rear driveshafts ALWAYS engaged, Idiot proof, no driver involvement whatsoever. It seems that the Adrenalin has a hybrid 4wd/AWD system (not true AWD) but computer assisted 4 wheel drive without the benefit of having the low range.
Look at the interior of a true AWD transfercase. What you will see is the input shaft from the transmission mated to a viscous coupling that has a chain wrapped around the exterior of the coupling. That chain drives the front output shaft. Thats just about it, no computer controls, no solenoids, no electric clutches, nothing controlling it at all beyond fluid dynamics. Your transfercase on the other hand is a very different animal. Alot more complex a with shift motor, gear range selectability, electric clutch, etc., etc., etc., ALL electronically controlled.
Ford seems to have been throwing those 3 letters (AWD) on the "auto-4wheel drive" system (A4WD). Certainly NOT an AWD. But alas, since Ford, in its infinate wisdom, chose to put the three letters AWD on the dash, everyone that has the "auto 4wd" system will believe they have AWD, cuz the dash says so.

 

[kkreit01]

The Adrenalins, Explorers with 20s, and Mountys have AWD.

Other Sport Tracs, Explorers have Control Trac 4x4 -- which can be locked in 4hi or 4lo.

 

[GreenMando]

Back to the original question "Why is AWD more expensive then 4x4 on new sport trac?"

I am not sure the difference in price is even related to AWD or 4WD.

AWD is installed in "upper" end models. They have different radios with nav, seat material, seat heaters, heated windshield, climate control and extra bling installed (chrome, odd tail pipes, painted grills)

You load up a XLT with leather and heated seats and it will cost upwards to a limited.

 

[kkreit01]

Yes -- AWD is on Limited Ex, Adrenalin, XLT Sport, Mounty Premiums -- all loaded -- and all with 20s. I find it odd that all with OEM 20s had AWD? Does that mean AWD is more robust? Can't Control Trac take the extra weight of 20s? Odd?

 

[Wrecker]

How it was explained to me by my mechanic on my Sierra (sorry GMC guy buying a ST) the difference is in the transfer cases (TC). With AWD the TC has the ability to send power to different wheels, where as 4x4 the shafts are locked, so you've basically got 25% to each wheel.

This explains it pretty well
http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/difference_4WD_awd.html

or here

http://rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/4WD-AWD-autoAWD.html