4WD Advice please!

[ControlNode]

This is a good explanation - one that I have been looking for - thanks. So for an AWD (e.g. Subaru), all the wheels have power, but there’s a diff or 2 to allow the axles to turn at different speeds?

Yes, most AWD vehicles have 3 diffs (center, front, rear), the center is the one that allows different front/rear diff carrier speeds. The Focus RS is one of the exceptions.

Most 4WD just have 2 diffs (front and rear) and when connected in 4H or 4L modes the diff carriers are locked into a 1:1 rotation rate.

Things to understand to really know the "why"...

-4wd/4x4 vs AWD
-transfer case (vs clutch packs vs viscous couplings, etc)
-differentials (locked vs open vs limited slip)

And then there is the Focus RS, an AWD car with only 1 diff in the front. The front diff carrier is direct connected to the drive/prop shaft through normal ring/pinion gears and drives a spool in the back at a fixed ratio, it is not 1:1 as the rear is geared to turn a little faster. Then there are electronic/hydro controlled clutch packs on the left and right side of that spool that engages to send a varied about of torque to its connected wheel. Normal use just cruising along the car is 100:0, but can got 30:70, and of that 70% going to the rear 100% can go to a single wheel back there. This car is more planted on snow/ice than my wife's Jeep in 4H. To help with traction is also uses the front brake system to create an e-lsd by clamping down on a slipping wheel so all the power is not wasted there if the other front tire as more grip.

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[pbethel]

So maintained gravel roads are off road?

 

[Floyd]

I didn't read this thread all the way through, and I don't own 4WD for personal use.
But I will comment here from that perspective.

4WD is great for low traction areas such as deep snow ,wet boat ramps, steep or uneven ground off road, ETC.
While 4WD is great to get you going, it does nothing to get you stopped on low traction pavement.
In fact, if anything, it is slightly worse for stopping.(extra weight)
The one rookie mistake that I have found most common, is over confidence with 4WD.
While 4WD can be a great asset on snow and ice or other slick surfaces, it really only serves to get and keep you going, not so much for steering or stopping.
Drive too fast or try to out run traffic in bad weather and you will end up upside down in the ditch or in a wreck like any other vehicle.
Treat it right and you can go places safely that 2WD owners could only imagine.
Enjoy your new truck and allow for a learning curve.

 

[Sanford & Son Salvage]

First Ranger, first 4WD and I'm really happy but it has occurred to me that I really have no idea what the capabilities are.
One of the selling points for 4wd is added safety during adverse weather conditions. I figured four on the floor would help especially in rain but now I see that Ford doesn't recommend 4X on pavement. Huh?
So I'd appreciate your feedback readers. Can I use 4X Hi without problems on paved surfaces? Am I looking at potential tranny problems now or in the future?
I grew up a mile down a dirt/ mud road and that's more off roading than most people I know. I suppose what I'm asking is that if I'm not an off roader, did I kinda waste $ on 4x?

First Ranger, first 4WD and I'm really happy but it has occurred to me that I really have no idea what the capabilities are.
One of the selling points for 4wd is added safety during adverse weather conditions. I figured four on the floor would help especially in rain but now I see that Ford doesn't recommend 4X on pavement. Huh?
So I'd appreciate your feedback readers. Can I use 4X Hi without problems on paved surfaces? Am I looking at potential tranny problems now or in the future?
I grew up a mile down a dirt/ mud road and that's more off roading than most people I know. I suppose what I'm asking is that if I'm not an off roader, did I kinda waste $ on 4x?

Get the 4WD... If you need it, you have it.

A 2WD truck with street tires can get stuck on wet grass going downhill.. Granted the driver was borrowing it from a friend but with no weight in the bed and a clueless driver..

Also helps with resale value...

 

[Motorpsychology]

So this guy says 4HI is an option for heavy rain? But all the other posters say no to that?

Yes, NO.
An AWD system, typical in SUVs have a center differential, often called a power distribution unit or Torsen* differential which biases the power front or rear. Part time 4WD systems send power equally to the front and rear differentials, and from there send power the wheel with the least traction, unless it has a locking mechanism (optional electronic locking rear differential in Ranger's case). Because power is equal to both differentials in 4WD, in a turn the front is traveling further than the rear (look at snow or rain tracks) so the rear will try to "push" the truck in a straighter path, which could be hazardous on wet pavement. In snow, grass, etc there is enough slip in the surface where this unequal torque is scrubbed off with no harm to the drivetrain.

*Torsen is two smashed together words, "Torque Sensing" differential. It was invented by Vernon Gleasman, not some Scandinavian inventor named Torsen; which I thought my whole life untiI looked it up today here.

 

[jsphlynch]

Also helps with resale value...

But it's one more thing to depreciate between purchase and sale...

 

[tremorman]

The only time I use 4WD on dry paved roads is if it's been a while since I needed 4WD just to cycle whatever is activated, and just for a short straight distance. I had an Explorer that I went a long time without using 4WD, then when I needed it, the front hubs started making clunking noise. Dealer said they were not lubricated properly because of lack of use.

Should this be a concern with the Ranger, and how long did you go without using it? Here in New England I'm sure I'll use it most winters at least a few times and once I get time to actually go off roading I'll be using it a lot but in theory I could go the first year having my truck not using 4WD if this is a mild winter. Is that really a concern or was it more like you went years without using it?

 

[Joeiconic]

So maintained gravel roads are off road?

Depends. Going into my cabin, I have to travel two stretches of gravel road that have a 13 degree slope. They are only moderately maintained and I cant carry much speed, so I have to use 4wd to keep the rear tires from spinning on loose spots. So, I use 4wd on my truck almost every weekend.

 

[Motorpsychology]

So maintained gravel roads are off road?

Any surface that offers wheel slipping can be driven in 4H or 4L.
Gravel (groomed or not), sand, grass, rock, mud, snow, even pavement on straighter stretches, for instance when driving on a partially snow or ice-covered road. The front diff will tell you if it doesn't like what you're doing.

 

[Floyd]

Get the 4WD... If you need it, you have it.

A 2WD truck with street tires can get stuck on wet grass going downhill.. Granted the driver was borrowing it from a friend but with no weight in the bed and a clueless driver..

Also helps with resale value...

Just a counterpoint to ponder...

I have chosen to drive 2WD in rural IllAnnoy.
For more than half a century I have not found myself in a position where it would have been worth the extra cost, higher maintenance, lower fuel efficiency, or reduced drivablility of 4WD.
Sure... if you need it, buy it, but don't by it "just in case"... It ain't worth it.
The only times I ever got stuck... it took a 40/20 John Deere to pull me out, yet I have rescued dozens of other vehicles with my 2WDs.
The actual purchase of 4WD just one time, would have been more than the all the benefits it would have accrued for me in 50 years of driving.

4WD certainly has advantages, but it is nowhere near a necessity for 90% of those who buy it.

Actually it may enhance the resale in the first 5 years commensurate with its cost, after that it is at best a wash.
4WD is a great option, but it is only marginally better than FWD or RWD with limited slip and decent tires for normal on-road driving. Unfortunately the Ranger doesn't actually offer limited slip as an option and 2WD models are still stuck with a 2 piece drive shaft.
In Canada, I understand you can only buy a Ranger with 4WD. While that makes sense on some level it makes no sense at all in Florida.
I have replaced dozens of hubs , half shafts, carrier bearings, front drive shafts and even transfer cases, all worth the effort if needed, a total waste of effort and money if not.

BTW, the only weight that ever went in the back of any of my Rangers was Cargo, not traction weight.

Also... LOVE your F1 ! I built one that looked like it on an Econoline chassis.
Say "hi!" to Lemont for me!

 

[got3fords]

Should this be a concern with the Ranger, and how long did you go without using it? Here in New England I'm sure I'll use it most winters at least a few times and once I get time to actually go off roading I'll be using it a lot but in theory I could go the first year having my truck not using 4WD if this is a mild winter. Is that really a concern or was it more like you went years without using it?

It might not be a concern at all on the Ranger. Just more of safer than sorry thing. With the Explorer I am guessing I went about a whole year at the most. with many other long stretches like months, living in Va. Can't hurt to cycle things on and off every now and then.

 

[VAMike]

Should this be a concern with the Ranger, and how long did you go without using it? Here in New England I'm sure I'll use it most winters at least a few times and once I get time to actually go off roading I'll be using it a lot but in theory I could go the first year having my truck not using 4WD if this is a mild winter. Is that really a concern or was it more like you went years without using it?

I flip it into 4 as often as I can for just this reason. (e.g., gravel road where I don't *need* it, but using 4 won't break anything.) same goes for the diff locker.

In Canada, I understand you can only buy a Ranger with 4WD. While that makes sense on some level it makes no sense at all in Florida.

Sure, until you watch how many pickups are spinning tires at the boat ramp.

 

[Floyd]

I flip it into 4 as often as I can for just this reason. (e.g., gravel road where I don't *need* it, but using 4 won't break anything.) same goes for the diff locker.


Sure, until you watch how many pickups are spinning tires at the boat ramp.

As I said repeatedly .4WD is a great option if "needed".
Since not every boat in Florida is small enough for a boat launch, and not every Ranger owner has has a boat anyway, then "it makes no sense at all"to require 4WD in Florida.

4WD is still available and I for one, would not have accepted 4WD on my new Ranger... even at no extra cost.
I like to have options that work for me.
I am glad you can have options which work for you as well.
4WD just would not work for me,... 2WD does.

How many of those spinners were "limited slip" anyway or towing a boat too big for the truck?

 

[Dgc333]

Yes, NO.
An AWD system, typical in SUVs have a center differential, often called a power distribution unit or Torsen* differential which biases the power front or rear. Part time 4WD systems send power equally to the front and rear differentials, and from there send power the wheel with the least traction, unless it has a locking mechanism (optional electronic locking rear differential in Ranger's case). Because power is equal to both differentials in 4WD, in a turn the front is traveling further than the rear (look at snow or rain tracks) so the rear will try to "push" the truck in a straighter path, which could be hazardous on wet pavement. In snow, grass, etc there is enough slip in the surface where this unequal torque is scrubbed off with no harm to the drivetrain.

*Torsen is two smashed together words, "Torque Sensing" differential. It was invented by Vernon Gleasman, not some Scandinavian inventor named Torsen; which I thought my whole life untiI looked it up today here.

Most all compact and mid size SUVs are based on a FWD architecture. They have a transaxle up front with a differential a power distribution unit (PDU). The PDU is driven by the carrier in the transaxle and is always spinning the drive shaft to the rear differential. There is a clutch pack in the rear differential that locks or varies the power to the rear wheels. There is no center differential is this kind of arrangement.

 

[jsphlynch]

then "it makes no sense at all"to require 4WD in Florida.

I must have missed something. Did someone propose that 4WD should be required in Florida?

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