Differences in 4X4 and AWD drive train
08-29-2006, 03:28 PM
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Differences in 4X4 and AWD drive train
I am interested in finding out the diferences in the Fullsize truck 4wd and Awd drivetrains. Anything would be helpful.
08-31-2006, 08:24 AM
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I am curious because I am contemplating getting a Silverado. I want traction, especially in the winters, but I want to lower the truck. I know you can lower an AWD much easier then a 4x4 but I don't want to shell out for an SS or anything like that.
08-31-2006, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by midwest04GTO
I am curious because I am contemplating getting a Silverado. I want traction, especially in the winters, but I want to lower the truck. I know you can lower an AWD much easier then a 4x4 but I don't want to shell out for an SS or anything like that.
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09-01-2006, 07:29 AM
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4x4 has the major advantage of being able to run in 2wd on command, giving you much better MPG. Also when in 4wd mode you get High or Low gearing, Low being for off-road play and pulling things out of the ground.. Oh and a Ford or two stuck in a ditch... High just splits the power 50-50 to the front/rear but, keeps the gear ratio coming out of the trans the same as where Low drops the gear another like 3.56-1 for some insane ground pounding torque!
You should NOT run in 4wd mode though when on dry paved roads because when you turn the 4x4 transfercase does not have a Dif and puts a 50-50 power split to the front/rear. So, when you turn the drivetrain will bind up and not be happy. But, you can run it on wet paved roads and ice with out a problem. Here in Florida the roads got pretty slick when it rains so, a press of the 4wd High button and i am able fly along with no problems...
Oh and on my Avalanche our trucks come standard with the AutoTrac 4x4 Transfercase so, I can select Auto Mode and if the rear slips it kicks into 4wd High to regain full traction and get you going, it will disengage itself after it sees traction regained and you level off to a cruising speed.
AWD is on all the time and has a Dif in the transfercase to allow the front/rear to run and at dif speeds thus eliminating the binding on dry paved roads... but, be prepared for less MPG (probably around 3mpg less over a 4x4) with that setup... Someone told me once that the GM AWD Truck set up puts like 30%power to the front and 70%power to the rear, not sure if thats true though...
You should NOT run in 4wd mode though when on dry paved roads because when you turn the 4x4 transfercase does not have a Dif and puts a 50-50 power split to the front/rear. So, when you turn the drivetrain will bind up and not be happy. But, you can run it on wet paved roads and ice with out a problem. Here in Florida the roads got pretty slick when it rains so, a press of the 4wd High button and i am able fly along with no problems...
Oh and on my Avalanche our trucks come standard with the AutoTrac 4x4 Transfercase so, I can select Auto Mode and if the rear slips it kicks into 4wd High to regain full traction and get you going, it will disengage itself after it sees traction regained and you level off to a cruising speed.
AWD is on all the time and has a Dif in the transfercase to allow the front/rear to run and at dif speeds thus eliminating the binding on dry paved roads... but, be prepared for less MPG (probably around 3mpg less over a 4x4) with that setup... Someone told me once that the GM AWD Truck set up puts like 30%power to the front and 70%power to the rear, not sure if thats true though...
09-01-2006, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Lord Aries
AWD is on all the time and has a Dif in the transfercase to allow the front/rear to run and at dif speeds thus eliminating the binding on dry paved roads... but, be prepared for less MPG (probably around 3mpg less over a 4x4) with that setup... Someone told me once that the GM AWD Truck set up puts like 30%power to the front and 70%power to the rear, not sure if thats true though...
