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Brett
Dodge Dakota
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2/14/2007
15:54:19
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 Subject: All Wheel Drive
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I'm looking for pros and cons relative to the full-time all wheel drive feature that is available as an option instead of rear wheel drive with hi and lo 4wd. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.
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GB2000
GenIII
2/14/2007
21:44:54
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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I drove my dad's AWD Explorer earlier tonight...similar technology. Compared to the RWD with 4-Hi/4-Lo...I didn't care so much for the automatic 4wd. Well, no I guess it had it's pros and cons. It was nice when it kicked in off stoplights or when I'd lose traction while driving down the road. But when it kicked in while I was turning or pulling out of the driveway with the wheels cranked...it was kinda jerky...felt like it had to be hard as hell on the transfer case.
Of course...the old-style 4x4 has its pros and cons. You can power brake it if you're into that kinda thing...plus you don't gotta worry bout it suddenly kicking in on corners and stuff (like where it would jerk real hard on me when it kicked in). But then...the cons...you gotta remember to disengage it when it's not needed so you don't bind up the transfer case...and you gotta remember to shift into 4wd when you need it, yada yada. So I guess really it's just up to you...depends on your driving style I guess...
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crow318
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2007
08:53:22
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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Message:
Full time AWD is good for street driving. Especially in wet, snowy, icey conditions. The transfer case acts just like a differential. It alows the front wheels to go a different speed than the rear tires. Thats why you don't feel the binding on dry pavement like a standard 4x4. If the AWD have a locking t-case, that is the ultimate setup.
A standard 4x4, has a t-case that drives both axles at the same speed (direct drive. It is better for off roading and muddy conditions, but should not be used on dry pavement.
Also check the mileage ratings. On some vehicles, the AWD gets lower mileage (at least compared to the 2wd models).
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GB2000
GenIII
2/15/2007
13:29:03
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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Message:
Crow,
Good point about the mileage ratings...I was gonna mention that and it totally slipped my mind. I don't know how they compare, but that would be something to consider.
Also...I agree about the AWD having a locking T-case...that would be nice.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2007
13:38:15
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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Message:
Not sure if you're asking about the current generation AWD or past generations (although I don't know if there is any difference).
On my 02 QC 47 auto AWD, I like it. Downside is that the milage does "appear" to suffer, as my straight highway milage does not vary much from 50/50 driving. I avg about 14-14.5 in 50/50, and get about 16 @75mph.
Traction is great, when the streets are wet it doesn't feel like the backend is racing the front around a corner. The T-case can lock into 4wd hi and low (50/50 front/rear power).
Another benefit is tire wear. I am still on my original tires and have only rotated them twice in over 5 years and 60K miles. The AWD tends to wear the tires more evenly then any other car/truck that I've had.
I have not had any mechanical problems that are related to the AWD mechanics.
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mccamp
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2007
13:44:19
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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Message:
Gas mileage: It will take a couple mpg off, it has more continuous motion parts than standard 4wd.
Positives: better handling in adverse conditions
Negatives: worse mpg, no way to run vehicle home or to repair shop on just one axle if one axle has a problem. If the vehicle has a locking Tcase and low range with the AWD feature, then it will be slower than a standard 4wd... if it has AWD without low range then it might be lighter and faster than a standard 4wd, but will have no low range (ex. Ford escape, honda CRv)
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BrandonK
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2007
14:50:22
| RE: All Wheel Drive
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Message:
I have an '01 ,4.7, with the AWD. I didn't know they made Dakotas with that until I got mine a couple years ago!
I love it. Good traction in all conditions, especially slippery stuff. I've yet to make it break loose on dry pavement. It WILL spin on slush etc IF I TRY and I can make it skid doing that. When I let off the gas, it usually straightens right out. No binding in turns or other four wheel drive issues. It also has 4HI and 4LO, which is great when it really gets bad, or when I stick it in mud.
Mileage ain't great, but I got a TRUCK for a reason. I've gotten 19MPG straight highway driving at 65MPH. About 16 in normal summer driving. Winter mileage is much worse.
Just remember, four wheel drive doesn't make you STOP any faster. I learned that one too. I knew better too!
Brandon
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