| From | Message |
Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
10:29:48
|
 Subject: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm kinda wishin that I had went with the AWD instead of the regular 4x4. Is it just programming that makes it different (can I make mine a AWD) or is it a different T-case entirely?
If so what all would I have to do to change over?
btw... it's a 2002 CC 4x4 4.7L Auto 3.92's with lsd
|
Peter Finch
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
11:16:57
|  RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
The AWD transfer case contains a lockable differential so front/rear power distribution can be "differentiated", such as when turning. When locked (via the shift lever) it performs like a part-time 4WD - the front and rear drive shafts turn together. The part-time transfer case you have provides no differentiation when in 4WD. Thus, it would require a transfer case swap and not a programming change for you to have AWD.
(There is a fluid coupled device that MileMarker sells that goes on the front drive shaft and provides limited differentiation permitting you to stay in 4WD even on hard pavement. I have no experience with it but it claims to effectively convert a PT-4WD to FT-AWD. Doubt it is as effective offroad but should be fine on-road.)
You will find all kinds of information (and misinformation) on the FT transfer case on this and other boards. Since it contains no limited slip or intelligent brake application technology, it will bias power toward the front or rear where there is minimum traction. This sounds bad but is not really a problem unless you are in really slippery conditions and should lock anyway. I have QC with 4.7L, auto, 3.92 gears, limited slip, and FT AWD. In the worst rain I can punch the throttle from a stop and accelerate (smartly) with no wheelspin. My old Dakota ('92, PT 4WD, 318) could not do this even on dry road. Yet my QC is faster.
|
Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
12:39:58
| RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
thanks a lot, I checked on that MileMarker, thing, not a lot of info so I e-mailed the company. This may be even better than a whole new AWD unit. Down-side is it sounds as if I'll loose the ability to lock the axles.
thanks again
and I'll let cha know what MileMarker has to say about their product
|
Lil Guido
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
12:51:02
|  RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
Don't do it, you'll hate it! I bought my 2000 w/AWD (5.9L & 3:92's)and it's like driving a front wheel drive. The traction is supurb, but if you want to get with it, it's like driving an 88' Buick Skyhawk. Unless something is wrong with mine, I don't really think the rear wheel drive even kick's in until I lock it in 4 whl hi/lo (and I know nothings wrong!). Also, until they can come out w/a lift kit (a decent one) for 00's on up, it's not worth it.
|
Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
16:21:27
| RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello -
I'm sorry but our Seletive Drive will not fit your Dodge Dakota.
Bill Ivanoff
MileMarker, Inc.
Dammit, back to square one
|
Peter Finch
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/02/2002
16:52:33
| RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
> Unless something is wrong with mine, I don't really think the rear wheel drive even kick's in until I lock it in 4 whl hi/lo
It is not that smart - the center diff is open. On dry pavement, you are applying power to all 4 wheels when accelerating. Trust me. If you had only front wheel drive with 3.92 and the big V8, you would definitely light up the front tires every time you took off, even moderately. The beauty of AWD is your 300 ft-lbs of torque are evenly divided among 4 wheels giving approximately 75 ft-lbs per tire which just isn't enough to break a tire loose. Now look at PT-4WD in RWD mode and you have 150 ft-lbs per tire. Much more likely to spin a tire and divert all torque to it.
I also own an Audi A4 with AWD and doubt I will ever purchase another mainly street-driven vehicle without it. But there will always be debate, philosophy, and emotion around the merits of AWD versus PT-4WD versus RWD versus FWD. My hardcore offroad vehicle is a Styer Puch Pinzgauer with PT-4WD and locking diffs front and rear which I prefer for its mission.
|
JP
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/03/2002
16:10:51
| RE: AWD Question
IP: Logged
Message:
Peter, You are right in that there will always be debate about the merits of AWD. I will say that I own vehicles that represent 4 different approaches to AWD. Jeep, Subaru, Toyota (All Track), and the Dakota AWD. 95% of the time plus the system is not needed for most people under most conditions. When unexpected conditions are encountered and you want that extra margin of safety it is sure nice. It is much like insurance, you don't need it until something bad happens. The other side is that you can use the greater capability of these vehicles for recreation or work. In any case this is all subjective and my way of saying the Dakota AWD fits my needs. I will note (as I have elsewhere in these posts) that the AWD system has all the offroad capability of the PT system when you lock the center differential into 4 HI or 4 LO.
JP '01 SLT+ CC 4.7 AWD LSD
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
