AWD vs PArt time 4X4 - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Any suggestions on what I should order, AWD or stick with part time 4x4.

VEH: QC 4.7 Auto, 3.92, Limited Slip

CaribbeanKota
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
07:31:08

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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4.7L PT 4x4 QC Auto Trans...I'm gettin lazy in old age...The clutch leg tires in traffic.....I don't know what advantage the AWD would have unless you live in Alaska or the artic...Just my opinion but like Quadman Say opinions are like.........

JJ
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
08:26:39

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I got the AWD on my Y2K. I love it all year round. The only qualm I have, I can't light up my tires. I mash the pedal and it’s all go, no spin what so ever. After 30,000 miles my tires are still like new.
I do think that I’ll be replacing some front-end parts sooner than if I had a part-timer.

2¢

Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
08:39:33

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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They both have there good and bad.

I say if you dont do serious off roading, get the AWD.....1 major advantage of the AWD is that it will help out on wet roads where the PT cannot be used on wet roads. But in the seriouse trails, PT will out perform the AWD...

All depends on you driving habits

My Blazer has them both..which is a good option...Wondr when dodge will come around and offer that

Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
09:07:56

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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The odd thing is, Jeep's had it for a long time. (so it's not forign to DC)

JJ
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
09:20:30

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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"But in the seriouse trails, PT will out perform the AWD"
The AWD can also be locked in and perform exactly like the engaged PT

Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
10:08:05

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Is that right? On the dodges? Learn something new everyday

JJ
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
10:23:32

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Sure can. On my floor shifter I have 4LO/4HI/4wd.
I guess PTs would have 4LO/4HI/2wd?(never been in one)

Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
10:27:14

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I know there isnt a floor shifter on the new modles....its an electronic transfer case operated by a switch....I dont believe the AWD modles have a switch or shifter...its just AWD all the time

I wish someone who has an AWD would chime in..seeing as we are both taking guesses here

Dan
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
10:58:10

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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My understanding is that the AWD's have 4HI/4LO/Neutral options to electronically shift in and out of, otherwise, if not in one of those modes, you are simply in AWD.

Bye the bye, this group is a great source, thanks for all the comments!

Mig-29
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
12:07:13

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I have a 2002 dak QC AWD and the switch has three positions. AWD, 4WD HI and 4WD LOW it does not have a 2WD setting. So for everyday driving you run in AWD for off roading you go to either 4WD Hi or Low. The advantage to AWD is driving on wet or snowslick paved roads. So the only difference between the part time and full time transfer case is that the part time has a 2WD setting and the full time transfer case has the AWD setting in place of the 2WD setting. Both have 4WD Hi and 4WD Low settings.

Mig-29
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
12:15:58

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Also I forgot to add that both AWD and the part time transfer case have a neutral setting on the switch. Also some people claim that the full time option uses more fuel. I can't substantiate that because I don't have the part time case. But I can tell you that I average about 13.2 MPG for mixed driving. I have the 4.7 with the Full Time transfer case but I only have 1000 miles on my truck so I think the MPG will improve.

Dr.Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
12:34:50

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I have the AWD...I find that, like JJ, I can't peel-out. But on the good side, I don't get that tail-wag when its wet and when off-roading I seldom actually have to put it in 4wd. On the con side, I get terrible mpg (12.7 mpg severe city).

I have a 4hi/4low option but the neutral option is a little more complicated, its only for towing and requires you remove a fuse or something (haven't done it yet) its not as simple as moving the switch to neutral.

I have to disagree with JJ on the fact that PT out performs AWD. I seldom even have to put it into 4WD (4hi or lo). In 4wd it fells like everything is locked and in AWD it acts like posi all the way around: front diff is posi, back diff is posi and the transfer case is posi on a AWD).

I had a great time on a set of rocks and when two wheels were off the ground, they rotated for a split second then the other two wheels pulled me thru, then I did the same exact move in 4WD and all four wheels spun (slowly- not like a non-posi) and the truck moved right thru, same speed and control. I love my AWD.

Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
14:09:09

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I stand corrected

Torque
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
15:50:14

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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My PT has a little button down in a lower corner that I can push in using a ball point pen to put the transfer case into Neutral. Don't have to pull a fuse.

http://coloradodesigns.com/truck

Dr.Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
17:28:19

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Cool, just figured out how to get my AWD into neutral, cool thanks Torque, refered to my manual for the little things (like putting tranny in neutral, brake etc.) But...what the heck is that doohicky below the transfer case switch on the edge of the knee panel. It has a little rubber thingy on it and a red plastic peice on the left side...???

Big59er
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2002
22:04:34

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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Hell my grandpa's Dodge caravan has AWD.

B1llyw
GenIII

5/27/2002
08:43:40

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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I got part-time 4wd because I didn't want to lose power to drivetrain loss by having all four wheels engaged all the time when I only need 2wd 99% of the time. You still have 4hi when you need it with the part time setup.

Bill White - 2002 QC 4x4, SLT , 4.7, 5 spd, 3.92's w/LSD, Airaid, MBRP Super Single, Hurst T-Handle, BFG A/T's, IAS Shocks, 180 T-Stat, Jet Chip - Stage II

JP
Dodge Dakota
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5/27/2002
10:45:06

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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There seems to be a mix of fact and fiction on this string. First, the AWD will function as effectively off-road as the PT since you can lock the transfer case and you also have the same low range available. The AWD functions well on wet roads thru huge puddles if you come upon them (a regular occurance in the Pacific Northwest). With respect to economy, remember whether you have AWD or PT all the same parts are rotating. All the same parts in motion means that either you are pushing them or they are helping you move. I get just as good in town (about 16 mpg) and hiway (19 to 21 mpg) as anyone I've heard from on the board. If I am having fun I can get as poor fuel economy as anyone too. Lastly, I think on dry pavement the handling characteristics are better. AWD simply pulls you through the corners. I hope my bias doesn't show thru............

JP '01 CC SLT+ AWD 4.7 LSD ABS

Mig-29
Dodge Dakota
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5/27/2002
11:39:32

RE: AWD vs PArt time 4X4
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JP I couldn't agree more!

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