Auto 4wd option for 2500 series?

[KStewart]

I have been a lurker for some timw and just joined so I'm new to the site. I am hoping someone could answer a question I have been wondering about 2500 and 3500 series trucks be diesel or gas. My 1500 Sierra has 3 options for 4wD as most you guys know. I love the the Auto option and have used it during this winter. My truck is a 2015 and when my lease is up I'm thinking of taking the plunge and getting me a 2500. I just was wondering why the 2500 and 3500 trucks do not have the Auto option for 4wd. They only offer 4wd hi and low. I know they are serious work trucks and I'm wondering if the system would be robust enough for 3/4 or 1 ton truck and if not is that why it's not aption.

[SMiller]

I don't know why they have never had it, having said that I have one truck with it and one without, it doesn't bother me on bit that one truck doesn't have it.

 

I truly believe it will get you in trouble as it is not responsive enough to save you when really needed and it does not lock all four wheels together for braking. If you need 4wd then lock it in and drive accordingly.

 

I know I really didn't answer your question but in the long run get a HD trucks and don't look back, you will never miss the auto feature.

[matt123]

I believe gas hd trucks may still have the auto 4wd mode. I know my old 6.0l 2500 did.

 

I don't think the diesel's ever had it.

 

It uses a clutch pack and multiple speed sensors in the transfercase fer the auto mode. When in Auto it locks the front axle and when detects difference in drive line speeds it starts applying pressure to the clutches to transfer power to the front.

 

While I liked it and it worked good in my old truck I don't think it's a strong as a normal transfercase and has many more parts to fail.

[Cosmic Charlie]

I believe gas hd trucks may still have the auto 4wd mode. I know my old 6.0l 2500 did.

 

I don't think the diesel's ever had it.

 

It uses a clutch pack and multiple speed sensors in the transfercase fer the auto mode. When in Auto it locks the front axle and when detects difference in drive line speeds it starts applying pressure to the clutches to transfer power to the front.

 

While I liked it and it worked good in my old truck I don't think it's a strong as a normal transfercase and has many more parts to fail.

 

For over 10 years the HD's have never had auto 4wd - not sure if they ever did ...

 

my guess is the non-auto transfer case is more robust than the auto 4wd one ...

[matt123]

My 2002 did. Haven't been in any newer gas hd's to know when they stopped doing it.

[SMiller]

My 2002 did. Haven't been in any newer gas hd's to know when they stopped doing it.

No, your 2500 had it, NO 2500HD has ever had it. Like you I also have a 2500 that is not a HD.

[newdude]

My guess as to why the HD does not have it? I don't think it would hold up to that Duramax/Allison combo. Plus the only AUTO transfer case they have is of a lower torque rating than the HD cases.

 

The only 2500 trucks that ever had the AUTO case were the 1500hd/2500 light duty from 1999-2006 (8600 GVWR or less trucks). No 2500HD or 3500 ever had one (like SMiller stated).

[SouthpawHD]

I went from a 1500 to a 2500HD and I do occasionally miss the AUTO feature. We occasionally get the right amount of snow/ice/melting & re-freezing to be annoying. I also had it on my previous SUV, so I have had it for many, many years, so it will take some time to get use to not having it

 

For me though, the abilities of the 2500 far outweigh that of the 1500, including the AUTO feature. So I guess OP you need to weigh your reasons for wanting a 2500 as well. Good luck.

[Cowpie]

I just never have really missed not having auto 4x4 on my 2500. I never really used it on my previous 1500. I pretty much follow the philosophy of if I need 4x4, select 4x4, if I don't then go back to 2wd.

[KStewart]

Thank you guys for the replies. I like Auto for the not so severe snowy road days with roads covered and an occasional clear cement area while the weather is still coming down and progressing. In these conditions with black ice anD snow coversed roads with cement patches Auto is perfect. I can turn and drive normal not worrying about it like I would in 4wd hi. I don't like auto for a replacement for 4wd hi, just for the versatility of an all wheel drive performance. Also with the open differential it seams to just handle better all arounD on the slick of bad roads. To me I may be wrong but it seems that on auto it gets better traction control and stability vs. 4wd hi that I tried that just felt like it was so robust it wanted to break lose more yet it handled it well. Auto just felt like handling like a AWD sports car on snow covered roads. Now when going heavy off roading, yes 4wd hi or lo is the only way or when driving in deep snow 4wd ho or lo but snow covered bad slick roads auto just runs better to me and it's usability when using 4wd hI may damage the drivetrain with transfer from snow to pavement and turning.

[avalonandl]

I had auto 4wd on my Avalanche 2500 which had a 8.1 and 4L80e trans. i miss it.

[KStewart]

I think I can live without it if I get a 2500. It just became convenient ans made a 2nd situation in moderately bad situations better.

[crankman]

I understand you get used to things and you want them there when needed I had the auto for years but I already forgot about it. Your moving up into the bigger truck and 15HDRIVER said it well it wouldnt hold up in the heavy duty truck usage.

[2018GMC]

On another note. HD trucks differ from LD by using hydraulic recirculating ball steering vs electric rack and pinion. 1500's turn a bit tighter and Steer car like but the RBS entire system is Heaver Duty.

[redwngr]

These are offered on 2016 2500 pickups.

 

NQG Transfer case, with floor-mounted shifter

NQF Transfer case, electronic shift with rotary dial controls

Manual and electronic, but not auto.

I'm also from the camp that believes they never should have offered auto, even in the 1500's.