Auto 4wd

Buggle_96 · January 17, 2006

When you select Auto 4wd how exactly does it work? Lately in the snow it will wait a second or two for the rear to spin and then kinda slams or jolts the front tires into action and on it goes. Works great, but it seems kind of lazy at detecting slippage. Just wanting to make sure mine is acting normal. Thanks

gave20 · January 17, 2006

It detects wheel slippage and then engages and should be instanteous but if the transfer case is cold it could be slower. I think they come from the factory with 80W-90 which can be replaced for synthetic if its a problem. I know mine was slow to react when it got close to zero. I really notice mine working while driving in slushy conditions, a little real wheel spin and I feel the front end grab.

Bish · January 17, 2006

Transfer cases take Autotrak II blue fluid only. The engagement of the front end should take a fraction of a second and no more. If I'm driving 70mph on the highway and hit a puddle at the side of the road, I can feel th engage and keep the truck straight instead of pulling it towards the puddle. It is slower when warming up the vehicle but the t-case should stay warm when driving no matter the temp outside.

I would also agree the best conditions to test how it feels when working are slush and snow.

It works by engaging the front diff but not engaged at the t-case. When the computer detects wheel spin via abs sensors, it engages the front driveshaft in the t-case thus applying power to the front.

bartlanz · January 19, 2006

What will also affect how it feels when it engages is what system your truck uses. There are a few different ones, One uses a "Viscus Coupling" and the other uses an electic clutch similar to the one your A/C System uses. The Viscus Coupling system will be much more seemless, where as the electric clutch system will slam in more.

Buggle_96 · January 19, 2006

Mine must use electric lol. It really seems to have the slamming affect.

RyanZ71 · January 19, 2006

Instead of using Auto 4WD button, just press the 4WD button Auto seems rather.. pointless to me, if you need 4WD use it!

AlanTDickey · January 20, 2006

Instead of using Auto 4WD button, just press the 4WD button Auto seems rather.. pointless to me, if you need 4WD use it!

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mine works fairly seemlessly. I like the auto 4X4 when driving, as i often do, on a combination of icy and dry pavement. 4X4 only kicks in when you need it.