Re: Lucid AWD/4WD explanation

[Mike Marion <mmarion@optronics-intl.com>]

Doug, influenced by unknown forces wrote:

>Rabid Wolves from Mars made Mike Marion say:

[snip]

>Mike, I am sure you are getting similar responses to this knotty issue, but
>4WD vs AWD has blurred considerably over the years.  In particular, many
>current 4WD systems can be run on pavement, and there IS allowance for
>slippage both between tires on the same axle and tires on different axles.
>Clouding the issue are differences between part time (often a no-slip
>mechanical linkage in the center is engaged called a transfer case), and
>full time systems (using a center differential in use full time).
>
>Its a tough issue, and the two systems probably are better characterized by
>their intended use.  Offroad systems tend to be heavily built, with gear
>casings designed for dragging across rocks, generate significant friction
>and mileage penalties, and found on high clearance vehicles.  Onroad
>systems tend to be lighter, more compact, designed with more focus on
>minimal friction, and found on vehicles intended for road usage. Beyond
>that, there are so many combinations it defies categorization.  For
>instance, our LandCruiser is a full time system like an AWD car, yet it was
>designed for offroad use and has factory locking front, center and rear
>differentials.

Doug, you are clearly confused.  EVERYONE knows that there haven't been any
reports of rabid wolves on Mars for going on 10 years now.  Get your story
straight!

=)

FWIW - I made the, perhaps incorrect, conclusion that the Explorer driver
in question needed the simplest of explanations without all the complicated
techno lingo.  One that would suffice to cover the "basics". Perhaps I was
incorrect...
or perhaps your "intended use" explanation is more fitting...

If you'll excuse me now, its time for another injection of vaccine before I
go off to release another Explorer owner from the tenacious grip of
"terminal axle windup" so they can leave their driveway.

;-)

Mike




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Mike Marion, Optronics - mmarion@optronics-intl.com
1990 Coupe Quattro - Lago Blue
1984 BMW R100RS "Last Edition" - Pearl White
1995 Mitsubishi Montero, RWD/AWD/4WD - Scratched White
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