Four-Wheel-Drive

Why Four-Wheel-Drive?
Advantages
Improved traction and handling
Able to transmit torque to all four wheels

Disadvantages
Higher initial cost and weight
Requires special service and maintenance

Definitions
4X4 = Four wheeled vehicle, four
wheels can receive torque.
4X2 = Four wheeled vehicle, two
wheels can receive torque.

4WD Designs
RWD vehicles equipped with an added
transfer case, a front drive shaft, a
front differential, and front drive axles

4WD Designs
FWD vehicles with an added transfer case, a rear
drive shaft, and a rear axle

4WD Definitions
Transfer case - An
auxiliary
transmission
mounted to the
side or rear of the
main transmission.
No differential
action is provided.

4WD Components
Transfer case
Transmits power from the transmission to the front and
rear drive shafts

4WD Components
Transfer case
Will typically be a gear or chain type

Types of Transfer Cases

Drive chain design
Has less weight to
improve fuel economy
Is usually used with
planetary gearsets
Is the most common
design

Types of Transfer Cases

Gear-type
Uses only gear-sets to transfer power
Stronger & more durable

4WD Definitions
Center
differential serves the
same purpose
as a transfer
case but
allows for
differential
operation.

4WD Definitions
Limited-slip center
differential.
Controls differential
operation through a
disc or cone-type
clutch.
Later designs are
computer operated.

4WD Components
Drive shafts
Connect to the front and rear differentials

4WD Components
Universal joints or CV-joints
Are used to connect front axles to the wheel hubs

4WD Definitions
Part-time 4WD - Typically systems that
operate in two-wheel drive until the driver
commands four-wheel drive operation.
Torque is then divided (50/50 fixed)
between the front and rear drive-shaft.
They do not corner well on dry pavement.
Selection of two- or four-wheel-drive is done
by a shifter, electric switch and/or locking
hubs.

Part-Time 4WD Shift

Controls
Electric switch or shift lever
Allows the driver to select
which axles receive power
Power can be directed to:
all four wheels
two wheels
none (neutral)

Some vehicles have a

low-speed range that can
be selected

Part-Time 4WD
Older designs may have different
drive-axle gear ratios.
This will result in a push-pull type action
if the vehicle is driven on dry pavement.
This phenomenon is called drive-line
windup.

Part-Time 4WD Shift

Controls
Manual Shift
lever
Some vehicles
have a
low-speed range
that can
be selected

Part-Time 4WD
Locking Hubs
Manual or automatic operation

Part-Time 4WD
Locking Hubs
manual operation

Part-Time 4WD
Locking Hubs
automatic operation - vacuum or
electro-magnetically operated.

Part-Time 4WD
Locking Axles - final differential will be of an
open design. When one axle is disconnected
from the wheel the spider gears rotate freely,
neither axle receives torque.
Used with an open differential

Part-Time 4WD
Locking Axles - Toyotas Automatic
Disconnecting Differential (ADD)

Transfer Case Modes of

Operation
Ranges available with a part-time transfer case:
Neutral

Transfer Case Modes of

Operation
Ranges available with a part-time transfer case:
Two-wheel-drivehigh

Transfer Case Modes of

Operation
Ranges available with a part-time transfer case:
Four-wheel-drivehigh

Transfer Case Modes of

Operation
Ranges available with a part-time transfer case:
Four-wheel-drivelow

4WD Definitions
Full-time four-wheel drive (4wd) Constantly provides power to all four
wheels. These systems typically do NOT
have a provision for low operating
range.
Axles and differentials are constantly locked.
Usually equipped with a center differential
instead of a transfer-case.

All-wheel drive - see above

4WD Systems
Full-time systems
Cannot be
selected out of
four-wheel-drive
May have an open
or limited-slip
center differential.

Full-time 4WD
Open Center Differential - If the
wheels on either final differential
loose traction, maximum torque is
delivered to the axle with the LEAST
traction.
For this reason, limited-slip center
differentials are far more common
today.

Full-time 4WD
Newer computer-controlled designs allow for
different operational modes.
Ford Automatic Four-wheel-drive (A4WD)
Navigator and Expedition
4WD AUTO - full power to the rear wheels. The
front wheels receive power as required.
4WD High - Full power to both wheels, no center
gear-reduction.
4WD Low - Low gear ratio in center differential for
(2:1 ratio) for slow, high torque driving

4WD Definitions
On-demand four-wheel drive Automatically controlled 4WD. One axle is
driven until slip is detected or anticipated.
Computer controlled
uses wheel speed sensors and/or axle speed
sensors to detect slippage.
When slippage is detected, torque is sent to
the opposite axle. The amount sent depends
on the amount of slippage.

4WD Definitions
On-demand four-wheel drive

4WD Definitions
Viscous coupling in a center
differential

4WD Definitions
Viscous coupling in a center
differential

On-demand four-wheel
drive
Fords control-trac system
normal operation - 96% of torque is sent
to the rear wheels.
Upon slippage a computer energizes an
electro-magnetic clutch in the transfer
case. Up to 96% of torque can be sent
to the front wheels.

4WD Systems
Four-wheel drive systems without a
center differential.
Tire sizes must all be the same (this holds
true for any 4WD application)
Tread wear must be similar
Tire changes on an all-wheel drive must be
done in sets of four
Gear ratios should be the same in the front
and rear differentials.

Front Axle and Hub

Service Guidelines
Most front axles are
serviced like those
in 2WD systems
Follow the
recommended
procedure for
servicing 4WD hubs
Some hubs are not
serviceable and must
be replaced

Effects of Vehicle
Modifications
Installing larger tires and lift kits
Alters vehicle handling by changing unsprung
weight
Increases steering effort
Causes a rough ride
May cause vehicle to wander and vibrate
Possible driveshaft working angle issues
Possible Vehicle Speed sensor issues
May necessitate computer programming

Maintenance Tips
Check the fluid level often
Check for fluid contamination any time the
vehicle has been driven through deep water
Use only the recommended lubricant
Always follow
the proper
towing
procedures