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4 wheel drive?
Ok, I'm looking at a 4 wheel drive pickup - my
First 4x4. My question....how do you switch them
into 4 wheel drive? I never did before always had
2 wheel drive (don't ask me why, I live in Illinois
where 4 wheel drive would come in handly half the
year) Is there any particular way I should watch
out for?
The trucks I'm considering are GMC 1500 sierra ,
Chevy Silverado 1500. I'm thinking 2000 model due
to 4 door option. Ideas?
First 4x4. My question....how do you switch them
into 4 wheel drive? I never did before always had
2 wheel drive (don't ask me why, I live in Illinois
where 4 wheel drive would come in handly half the
year) Is there any particular way I should watch
out for?
The trucks I'm considering are GMC 1500 sierra ,
Chevy Silverado 1500. I'm thinking 2000 model due
to 4 door option. Ideas?
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Comments
Ryan
Remember: Part time 4WD, Shift on the fly, Mechanical instead of electronic, and Limited Slip differential (generic). Good luck, and if you have any pertinent questions, my email address is in my profile. There are other folks on the Dodge Dakota forum, specifically Andy Jordan who lives in Canada, races dog sleds and has great expertise on this subject.
Bookitty
Ryan
sorry
auto 4WD systems. I actually prefer the manual locking hubs, but in that respect I may be a dinosaur. Be that as it may, the predominant problems that emanate from 4WD systems occur in the electric over synchronizer engagement systems.
Most of the part time manual systems date back to the "Jeep" and other military systems popularized by WWII. Quite simple, if the wheels are all turning at the same speed (hubs locked manually or automatically), then the drive shafts are synchronized and engagement is made possible. Again, sometimes the simpler the better. The only 4WD full time system that I find acceptable is the
Jeep Quadratrak (sic). But, that's what these forums and topics are all about; Opinions.
Bookitty
PS My 4X4 Dakota Quad Cab with 5 speed and part time system represents over 40 years of owning and operating 4WD vehicles.
Ryan
Ryan
BOO hey do you have a locking rear on your truck??? If so you think it helps???
Can't you hear the difference when engaged?...but not slipping?..it's someplace between 4-HI and 2-HI for feel and sound...
It's partially engaged....aka partially wearing tires faster..
- Tim
Autotrac, Sensortrac and any other kind of computer controlled full time four wheel drive are, at best, a waste of money, at worst dangerous.
We all know the stories about the invulnerable 4 wheel driver - as this is a truck forum they are invariably SUVs and driven by people who think that 4wd is akin to an invulnerability option. These people are the ones in the ditches on a regular basis.
Full time and / or computer controlled systems take this to the extreme - hey just press this button and the truck will do the rest. Hello world - what are we smoking!!!
If traction is marginal use 4wd, if it isn't use 2wd, simple. I do not want a system that thinks, "hmm the wheels aren't slipping 2wd is fine" if I am driving through standing water, snow, mud or whatever. I will be in 4wd mode thank you very much - it really isn't that much effort to reach out and move a shifter.
Do these systems increase tire wear, reduce gas mileage etc - yes. Do they cost more to purchase - yes. Do they cost more to maintain - yes. Do they add additional functionality to go wrong - yes.
I am not going to get into my driving experience, those that know me are familiar with it, but suffice it to say that I am no stranger to 4wd. I will never, ever, waste my money on one of these systems - but hey that is the beauty of free choice.
OK, rant over (for now).
I can hear a lil difference but not very much. Maybe cause the radio is to high.
So what andy is saying is they arent worth the money and they dont work as well.
To many people use the damn excuse its electronic more things can go wrong. Yes there are but dont use this as an excuse cause a lot of other things can go wrong too.
it was well worth the $375 especially having the bucket seats and front console cant have the floor shifter then.
So many pros and cons we could go at it all day its over they are both 50-50 get whatcha want.
Ryan
LOL
I had no choice.....unless I want a base or stripped LS model..
- Tim
Yea a loaded LS or LT comes with the Autotrac.
...YOU said it would have no wear....and I say it does..
Even when not sending power...but engaged..it's wearing the tires..
...and don't try to make yourself sound like the awesome off roader man......I have many years on you little man...
LOL
..(now for Ryans explosion)
- Tim
Now on this:
...and don't try to make yourself sound like the
awesome off roader man......I have many years on
you little man...
When did i ever say i was an "awesome off roader " or make it seem like it??? Im far from that.
i am just bothered by the fact people are knocking the autotrac because it is electronic and and talk about so many bad things when there has been nothing negative (malfunctions recalls or such) about this system. There is nothing in concrete that there are flaws in this system.
Ryan
I never said it was crap because it was electronic, in fact I never said it was crap. I do say it isn't as good - there's a difference.
I never said it would fail, I said it was something else to go wrong - if parts fail at 1 part per 10000 produced per year (I'm making the numbers up) and your truck has 1000 parts then 1 in 10 trucks will fail statistically - if the truck has 2000 parts then 1 in 5 trucks will fail statistically - fact is facts.
Now tell me where I am wrong in my arguments and we can have a constructive discussion, but let's make it something that we BOTH know about.
Ryan
There are more parts in the computer controlled or full time systems than in the shift-on-the-fly systems. There are therefore more parts to go wrong. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS FACT THAT YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND?
I have not gone into the computer vs. mechanical because I don't know what is statistically more reliable - I do know that the more parts there are, the more can go wrong.
A 2wd truck - yeah that would be really useful in my life!! As I said, if there is something that we can have a meaningful discussion about that will assist other people then that is great - but if you do not have the knowledge to do so, then there really isn't any point.
I have stated my opinion, and explained why I think that way, if you have a different opinion then that is fine - though I am not yet clear on your logic (not saying you don't have one - just that I am not clear on it). If you disagree with me that's fine - it is your right - but back it up with facts, or at least read what I write before your knee jerk, and usually inaccurate, responses.
Your speaking a different language to me so dont feel bad we are both int he same boat. Ill quit now so you dont get all worked up about it. Ill go on my merry way happy with my autotrac hoping the million parts it has dont go bad.
Ryan
Would rather have manual locking hubs to go with the manual transfer case shifter. This is what my buddy has on his F350SD "fully loaded".
I drove the Autotrac and worked great, but prefer the simpler mechanical systems. Also I like mechanical windows and mechanical door locks.
To each is own though....
Ryan, we all learn by listening, absorbing and applying. Andy Jordan is an expert on four wheel drive as well as four paw drive. His opinion is very valuable to me. Your opinion is interesting, but at this point does not have the value, because
your level of experience is just not there as yet. It is true that I am an "old dog", but I may have forgotten more than you'll ever know. I also
do not buy 4WD vehicles because one defeats much of the control provided by 4WD. I could explain that to you also, but for two reasons. You are not at this point receptive enough, nor in possession of sufficient knowledge to fully grasp what I would offer. I am not knocking you, I,m certain that you are a nice fellow, and your truck is a very good model. My background is in rough terrain rubber tired material handlers (R/T forklifts and cranes). My engineering degree is in aeronautics but you could fool me in that area with a lot more ease than in all wheel drive equipment. The purpose of these forums, is the exchange of information. When "truckchic" originally posed the question regarding buying a 4WD truck, my post suggested that she contact Andy
Jordan because his opinion is valid, and his vast
experience is available through the wonder of the
Internet. I know that this is a bit lengthy, but it needed to be said.
Bookitty
i got a locking rear differential (this is what gm calls it) on my truck i have felt it work a few times will in 2 hi and slipping on some water.
Ok ill start listening more to you guys and ill stop arguing ( i realy wasnt arguing just disagreeing more or less).
Ryan
You asked "how will it wear the tires".....we are telling you...
You aksed "how many times do YOU use 4WD...I have used it X times!"...as if you are ....hell with this..this forum stinks....we need live talk..
I thought this...you thought that...it seemed like you were saying this.....blah blah blah
That's the problem with E-mail......you don't get a clear understanding of what is being said...due to no voice inflection and the likes...
What we need is a get together of all of us in person......
Didn't somebody have that idea???
- Tim
Ryan
Im done my hands are tied behind my back
name for limited slip. I am not familiar with what
GM offers, but will attempt to look it up on one of my automobile ordering programs. Your truck sounds great. Is it a stretch cab or standard? The
stretch I believe is now available with three or four doors. That's a lot better than pushing the seat forward and then falling into the back like on my '95 Dakota Club Cab. Also, the comfort level
is much better in the GM rear seat.
Bookitty
My truck is an Ext cab 4 door. At first i got mad when i heard i couldnt get the 3 door but i am very happy i got the 4 doors i use the drivers side rear door everyday i put my work stuff back there. Lots of room in the back too people are very comfy dogg likes it too.
Ryan
rear; "LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL -inc: premium carbon fiber friction plates Code: G80." The premium carbon friction plates indicate that it is indeed a limited slip using carbon (superior technology)plates in the clutch pack. Dana and several other manufacturers of heavy duty drive/steer axles for use in rubber tired construction equipment have gone to the carbon fiber plate, replacing the metal plates used previously.
Bookitty
In reverse, my rear diff occasionally locks up fully and definately affects drivability on hard ground, but I haven't noticed any problems with turning radius while travelling forward. There is also a rumour that above 15mph, the Chevy locker doesn't engage. Quadrunner has posted the Easton website before.
Or is it Eaton. Ya, maybe that's it and my softball bat is an Easton. Heck, I give up, going home to take a hike ... ;o)
Ryan
Bookitty
PS Eaton is correct
LOL
..."But daddy....I don't know how to drive in mud and pick lines.."......"Then get a Locker you big baby!"
...(I'm sure this will start some poop)
- Tim
Andy
You are wrong.
- Tim
Ryan
Ryan, any idea why I put the ;-) at the end of post 34 - it was to prevent anyone from thinking that I was serious.
Ryan
=:o)
My guy has hair haha
It's just not right...
- Tim
Ryan
and needing a truck to impress the chicks..
and the lack of full words....
U know?....u r aren't u Ryan??
- Tim
Ryan
Thanks again. I'm sure I'll be posting another question or two here ...so be patient with me!
An hr and 45 min drive to get your truck isnt bad mine was almost 3 hrs away its a great way to break in the engine.
Ryan
I'm also selling my 95 Ranger so this weekend I washed and waxed it, put protector on the bedcover, and made it look pretty - and put the FOR SALE sign in it (that was a sad moment). So, it was kinda crazy weekend. But, my goal is to test drive this week.
I'm not sure if I'll have to order it or not, never had to before. The last time I bought a new car was in 90 I bought a beretta (great car) and I wanted a black with grey interior and all they had was red interior, I refused the car and walked off the lot, 1.5 hours later, the dealer called me and they found the car I wanted so they put it on a flat bed and brought it to the dealership. So, I never ordered one. If I can find the one I want on the lot, I'll get that, if Nnt, I'll have to really consider ordering one. Can you order a 2000 one now? Isn't it too late in the model year?
Ryan
this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.
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