4WD Questions

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BoatBuoy

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May 29, 2004
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I've got some questions about 4WD's. I have an '88 4WD Ranger that has 190K miles. It's beginning to have some problems so I've made the decision to retire it.<br /><br />Today I looked at a '96 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, 4.0L. It may be a likely replacement for the Ranger.<br /><br />The question I have is about the 4WD. The Ranger had manual hubs and a transfer case shifter for 2WD, 4WD, N, and 4WD Low. The Cherokee has the same except it additionally has All-Wheel Drive.<br /><br />What exactlly is "All-Wheel Drive"?
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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May 2, 2003
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Re: 4WD Questions

The ranger has standard fr & rear diffs (unless limited slip was an option - dunno), 4x4 or 2x4 is selectable via the tranfercase (4x4 isn't technically correct, with standard diffs it's only a 2x4).<br /><br />The cherokee has a centre diff AND the front & rear diffs are traction controlled (sort of like a limited slip diff). Power gets to all 4 wheels.
 
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BoatBuoy

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Re: 4WD Questions

So, if there's a center differential, wouldn't power go to either the front or rear, depending on traction?<br /><br />Also, in 4WD(as opposed to All-Wheel Drive), is that center diff. locked so that power always goes to both front and rear?
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

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Re: 4WD Questions

A centre diff allows you to drive in '4x4' mode on hard surfaces without winding up the transfercase (commonly called 'constant 4x4').<br /><br />The ranger does not have a centre diff.<br /><br />I'm not intimately familiar with the 96 cherokee, but generally speaking, centre diffs are lockable - I'm googling it now to find out about the cherokee.<br /><br />Your right, if the centre diff is not locked, traction can be lost to either front or rear.
 
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KRS

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May 15, 2004
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Re: 4WD Questions

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.<br /><br />Part-time 4x4 is for loose surfaces... or ACTUAL off road.<br /><br />Full-time 4x4 can be used 24/7/365, it will control traction and slippage. I never use it (I don't live in snowy/icy areas).
 
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