How does the Full Time 4wd Work?

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rowekmr

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Discussion starter · #1 · Dec 22, 2018

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I have the Aspen (Durango cousin) with full time 4wd and have been looking all over the internet for info on how the 4wd works so figured I would ask over here since this forum is very active. In 4wd is there a fixed torque split between the front and rear axle or does it vary depending on wheel slippage. Is the system operated pneumatically (air), electrically or hydraulically?

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Don Fox

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#2 · Dec 22, 2018

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Rowe:
Being a Gen 2, your Aspen has a fixed 60/40 power split rear/front in the AWD mode. Engaging 4Hi or 4LO lockes both the front and rear driveshafts together. This of course is not compatible with driving on hard, non slippery surfaces. If your Aspen has traction control, it uses the ABS sensors to monitor wheel speed. If a great variance is found, it can send power from right to left by applying a brake to the slipping wheel, sending torque to the opposite side. This analysis is probably not 100%, but should be more right than wrong.

Don

 

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rowekmr

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Discussion starter · #3 · Jan 31, 2019

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Do you know what operates the locks is it pneumatic (air) or electrical? My tires are low in thread so I am not getting much traction in the snow but was wondering if the awd is working properly. The only way I can tell is with the 4wd locked when I turn the steering wheel all the way I can feel the front u joints binding.

 

Don Fox

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#4 · Jan 31, 2019

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Rowe:
I am not aware of any type of air system, so I believe the lock up is electrically activated. As long as you are not experiencing binding in AWD mode, but are in 4Hi or 4Lo, you should be good. I had the NV-244 AWD T case in my 01 as well as the current Gen 2. The thing is a tank! I have yet to use 4HI in almost 9 years I have had it. As long as you have good tires, and traction at at least one wheel on each end, you are good. There was no factory availability for a limited slip carrier on the Gen 2 AWD, so both ends are open.

Don