4X4 Trucks

4X4 Trucks


Four-wheel drive, 4WD, 4x4, all wheel drive, and AWD are different phrases used for describing a four-wheeled vehicle with a powertrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from an engine at the same time. Powering all four wheels gives better control on smooth ice and is a main part of rally racing on cemented roads.

These are truck-like motor vehicles in which a driver can manually switch between a two-wheel drive mode for streets and a four-wheel drive mode for low grip conditions such as ice, mud, or loose gravel. These vehicles do not cause poor control and too much tire.

Although, the term "four-wheel drive" refers to a capability that a vehicle may have, it is also used to represent the whole vehicle itself. The term 4x4, read as four by four, is used to indicate total number of wheels on a vehicle and is frequently applied to vehicles equipped with either full-time or part-time four-wheel-drive. This term is common in North America.
The first four-wheel drive vehicle, Spyker 60 HP, was manufactured in 1903 by Dutch brothers Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker of Amsterdam. 4X4 designs in the US came from the Twyford Company of Brookville, PA in 1905. The first US four-wheel drive vehicle was made in 1911 by the Four-Wheel Drive auto company (FWD) of Wisconsin. Some of the earliest four-wheel drive cars were various rally cars, such as the Ford RS200 made from 1984-1986. In 1989, Panther Westwinds built a four-wheel drive, the Panther Solo 2. Today, sophisticated all wheel drive systems are found in many commuter vehicles and sports cars. In a 4X4 truck, when one wheel spins out of control, a brake can be automatically applied to that wheel. Torque will then be matched, causing power to be divided between a roadway and a brake. It can cause brake wear, but it is effective.

4WD vs 2WD

The common assumption is that 4x4 means all four wheels are driven at the same time. However, this isn't necessarily true. When a vehicle negotiates a bend, the differential in the axle compensates for the fact that the outside wheel travels further than the inside one does. Thus, it allows a speed differential to exist between the two wheels.

Being a mechanical device, the differential abides by the laws of physics which state that energy always takes the easiest route. So, if one wheel is on a slippery surface (like ice) then all the energy will be sent to that wheel and away from the wheel with traction. The end result is that you lose all forward motion!

When four-wheel drive mode is engaged, the front and rear axles are locked together, so at least one wheel on each axle can be driven by the engine effectively.

You can force a 4x2 vehicle to act similar to a 4x4 on occasion by gently pressing the brake pedal to slow down the wheel that's spinning and transfer energy to the wheel with traction.

4 x 4 (4WD) - Describes a vehicle with four-wheel drive. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels.

4 x 2 (2WD) - Refers to a two-wheel drive vehicle with four wheels. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With a 4x2, engine power is transmitted to only two wheels, usually the rear.

Part-Time 4WD - Refers to a four-wheel drive system that operates on-demand and drives all four wheels by locking front and rear axles together via a shift lever. It usually includes two speed ranges (Hi and Lo). Part-time 4WD systems must be operated in 2WD mode on dry pavement, as they're designed to be used only in specific situations when extra traction is required.

Full-Time 4WD - Describes a four-wheel-drive system that can be operated continuously on all surfaces. A full-time four-wheel-drive system may include the option of part-time operation (allowing you to shift into 2WD on dry pavement for example), and may or may not have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (A4WD) - This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD as needed. When internal monitors sense differences in individual wheel speeds, indicating that a tire is slipping, then 4WD is automatically engaged.

Shift on the Fly - This type of system allows manual shifting from 2WD to 4WD Hi without coming to a stop. Most systems have a speed limit at which you can engage the system; typically it's under 60 mph.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - A full-time single-speed system designed to supply drive power to all four wheels. The percentage of front/rear power delivery varies from system to system.