torinalth

So, I've been reading a bit of the past threads and they all tend to degenerate into the front is locked, the front is open, you are a moron, you are a tool, ecoboost wins.... etc etc etc.

I'm hoping with a slightly different structure we might be able to side step this. I have an E-locker rear, I have the damned 2 speed transfer case with the 4a option (its not a real AWD even though it claims it). The issue is this, I'd like to be able to run 4wd in the rain to gain traction when taking turns from a stop into traffic, smoother feel in general, and overall better usable traction. Ultimately I want to see if it's possible to eliminate the binding caused by using 4wd on pavement through the use of a different front differential (only the front binds when in 4a or 4x4). the older WRXs sent 50% front and 50% rear (manual cars) full time, had traction at all 4 wheels and they never did bind. so it has to be able to be done, I just do not know the equipment well enough.

So, any helpful thoughts?

soaringfalcon

iTrader: (1)

Actually both the Front and Rear can bind, but it is more noticeable in the Front because the difference in rotational speed between the wheel is more pronounced when turning.

The binding is happening because the front and read end are moving at different speeds. the Binding is in the Transfer case, not the front or rear diffs. To fix this you need a central Differential.

I do not know of an economical way to introduce a central Diff. It will require a whole new transfer case. And even then you will need a LSD or e-locker on that diff to prevent it from slipping when you are off-road.

In short, Yes you can do it, but it will probably cost about as much as a new powertrain.
And currently, I do not know of anyone that manufactures a transfer case with either a limited slip diff or an e-locker diff for the F150.

RLXXI

I had a 1997 Aerostar that was AWD, I think some of the older Explorers also had it as well. Don't know how well it worked due to short term of ownership (ex wife totaled it) but what I do remember is when the front drive shaft is out the rear would not pull at all.

soaringfalcon

iTrader: (1)

The Aerostar had an open Central Diff, so if the front starts to spin no power to the back and vice versa. It did have an electromagnetic clutch that would slow down the open diff, but it was marginally successful at best.

The Explorer has the same setup, except they have an e-locker on the Central diff that engages when you push the 4Hi button, making it a true AWD/4X4 hybrid.

Here is a full write up on it

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/92...-it-works.html

AK49FordTruck

Unlike the V6 Explorers The V8 96-01 Explorers used a fully mechanical AWD transfer case. Absolutely no electronics, 35% front / 65% rear with 50/50 capability.
A lot of guys will swap that t-case for a 4x4 t-case out of f-150's.

I don't know if you could swap one of those in, but anything is possible I suppose.

torinalth

interesting prospect. at least gives me a starting point to poke around, even if it turns out to not be feasible.

Crazy Canuk

My 2011 Limited had a single speed transfer case with 2HI, AWD and 4HI as options. Although it eliminates the low gear, this may be another option. I assume the Harley models had this as well. Not sure when they changed it by my 2014 has the 2 speed with the 4Auto.

strokin7.3

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/Diagrams/np203.htm

Find a way to bolt one of these up, cut a hole in the floor for the shifter, plug the vaccum lines for the iwe's, some new drive shafts and you'd be good to go! How feasible it is I can't answer that but its a stout transfer case so you wouldn't ever have to worry about breaking it. And anything is possible with enough money...

snobdds

What your wanting is called a center differential lock, which locks in power 50% to the front and 50% to the rear while allowing slip in the center differential, not the front or rear differentials. These types of systems only come on Land Cruisers that I know of. I have a land cruiser with this system and can actually be tripled locked (Front, Rear, Center). It's an amazing system and very robust. It's hard to get stuck with that system.

Subaru's use a slightly different system and is not a true center differential.