Guys,

So before we get too deep into this, had there been any other discussions on here already? I did a quick search but didn't find my answer... but if so, please post the thread link.

I have really a couple of questions for my 2012 F150 Harley Davidson... should I run in AWD all the time? I like the way it feels but don't want to wear anything out on dry roads, like tires or transfer case etc... also I'm a little worried about hammering on it on dry roads. Will it hurt anything? Can the transfer case hold up to performance driving? Speaking of which, will I get better performance with it on or off? I feel like it launches a little better but my thoughts are, by splitting the power into 4 wheels and adding the lose from driving the transfer case... it would be faster in 2 wheel drive??

So... 1) Should I run it in AWD all the time on dry roads in Texas? and 2) For straight line performance, should I run AWD or 2WD?

What are your thoughts??

Thanks,
David.

 

http://www.f150forum.com/f38/limited...d-mode-120768/

 

Saw that one but it doesn't answer my questions, more about figure out the differences between them but more questions are a little beyond that. I guess I should have just replied to that thread but its a little old.

Thanks for replying... Anyone else?

 

2WD for regular driving, AWD for when you figure your going to need extra traction....Your going to break something eventually by "hammering it" on dry roads. The information center specifically says that 4x4 is not intended for dry pavement use.

 

My Lariat has the AWD option and I ran it for a test one night when it was a bad rain storm. I figured no better time to test. It'll never see snow, rain is my worst driving weather. I noticed nothing abnormal. no noises no loss of MPG .
However , the AWD never had the need to engage the front end. It will only send power to the front axle if the rear had a tire slip. Since I never had it happen on the road I was on I can't tell you if it works as designed.
There is no need to run it in AWD on dry roads. It's probably great for those that live in areas where it snows just in case something happens.

The AWD mode doesn't engage the fwd axle unless there is a slip, so you wouldn't feel any difference on launch unless you were able to break traction on the rear axle...

Re Performance : I know people that run these at the drag strip and swear by engaging 4wd for launching, I'd rather not take the risk that my case didn't disengage above 20mph and something breaks apart . Not a conversation I'd like to have with a warranty claim. So I'm not going to do it. Wouldn't recommend it.

I'm not scared to break ****, I just don't see the point in doing it for no reason.

 

I had a 97 Aerostar with AWD and no option to turn it on or off. That thing stuck to the road like a lizard on the ceiling.

Check the owners manual just to be certain if they recommend certain conditions for operation.

.

 

Good feedback and thanks for replying... Since I'm on my iPad, I'm not able to reply with much detail tonight. But I wanted to add that I have no problems smoking the rear tires and traction does become an issues from a stop and even at a 20 mph roll. But in awd, I don't have any issues and the truck just goes.

Here's the best article I could find so far: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/02...mments/page/2/

Still doesn't answer all my questions, I guess I just need to find another owner that has left his in awd (4a) to share some insight?

If your truck doesn't have 4a selection, then we have different drive systems, 4h is not the same as 4a.

 

Funny, I was just thinking that same thing... I might have to read the freaking manual! lol

 

I believe auto 4x4 will wear the clutch pack in the transfer case much faster it left in auto mode all the time. Use it in the rain, snow and or sand.

 

That's my thoughts as well but with that said, this is from the onwers manual:

4A (Two-speed automatic 4WD) - provides electronic control four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, including as dry road surfaces, but is especially useful on wet pavement, snow, dirt, or gravel.
• 4H (4X4 HIGH) - provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to front and rear wheels. This position is not recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand. Note: Do not use 4H (4X4 HIGH) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4H (4X4 HIGH) is only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4H (4X4 HIGH) on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as occasional clunks), but will not damage drive components.

Anyone one else have any thoughts?

Thanks again for all the feedback!