in article
1107893920.076279.49670@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, Kdogg at
keirsan@hotmail.com wrote on 2/8/05 12:18 PM:
> I use to own a 2000 Jeep Wrangler (4 cyl. base model). I thought it
> was the ultimate 4WD system. Right after I bought it, I used the 4WD
> High, and I noticed the dash indicator stating only 'Part-Time 4WD'. I
> was ticked off. Here I've always wanted a Jeep to find out it sells
> part-time 4wd drivetrains. I got stuck in a ditch once. Opposite
> corners were spinning and the remaining 2 wheels just sat there.
Actually, that had nothing to do with the "part time" thing... Part-time 4wd
is actually a good thing if ultimate 4wd capability is the issue, because it
means your front and back axles are directly coupled, in this case with a
chain, reather than having a viscous coupler like full-time 4wd uses.
What you are describing is a locking differential. The Rubicon has this,
and it was an option on Toyota Land Cruisers in the mid-90's. This makes it
so that both wheels reiceve power equally and is very tractor-like. Wacky
on pavement and generally a poor choice unless you are a hard-core
offroader.
However, what you are probably REALLY wanting is a limited-slip differential
or two. I had my Wrangler regeared to 4.10 and in the process had them put
in heavy-duty, gear driven limited slips front and rear. This applies a
percentage of the power to the wheel with all the traction. Not as burly as
a locked diffy but way less obnoxious. And way better than open diff's.
-jeff
>
> I only ask this because I read a lot "specs" on 4wd vehicles and they
> sort of hide if they really can split the power. I assuming the Jeep
> Rubicon can do what I want as well as Hummer and some Land Rovers.
>
> What is the feature called that I'm looking for? Locking
> differentials? What vehicles have 4wd drivetrain like a "rock
> crawler"?
>
> P.S. I had a 2door Geo Tracker back in high school. That thing never
> got stuck.
>
