Do I need Advanced 4wd (4A)?

[Listedguru]

Looking into getting a 2 dr Bronco (either base, BB or maybe OBX). My question is do I need the advanced 4wd on it for a daily driver? It looks like the only way to get 4A is either base sasquatch (impossible to find) or as an option to an OBX. I'm trying to keep the cost down as much as possible but was wondering if I need the advanced 4wd as I live in MI and we do get some snow where I live. I don't plan on doing much (if any) offroading. What do you think?

Also does anyone know if it's possible to snag a lower end 2dr with "A" Plan pricing? I"m in the metro Detroit area and I see quite a few of these on dealer lots but not sure if they would sell to me at "A" plan or not? Unfortunately I guess I missed my window or order but I think a lot of folks might be walking away from their orders?

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[ScottyC]

I do not have it, but find that when I select 4WD, it automatically will go back to 2WD when I restart the Bronco unless I tell it to stay in 4WD, same goes for when I select Eco mode (I use Eco mode all the time)

 

[P52Ranch]

The 4A is awesome in snow. It gives you all wheel drive without the problems of snow driving in 4H. That being said it isn’t a must to have. The BD also gives the option for 4A without requiring SAS.

If I were ordering a trim that offered 4A as an option I would select it.

If you select 4A it will stay in that mode until you select 2H.

 

[lapazleo]

While it's nice I would say no not that important. I've run straight 4wd for 40 years in the snow with no issues. I'm not even sure what the issues are everybody talks about when running regular 4wd in the snow.

 

[dgorsett]

I do not have it, but find that when I select 4WD, it automatically will go back to 2WD when I restart the Bronco unless I tell it to stay in 4WD, same goes for when I select Eco mode (I use Eco mode all the time)

Mine will ask if you want to stay in selected mode on restart. 4H,4L and 2H will stay in the previous setting on restart.

 

[Listedguru]

While it's nice I would say no not that important. I've run straight 4wd for 40 years in the snow with no issues. I'm not even sure what the issues are everybody talks about when running regular 4wd in the snow.

That's really the reason I asked about whether 4A is needed or not. I've seen lots of posts about how driving in 4wd for long distances is not advised (or at high speeds). Not sure what to make of it, lol.

 

[dgorsett]

Driving long distance on snowpack roads in 4H at speed is fine. At least speed appropriate for snowpack roads. Also it can be shifted between 2H and 4H at will and at speed. So long as a wheel isn't spinning. The Bronco has good, maybe excessive, safeguards to avoid shifting with wheel spin.

 

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

I don't drive in 4A all the time, but it has the "Set it and forget it" feature 4H/4L don't.
In rainy day, light snow day I leave it on without worrying too much damaging the transfer case.

If you don't mind switching it manually, don't get it.
But if you like the convenience it brings, then yes.

 

[Headsong]

You're in MI. Get it. BD might be best choice.

 

[pakrat]

4A is basically 4wd. My understanding is that it does not operate the way most people think it does. It does not sense slippage and engage, rather it is engaged and senses when there is excessive friction and disengages to avoid damage on dry pavement and tight turning scenarios. Don't jump down my throat this has been argued about on here in other threads but it makes sense from my own experience.

That being said, 4A it is nice for around town, in parking lots and such in variable conditions. I hate it when the wheels bind up while parking and turning in town so 4A does a good job of eliminating that. I never use it off road hough. 4wd is absolutely fine at highway speeds even in mixed conditions and is my preferred mode when there is significant snow or ice. 4A is nice so you don't have to switch in and out of 4wd when there is mixed conditions.

 

[Fly]

Love the 4A. You’re in metro Detroit, there should be some good deals on 2dr base/BB/OBX trims with 4A around there. @JoshuaPrieto have anything maybe?

 

[Black_Stallion13]

Like anything else, I'm sure it's "nice" to have but also probably one of the most unnecessary things to option if you are actually looking to keep costs down, as you stated above. Much better off spending the $ on a rear locker if you haven't optioned that yet (would need to add it if you go BB or OBX; can't get it on regular base). Any trim Bronco with just a rear locker is going to get you farther than 99% of vehicles out there.

 

[AZ Rider]

I’ve got a OBX with Advanced 4x4. It gives me the option for Sport mode on the G O A T selector. It seems like a whole different tune compared to Normal and Eco which are both 2H. Better throttle response and a hoot to drive. And as someone mentioned, once it’s in 4A it stays that way after shutdown. Even in Normal mode. I paid $52k for my setup so if you’re looking to budget your rig it might be an option to drop. I love 4A.

 

[mike8675309]

Looking into getting a 2 dr Bronco (either base, BB or maybe OBX). My question is do I need the advanced 4wd on it for a daily driver?

No you don't need it. I haven't used 4A at all this winter in Minnesota. I don't have to drive all the time, but when I have, 2WD has been fine. The few times I was driving on snow-covered roads I just put it into full-time 4WD. Daily driving nah, unnecessary. The main benefit of the Advanced Tcase is it has the lowest low-range ratio, which is tremendously valuable on the manual sasquatch in off-road use.

 

[AKBronc49]

I'm in 4A or 4H for half the year, 4A is so nice for fall and spring patchy winter conditions. I haven't had mine out of 4H since early December except in treated parking lots I switch to 4A. But we just plow and put sand/gravel down on the roads so it's all slick. I run studded snow tires and have a lead foot.

4A and heated steering wheel were must haves for me. But in Alaska it's winter literally half the year so anything that makes life easier.

Typical winter roads here. (Tire tracks are black ice)

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