With 4A, what do I need 4H for?

[Techun]

When driving on snow/ice, 4H will prevent slippage, were 4A will only attempt to help you out of a slide, I'd rather not have slippage in the first place on snow/ice.

If you're sliding, neither are going to do anything for you.

Sponsored

 

[MNBigfoot]

If you're sliding, neither are going to do anything for you.

Disagree. You've never driven yourself out of a slide?

 

[Hkak45]

For those who say 4H off road only is not true. 4H can be used on roads but only if there is poor traction/ slick conditions. You should not operate 4H on dry good traction pavement but snow, ice, lots of water it is fine to use 4H if your tires are slipping.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

Did you try searching?

There is a great article on how 4A works and it's been posted on here at B6g.

Yes, you will have to read an entire article, but you did ask for an answer..... And it answers your question.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/how-awd-works-includes-fords-4a-system.13882/

Thanks for the reference. I was never able to find it with my searches, so this helps. I'll read the whole thing right now.

 

[Lifeliberty]

Is it even possible to use lockers in 4A?

 

[Jdc]

Disagree. You've never driven yourself out of a slide?

Neither will prevent slipping. That comes down to speed, conditions, and tires

 

[Roger123]

Is it even possible to use lockers in 4A?

Rear, not the front.

 

[Broncodave]

I started reading this thread and I could hear Rick grumbling in the distance.

It is a fantastic article. It's hard to remember most of it, so I have it bookmarked in multiple places. Hope the web link and videos continue to stay active. Great reference.


https://jalopnik.com/how-all-wheel-drive-works-a-ridiculously-detailed-tech-1846233533

 

[MNBigfoot]

Neither will prevent slipping. That comes down to speed, conditions, and tires

I must be completely misunderstanding what you are saying, or you'll never driven a 2 wheel drive pick-up on icy roads at highway speeds for one winter season. Everyone here knows if you can feel your rear end floating, shift to 4 wheel drive (problem solved) or add more sandbags to the box.

 

[Jdc]

I must be completely misunderstanding what you are saying, or you'll never driven a 2 wheel drive pick-up on icy roads at highway speeds for one winter season. Everyone here knows if you can feel your rear end floating, shift to 4 wheel drive (problem solved) or add more sandbags to the box.

I've definitely driven a two wheel drive pickup in the snow. It can be both fun and scary. But I think you must be misunderstanding me because while 4 wheel drive will help you keep your rear wheels in the rear, it won't stop you from slipping if you're not traveling at an appropriate speed for the conditions. I've seen lots of AWD and 4WD vehicles on the side of the highway and in ditches because the drivers thought AWD/4WD meant physics no longer applied to them.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

Is it even possible to use lockers in 4A?

You can engage the rear locker in any of the four modes. I've tested that personally. The front locker only works in 4L.

So I've read that other thread and tried to block out the misinformation that it contains. There is some good stuff there too. The video about the Raptor 4A mode was probably the most valuable. I'm assuming that the Bronco works the same way.
__________________

So from what I can gather, the Bronco 4A mode uses an electronically controlled clutch to transfer power to the front as needed. Some people claim that if you use 4A a lot off road you'll fry your clutches while others claim that it can go hundreds of thousands of miles that way with no issues at all.

I just wish that Ford had stated somewhere in writing how it works.

 

[Dayton1984]

4H = off road
4A = street, snow/rain

Is there any reason to switch back to 2H then on pavement or just leave in 4A since it wouldn’t engage unless necessary?

 

[BR0NCO]

Is there any reason to switch back to 2H then on pavement or just leave in 4A since it wouldn’t engage unless necessary?

That’s a good question. That’s how many AWD cars work but I’m not sure if it’s beneficial to put it in 2WD long term

 

[TheBear]

Is there any reason to switch back to 2H then on pavement or just leave in 4A since it wouldn’t engage unless necessary?

4A actually engages the front much more often than expected. For example, simple acceleration on dry pavement. It always disengages on sharp turns and while going at constant speed in non-slippery conditions. So, I’d say it boils down to any concerns over any unnecessary wear and tear on the AWD system and perhaps fuel economy. I go to 4H when 4H or 4A are obviously not necessary. But I have no idea whether that helps reduce wear and tear.

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

Just discovering this thread and really appreciate this year old discussion of 4A, as I've never had a vehicle with it and 4H.

Now understand that here in the Deep South, when we have our torrent thunderstorms in the Summer or other times, that 4A will help me out a bit.

This is great and exactly the type of helpful discussion that Bronco6G is all about.

Thanks @Scott R Nelson for starting this thread; so helpful!

Sponsored