Hey guys looking at 4x4 and i've never had one before so i have a few questions about them.

Which transmission is better mated to them auto or standard and how well does each work in the snow/mud.

When testing at dealership how can you check to make sure 4x4 engages and is working properly short of dash light and taking it offroad.

What is a locking rear differential and when should i be used.

I've heard that using 4wd other than in low traction conditions will cause it damange, why and when should you and shouldn't you use it. How come some vehicles have 4wd all the time like porsches and other high performance autos. Thanks i appriciate your help.

 

it doesn't really matter which tranny you get, it'll work great either way. It's all in what you prefer and what you enjoy driving.

to see if 4wheel drive engages, shift it into 4wheel drive, and turn the wheel to lock and drive it in a circle, if the steering wheel jerks and trys to go straight it means it's working

4wheel drive is only recommended on wet conditions because when you are turning it puts the front differential into a bind when on dry pavement....mainly only use it when you need it, snow, slick rain, and mud and it'll last alot longer

rear lockers should be used when traction is an issue like when offroading. It's pretty hard on them to drive them on the street especially when turning and you'll hear a pretty bad squeeling noise when turning...get an lsd for street and mild off road use

the reason why high performance vehicles have awd is because of the better handling and traction that it gives. The way they do this is the transfercase is differen't and has viscious clutches inside of it that heat up the fluid when they slip and case them to incage. All this happens in such a small amount of time you really don't notice it.

 

ok great thanks for the reply really helpful i just wasn't sure about some stuff like if your stuck with a manual that's alot of clutchin and might put extra wear on it

 

it all depends on your experiance with clutches and how confident you are with them..and how often you expect to get stuck...obviously riding the clutch, or popping it to try and get out of spots is going to burn up your clutch quick..If your not very good at controlling a clutch, i would recommend an automatic for it's ease of use...just imho

 

i offroading with a manual, like said it all depends on how good u are. personally i would chose a manual any day over an auto. also just something to think about. if your getting a sec gen ram 4x4. the auto will have an NP231d transfer case and the Manual will have an NP231HD ( heavy duty) so techiacally its has a stronger transer case to make up for the harsher conditions of a manual

 

For sugar sand I prefer the auto because of the smoother power transfer. Your tires tend to stay up on top instead of digging down when starting from a stop on deep lose sand.

 

2000 auto has the 231hd

 

it won't hurt it. manual trans will outlast an auto 9 times out of 10. it all depends on whether you want to drink coffee while you drive (auto) or drive with both hands (manual).

factory options are open differential or limited slip. the limited slip uses clutches that can wear out and are petty expensive to replace. a locker is an aftermarket option that has some springs to allow differentiation when needed. some are stronger than others. some are quieter than others. detroit has the toughest. i have a powertrax noslip that's easily installed by any non-expert and i like it, but i don't have huge tires nor high horsepower. an open differential will pull with both wheels until one slips, then all power goes to the one spinning wheel and you are stuck. a limited slip when working properly will transfer some power to the wheel with better traction and get you farther down the road. if one wheel is off the ground a limited slip won't help you. a locker locks both axles together and spins both wheels no matter what. it will get you the fartherest distance down the trail. lockers are fine for rear axles. lockers are sort of if'y for front axles when driven on the highway as they can create some steering and handling issues.

 

231HD with either tranny all the way back to 98 ... not sure before that.

 

there are probably 10 times as many automatics out there as manuals. it might be hard to find a manual transmission with the features, mileage, condition, price that you want.