Do any of you guys here have some technical info on the electronic full-time 4WD transfer case on the Dakotas? More to the point, the system that they're putting on the '08 model. From what I'm finding, it's almost like an AWD system, in that it senses slippage in the wheel(s) and sends power to that corner/drive axle to assist traction. Supposedly there's a clutch mechanism in the transfer case that performs that function.

So, if that is the case, how can that actually be a full-time 4WD, or AWD, system? Doesn't the transfer case only control the drive of the front wheels? How would the transfer case be able to send selective power to the rear wheels if there is slippage in either one of them? Say, like if someone wanted to chirp the tires leaving a light or do a line-lock. Not that anyone would ever want to do that with a Dakota.

Also, what effect would a anti-spin diff have on this 4WD system? Would it make it's performance better or worse? I guess if you have the transfer case limiting slip to the front wheels, and a rear anti-spin diff on the rear, it would make it an AWD in theory. Also, the dealer is saying that it wouldn't affect gas mileage at all because the only time it engages is when there is wheel slippage. I guess to a point, technically that could make sense. Since ALL 4WD trucks have a transfer case, and you're spinning the half-shaft all the time anyway, until or unless you physically engage the system, the only way this setup would affect your mileage over a part time 4WD is when it actually engages in the case of wheel slippage. My problem is, when I'm driving, no matter if it's on dry, wet, or snowy/slippery roads, I have constant wheel slippage for some reason.

Thanks for any help or info you guys can give.

 

I have a 2006 with the rear LSD and AWD. Dont think anything changed for 2008. My understanding its "on all the time" about 50% power to the front and 50% to the rear. Its not like a subaru which electronically "tranfers power from the wheel that slips to the wheel that grips". I cant spin the tires in dry pavement.
Gas mileage IS affected I have yet to get over 15 mpg! I think its about 10% worse than non AWD models...
got this from 2006 Dodge info. Hope it helps

NV244HD TRANSFER CASE

Full-Time 4x4 System

The NV244HD full-time transfer case is available on Dakota 4x4

models with a V8 engine and automatic transmission. With

this transfer case, four-wheel drive can be utilized for all

driving conditions. A planetary differential is used between

the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds, as when

cornering, while dividing torque nearly equally between them.

 

My wife has a 2008 TRX4 Crew Max 4.7 engine,AWD ordered through the dealer. Among some of the equipment her truck will have is 3.92 gears, Tow Package and so on. For 2008, Dodge is using a new full time transfer case: NV244 GENII instead of the NV244 HD. I don't know what the specific differences are between these two transfer cases but this is what the '08 Dakota specs say about the new transfer case: "NV244 GENII electronic, shift-on-the-fly, AWD system with manual LOCK and LOW range."

One thing I'm almost positive about but won't know for sure till we take delivery of the truck is that Dodge is putting 9.25 axles in V-8 engine trucks with part-time 4 wheel drive and is using 8.25 axles in full-time AWD systems. Although know one seems to know for sure, one Dodge technician I know thinks that the reason the AWD Dakotas are getting the smaller differentials is because part of the torque is going to the front axle all the time so an 8.25 axle will be ok for a full-time AWD system as compared to a part-time 4 wheel drive system where all of the torque goes to the rear in 2wd mode. That's what I know so far.

 

That description of the shift on the fly, AWD system, with manual LOCK and LOW range, is the same way it is now..

It may have stronger gears, there may have been some improvements made to the materials in the trans. case.

 

Yeah, the 2006 I have (also a trx4 with the 3.92 and tow package) is also shift on the fly with manual lock and low range. The rear is also an 8.25 axle.