Automatic On Demand 4x4...is it worth 10 Benjamins?

[Used2jeep]

I'm sad that I can't drive 80 on black ice.

You can! You just won't be on the black ice for very long.

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[ekim]

I'm sad that I can't drive 80 on black ice.

You should be able to drive 80 on black ice no problem. Just don't try to stop or turn.

 

[Rocketeer Rick]

I'm sad that I can't drive 80 on black ice.

It may cheer you up to know that ice racing is a real form of motorsport. Just knowing that it exists should make one smile... ?

 

[AKBronc49]

I have 3 vehicles with either full AWD transfer cases or on-demand auto4x4, they are the best for fall/spring when there is patchy slick spots. I run dedicated snow tires (studdless and studded) from October-April. I will definitely be getting the A4 transfer case, it makes things so much easier...if anyone remembers the old "set it and forget it" line from infomercials of the 90s.

This is what we deal with half the year, very little de-icer thank god, just gravel/sand so you better be used to driving on an ice rink for 6 months.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

very little de-icer thank god,

Uggh, I'll bet the vehicles up there are in better shape than ours in Chicago-land. Their reliance on that stuff gets worse every year. They also tend to lean more towards the harsher chemicals every year also. It's absolutely a rust catalyst where 1+1 does not equal 2
Like I read in another thread....poster needs full size paint samples so he can decide which color will go best with caked on salt spray! LOL

 

[da_jokker]

I can't imagine owning a 4x4 where putting it in 4x4 mode while on pavement could cause damage. 4A allows you to enable 4x4 "If there is a chance of slippage", 4H requires slippage basically the entire time.

4A is definitely worth it (well unless you don't plan on driving on pavement ;p )

 

[Used2jeep]

4H requires slippage basically the entire time.

<Old fart comment>
Wasn't a real issue for winter/snow on the road as late as the 1990s. If it was snowing or had a chance of slick then put it in 4H. Well, after you got out and locked your hubs that is.

 

[Go_Galt]

I can't imagine owning a 4x4 where putting it in 4x4 mode while on pavement could cause damage.

Is that your XJ?

 

[da_jokker]

Is that your XJ?

Nope... mine is the opposite...it has the "upgraded" transfer case that allows full time 4x4 whenever I want, regardless of the traction conditions.

Now with that said, If I'm in 4x4 and try and flip a U turn on dry pavement it complains a bit... but as soon as the roads get wet.. Full time it is!

 

[Felix808]

I am more interested in the lower gearing the advanced transfer case offers. If the part time transfer case had the same gearing I would be looking to go that way. YMMV.

 

[Incognito]

I guess the general consensus is in downpours or snow, it's worth it.

Thanks a lot for spending another thou of my hard earned money

That's what we're here for!!!

 

[BroncOcotillo]

Just by the way, that original flyer had mistakes in it. You have to check out the website to be more accurate. the website contradicts itself in a few different places though.

Thought they would have corrected the “Mut”/ruts by now...

 

[Bmadda]

4A IS completely uneccessary. completely a dress up item IMO and I have lived in the snow belt all my life. But, I will take it to get the lower low range!

 

[Techun]

Why do so many of you think that 4wd actively engaging without your input is going to help with stopping or turning?

Auto 4wd isn't going to make a vehicle safer in any way. If you can't start from a stop in bad pavement conditions then you shouldn't be driving in those conditions.

 

[Chrism81]

My old 05 F150 FX4 just had 2H, 4H, & 4L.
My wife's Expedition has the 4A option, but we have never really used it. I tell her to use it when it snows, but I doubt she does.
Subject line says it all...is it worth 1K?

Do we actually know it will cost $1k?

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