I did a test on the 4A mode the other day. 1st time trying it with slippery conditions.

[Uhdinator]

Had a little snow to coat the pavement. I took a drive starting out in 4A. From a stop I goosed it good and got no spin or traction control light flash. I thought at first, these Sas tires have really good traction.

Next time at a stop sign I switched to 2H, goosed it again and got spinning and flashing TC light.

I was impressed at how seamless the 4A activates. Didn't feel it and no spin or TC light or delay to activate. I expected a little spin/TC light and then traction regained.

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[Mdozier]

I personally like the Bronco version of 4A and use it quite a bit.
I think you'll really enjoy it. Don't be afraid to use it even in mixed or dryer conditions.
Lots of threads on here about how it functions.

 

[ATLien]

I use 4A often for lighter trail rides off road. Great for any situation where traction may be variable.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I've used it for snow, ice, heavy rain, and light off roading where I really didn't NEED 4WD. I like it, and it works well.

 

[Ninjak]

I use it for the Miami rain that comes out of nowhere, if it's heavy. I have also used it in sport mode, messing around.

 

[Bigmoose]

Had a little snow to coat the pavement. I took a drive starting out in 4A. From a stop I goosed it good and got no spin or traction control light flash. I thought at first, these Sas tires have really good traction.

Next time at a stop sign I switched to 2H, goosed it again and got spinning and flashing TC light.

I was impressed at how seamless the 4A activates. Didn't feel it and no spin or TC light or delay to activate. I expected a little spin/TC light and then traction regained.

its seamless because 4A uses clutches that vary the torque as needed. Its not the 4A of old that senses slipping and basically activates 4H.

 

[SuperDave150]

We had an electronic clutch-based system on a 2004 Ford product. It was our go-to vehicle for bad weather, snow, ski trips, light off roading, and towing. We owned that vehicle for over a decade and nearly 200,000 miles. It was smooth, reliable, transparent and quite effective the life of the vehicle. I’m sure the powertrain engineers & software programmers have made strides since then.
I’m a big fan.

 

[Zstngz]

Had a little snow to coat the pavement. I took a drive starting out in 4A. From a stop I goosed it good and got no spin or traction control light flash. I thought at first, these Sas tires have really good traction.

Next time at a stop sign I switched to 2H, goosed it again and got spinning and flashing TC light.

I was impressed at how seamless the 4A activates. Didn't feel it and no spin or TC light or delay to activate. I expected a little spin/TC light and then traction regained.

I have a 2 dr base. Can I safely use 4H for any length of time 9in heavy rain here in Florida? Without extra stress or damage to drivetrain.

 

[3People1Body]

I run 4A all the time, due to spinning (just a little) the rears turning from stop signs/lights. It's not intentional spinning, it's just trying to get this brick up to match traffic speed. I do notice under acceleration the fronts are pulling too (steering), but normal driving 4A seamless.

 

[jrollo7]

Had a little snow to coat the pavement. I took a drive starting out in 4A. From a stop I goosed it good and got no spin or traction control light flash. I thought at first, these Sas tires have really good traction.

Next time at a stop sign I switched to 2H, goosed it again and got spinning and flashing TC light.

I was impressed at how seamless the 4A activates. Didn't feel it and no spin or TC light or delay to activate. I expected a little spin/TC light and then traction regained.

Did you use “slippery mode” to get the 4A or just turn to 4A?

 

[Brian_B]

Did you use “slippery mode” to get the 4A or just turn to 4A?

You can push the buttons that have the indicator lights on top of the dial and not have to turn the dial - allows you to set the mode without going into any specific GOAT mode that may engage lockers or adjust pedal/steering/shifting.

You may have meant that, but not sure.

 

[crenca]

I have a 2 dr base. Can I safely use 4H for any length of time 9in heavy rain here in Florida? Without extra stress or damage to drivetrain.

Unless you're experienced, "mechanicaly aware", and able to recognize driveline bindup, the short answer is no.

 

[Brian_B]

I have a 2 dr base. Can I safely use 4H for any length of time 9in heavy rain here in Florida? Without extra stress or damage to drivetrain.

Anytime you use 4H/L it will add extra strain to the drive train. It’s just a matter of if it’s acceptable. Speed is the big multiplier. If you are wanting to keep going 85 down the interstate during rain and think 4WD will allow you to do that - you will probably break something. If it’s raining so hard you can’t see the end of your hood and crawling along at 15mph trying to avoid alligators - 4WD is perfectly appropriate for that.

The caveat for locked 4WD is usually “don’t use on dry pavement”. There typically isn’t a lot of dry pavement in a downpour.

I do use 4H when it’s pouring (not just “oh no a raindrop”, but wipers on hi and still can’t see crap - your typical Florida downpour you describe is a good example). Another good test - If you are able to confidently go 50+ mph, you don’t need 4WD.

There's one camp that says Only use 4WD when you need it - like after you're stuck in a ditch. I'm not saying they are wrong, but I'm firmly in the camp of using 4WD to stay out of the ditch in the first place.

 

[crenca]

I have only used 4A in variable traction off road circumstances. I always have traction control off at the same time. My sense is that I can sense a small delay between slip and engagement, but I admit it is difficult to tell in the complex situation...

 

[OF Hero]

I've used it for snow, ice, heavy rain, and light off roading where I really didn't NEED 4WD. I like it, and it works well.

Same! Works great in those conditions, no slippage at all.

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