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Hollis
Dodge Dakota
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4/16/2007
23:09:13

Subject: AWD?
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I have a 2001 4.7 QC AWD. Could someone explain technically how this works versus a 4WD? Also, the sticker in the glove box says I have a:
Code# DRA Axle - Rear, Corporate 8
Code# DSA Axle - Anti-Spin Differe
Does this mean I have a LSD? Also, I have the 3.55 gears. I would like something just a little lower geared.



Marv
Dodge Dakota
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4/17/2007
01:34:03

RE: AWD?
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Yes, you have a limited slip diff. "Anti-spin" is Dodge's name for it. Rear diffs for your vintage Dakota come in two sizes: 8 1/4 or 9 1/4. The size denotes the diameter of the ring gear in the differential -- 8.25" or 9.25".

As for gearing, 3.92 or 4.10 gears will give you better acceleration and gas mileage for around-town and short commute driving. If you do a lot of highway driving, 3.92 gears will do nicely. If you plan to run tires 33" or taller, get 4.56.

You have a particularly touchy situation with AWD. Because AWD cannot be disengaged, you will need to do the front and rear diffs at the same time.

As for the difference between 4WD (a part-time system) and AWD (a full-time system), somebody else will have to speak up on that one.



dan
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4/20/2007
18:31:01

RE: AWD?
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AWD means the front and rear axles are engaged and powering the vehicle at all times. this means that the AWD tcase has some form of a differential in it that would allow the front and rear axles to spin at different speeds like when cornering. it most likely has a viscous coupling, essentially a wet clutch that grabs but allows a "differential" action when needed, like in an LSD.

a 4WD tcase mechanically locks the front and rear outputs to the axles together meaning no differential action. ever put a truck in 4WD on pavement? the front and rear fight eachother and chirp the tires when turning. this is very bad for the driveline.



Hollis
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4/20/2007
20:19:38

RE: AWD?
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So the front wheels only pull when the rear wheels slip?



dan
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4/21/2007
03:24:28

RE: AWD?
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no both ends are pulling all the time, the AWD t case just allows the front and rear to spin at a different speed like going around a corner. AWD is good for general on road driving in poor conditions ie ice or dirt roads or lighter 'wheeling. a true 4WD t case is better for heavier 'wheeling because the front and rear are locked together with no chance for slipping = better traction going up hills, rocks etc.

if your truck is equipped with traction control, it will sense when the rear wheels start slipping and apply the brakes to the rear only, limiting the power sent to them and increasing the power sent to the front wheels. i dont really know if the newer daks have traction control, but if it does this is the way it works. hope this helps.



Hollis
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4/21/2007
12:33:04

RE: AWD?
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Yes, thanks for the info. Also, my truck does have a AWD, 4H, and 4L switch just like the 4x4's have the 2WD, 4H, and 4L. So I can lock it in true 4WD, but apparently I can't totally turn off the front wheels. It's either AWD or 4WD. No 2WD. I'm not sure about the traction control. I'll have to check on that. Thanks again for all the info. This is a great site. I've learned so much about my truck. I've wanted a V8 Dakota for about 8 years now (ever since I learned they make a V8 in a mid-sized truck). I've driven a 2.8L V6 '93 S-10 for the last 12 years. I really love my Dakota! It really has some balls compared to my little S-10!



dan
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4/21/2007
14:45:26

RE: AWD?
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nice, i would like to swap one of those t cases into my 92 4x4. i like the way AWD feels, just more positive ya know? but i didnt know that you have the option of full 4x4. its like the best of both worlds man!

and your right, there is no comparison between other small/mid size trucks when talking power. a 2wd S10 with a 4.3/manual is pretty fun tho...



Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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5/01/2007
11:16:24

RE: AWD?
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I have an 02 AWD. The tcase on the Dak AWD functions as an open diff when in AWD mode. There is no traction control and no viscous coupling to dynamically re-direct power.

If you put a front wheel in the air when in AWD, you are dead in the water.



jayb
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5/01/2007
15:18:29

RE: AWD?
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that sounds kinda worthless to me.



Hollis
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5/01/2007
19:37:49

RE: AWD?
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Are the 4WD versions this way? Do they have a front Torque Control Diff or any other means of transfering power to the "pulling" wheel? I do have the option to lock it in 4H or 4L. How does this change the diff?

I think AWD has it's place. It's for cornering and for extra paved surface traction. But, it may be almost worthless in mud, ice, climbing, etc. It does, however, seem to be a big selling point for soccer mom SUV's.



dan
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5/03/2007
00:33:05

RE: AWD?
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that sounds kinda worthless to me.


yeah no kidding

i would have thought there would be some sort of clutch to ensure power got somewhere useful. if not that then traction control to apply brakes to the spinning wheel via abs.

huh



BruceWard
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5/19/2007
01:43:53

RE: AWD?
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I have driven my 4.7 AWD QC up icy hills and
through muddy bottoms. One of my neighbors and
I tested out his Z71 and my truck trying to see
if we could start and stop on the icy hill in
front of our homes when it had a couple inch
coating of ice and snow. He would sometimes
need to roll back and get a run, on that day the
Dakota could start anywhere on the hill in AWD.
On a later day as the ice was melting I found
that 4 HI had a little more traction than AWD
and 4 Low perhaps a little more. In the mud I
have found the same.

Where you notice the difference in AWD is in
corners and starting from a light. With AWD I
have not spun the tires off the line no matter
how slippery the conditions. All of the power
is transferred to acceleration. In corners in
the dry the truck is very balanced in the
corners. In slippery conditions the AWD adds
safety in the corners. In the snow it is almost
impossible to go around the neighborhood
culdesac in 4WD but easy AWD.

After driving this Dakota I doubt I will ever
buy a non AWD truck. My next truck will either
be a Dakota or Tundra AWD whoever comes out with
a diesel first.



jayb
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2007
16:16:50

RE: AWD?
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Well the fact is that AWD is dead in the water when one wheel lets go, where as thats not the case with 4WD. If you have LSD in the rear on a 4WD truck, now 3 tires will spin instead of 1 so, I think this is all in your head Bruce.



Hollis
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2007
02:54:30

RE: AWD?
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AWD Dakotas still have the 4H and 4L option. So, if you need MORE traction, it's there just like a regular 4WD. I think some folks are missing the point here.



Hollis
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2007
17:41:26

RE: AWD?
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So you're saying that my truck will just sit there and spin one front wheel? HaHaHa That's the silliest thing I've ever heard. What would be the point of that?
When I stomp it at the red light when the roads are wet, 3 wheels spin. I do it all the time. Albeit, in AWD it's the front wheel with the least amount of traction...



Bobby HAll
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12/25/2017
13:33:03

RE: AWD?
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I have a 2001 dodge dakota SLT Quad cab 4.7 V8, and it is also
AWD. I am new to the AWD system. I have done a little research
cause my 4wd will not work or anything. When i turn the AWD
4HI OR 4LO switch over to 4Hi it will blink in orange for secs
and the light will go back to the AWD. I have replaced the
transfer case motor thinking that will fix my problem but did still
does the same thing. Can anyone give me any suggestions on
the what the problem my be. Thanks in advance



Joe Davisson
Dodge Dakota
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1/02/2024
18:53:25

RE: AWD?
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I am looking to purchase a 2004, Dodge Dakota, 4x4.
The drive switch has AWD, 4L, 4H, and N.
I was told by the owner that when the Switch is placed in N, for
neutral it disengages the differential. So, does the truck go to 2WD
??
Thanks !



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