Do you wonder how a four wheel drive truck or SUV works? It is also called 4WD. You may be thinking about buying one of these traction machines. If you already own one, you know how handy they can be. Knowing their basic function may help you better operate them. It may also help with repairs or maintenance.
Two wheel drive
Four wheel drive trucks are similar to rear wheel drive trucks. They are also similar to cars before front wheel drive is popular in the 80s. The motor setup is very similar to a normal pickup truck. It is straight on and not transverse, like the front wheel drive cars.
The motor sits in front of the transmission. The transmission and motor connect via the clutch disk against the flywheel. This is similar to a brake pad against a rotor. This is how a manual transmission works. Automatic transmissions employ a similar method.
The transmission transmits power to the drive line from the motor. The drive line attaches to the rear end. The differential leads to the rear wheels.
The drive line runs into a set of gears. These gears mesh together to give power to the rear wheels. It is more complex than this. However, this gives you a general idea of what goes on.
Four wheel drive trucks
The four wheel drive system employs the same basics as the two wheel drive truck. There is the addition of a transfer case. It sets alongside the transmission. The transfer case contains a drive line that runs to the front of the vehicle. There is a differential in the front also. This is one way to tell a two wheel drive from a four wheel drive. The four wheel drive will have differentials in the front and rear. The two wheel drive only has one in the rear.
Front drive systems start in the transfer case. There may be a chain connecting the transmission to the front drive system. When you engage the transfer case, all four wheels have power. You have a great deal more traction, this way.
Older trucks will have locking hubs. The front wheels will manually lock and unlock. This way, you do not have to be in four wheel drive all of the time. This saves money on gasoline. New trucks and utility vehicles have automatic hubs that lock as you select four wheel drive.
Conclusion
Two wheel drive vehicles get their traction from the rear wheels. Power goes from the motor to the transmission. From the transmission it goes to the drive line. The drive line delivers power to the differential. The rear wheels are on the end of the differential.
Four wheel drive trucks and utility vehicles operate similar to two wheel drive trucks and sport utility vehicles. They have an extra differential in the front. A transfer case transfers power to the front, via a drive chain. You may also see four wheel drive written as 4WD.
Two wheel drive
Four wheel drive trucks are similar to rear wheel drive trucks. They are also similar to cars before front wheel drive is popular in the 80s. The motor setup is very similar to a normal pickup truck. It is straight on and not transverse, like the front wheel drive cars.
The motor sits in front of the transmission. The transmission and motor connect via the clutch disk against the flywheel. This is similar to a brake pad against a rotor. This is how a manual transmission works. Automatic transmissions employ a similar method.
The transmission transmits power to the drive line from the motor. The drive line attaches to the rear end. The differential leads to the rear wheels.
The drive line runs into a set of gears. These gears mesh together to give power to the rear wheels. It is more complex than this. However, this gives you a general idea of what goes on.
Four wheel drive trucks
The four wheel drive system employs the same basics as the two wheel drive truck. There is the addition of a transfer case. It sets alongside the transmission. The transfer case contains a drive line that runs to the front of the vehicle. There is a differential in the front also. This is one way to tell a two wheel drive from a four wheel drive. The four wheel drive will have differentials in the front and rear. The two wheel drive only has one in the rear.
Front drive systems start in the transfer case. There may be a chain connecting the transmission to the front drive system. When you engage the transfer case, all four wheels have power. You have a great deal more traction, this way.
Older trucks will have locking hubs. The front wheels will manually lock and unlock. This way, you do not have to be in four wheel drive all of the time. This saves money on gasoline. New trucks and utility vehicles have automatic hubs that lock as you select four wheel drive.
Conclusion
Two wheel drive vehicles get their traction from the rear wheels. Power goes from the motor to the transmission. From the transmission it goes to the drive line. The drive line delivers power to the differential. The rear wheels are on the end of the differential.
Four wheel drive trucks and utility vehicles operate similar to two wheel drive trucks and sport utility vehicles. They have an extra differential in the front. A transfer case transfers power to the front, via a drive chain. You may also see four wheel drive written as 4WD.
About the Author:
Locking hubs are an essential component on the front axle of any 4WD vehicle as well as a solid set of ring and pinion gears.
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