4WD limits

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instead of explaining how the lock and low works tell me real world scenarios where you got stuck

Also what k8nd of 4 WD system is better than the Ram lock

 

[NewBlackDak]

Stuck in sand with my travel trailer hitched up 3 times. 4-lo got me out each time.
Use 4-hi going up to the cabin in the winter. They use a trail groomer on the road, because it’s just too much snow to plow.
Could probably do it with chains in 2wd, but it’s easier to turn a knob than chain up.
Drove 40-ish miles on the interstate in 4-high at the start of an unexpected snow storm. It was slick as snot.
Used 4-lo twice to pull friends out of the sand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[R.D.J.]

I kind of wish ram didnt use the term 4 Lock on the switch. That to me kind of implies somewhere we can have 4 unlocked (clutched "auto" all wheel drive of sorts that the 1500's can have).

Basically you've got 4 modes on the HD platform. 2HI, 4HI 4LO and Neutral. All modes that have been around for a very long time.

The only upgrade on a regular 2500 in my opinion, would be the option of a front locking differential. Im speaking for regular 4WD HD owners, driving/towing in sand, snow, ice ect. For serious off roaders, a locker is required in rear as well. A front locker in deep snow can give you just that extra traction in the front end. The Torsen style LSD that can be equipped in the rear is plenty suitable for snow/sand.

One thing Ive also noticed being my first gas truck, is how much lighter it behaves in snow, being it doesnt have the excess of weight that the cummins powered trucks have over the front axle. I will eventually add the power wagon front locker to my 2018. I would have ordered a power wagon, except I wanted the center console.

 

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What does the power wagon have that is better 4WD performance

My manual says lock is applied to front and rear axle. What’s different about power wagon manual locking hub other than getting outside to engage it

 

[SouthTexan]

Got her stuck good

 

[Ratket]

Blew through a 3 1/2 foot snow berm, traction control was on, so as I was trying to slide the truck side ways the truck was actuallly fighting me, Stopped the truck in the field, let the kids pee, cussed the traction control, jumped in through it in 4 high and off we went

 

[R.D.J.]

What does the power wagon have that is better 4WD performance

My manual says lock is applied to front and rear axle. What’s different about power wagon manual locking hub other than getting outside to engage it

Locking hubs/differential are two very different things. No need to get out and lock hubs anymore. Watch everything you can on Youtube regarding power wagons. They are fantastic for off road capability/HD platform.

The manual you're referencing is just stating the front and rear axles are locked TOGETHER when in 4wd. Not to further confuse you, but this is the same as locking the inter axle differential (power divider) on a highway tractor or tandem truck. They are locked together in power division from the engine. THEN in the case of the power wagon, you can lock the differentials (wheels from left and right) together in the flow of power. Ultimate in off road capability.

There is also the addition of the axle disconnect in the 2014+ HD Rams. This has absolutely nothing to do with off road prowess, as it does with fuel economy by eliminating power backfeed through front driveshaft into the transfer case when rolling in 2wd high, or neutral for that matter.

 

[Abell34]

Some good info here but i think i can add to it with some real world experience... first off the power wagon has lockers. Meaning both wheels on the axle will spin at the same time at the same speed. The regular hd has an open front diff and open or limited slip rear. Meaning the front axle will apply power to both wheels but if one front tire has significantly more traction than the other only one is going to spin. Same rule applies for the rear axle not counting the effects of traction control wich uses power limiting software and braking to control free spinning, except for the limited slip rear wich uses a mechanical means of limiting the free spinning of one wheel over the other. One thing to note is it is difficult to turn a vehicle that is fully locked front and rear. Also creates more tire scrubbing during turning. Also i cant remember off hand but the power wagon may have disconnecting sway bars meaning you gain much more wheel travel and articulation in uneven terrain. Now for 4hi and 4lo your biggest difference is gearing. Both modes put the truck in 4 wheel drive. 4 hi is 4wheel drive with the same gearing as your normal driving in 2hi just with power to front and rear differentials. 4lo actually changes the gearing of the truck to a much lower ratio. Thats why you hear the engine rev much higher to obtain a low speed. This creates much less strain on the driveline when moving heavy loads such as pulling out another vehicle etc.

 

[pwjouster]

erroneous question....

the same truck may or may not get stuck on a certain obstacle or surface dependent on driver technique, weather conditions, or transfer case/locker activation.

what we know is the PW is the most offroad capable ram Heavy duty. and most capable heavy duty in general.
lockers front and rear, swaybar disconnect, "lightweight" gas engine, offroad oriented axle/joint/shock setup.

regular HDs have no front lockers. major dissadvantage.
but a pro offroader will take that cummins HD further than a beginner.

major topics-

-make sure your lockers and transfer case are engaged and in the right mode for the trail ahead.
-you may not be able to lock or go 4 low when your bogged in a mud pit, or lodged in some boulders.
-learn your throttle modulation in 4 hi and 4 low, and how your lockers modify the characteristics of steering and traction.
-spinning tires to clear mud and gravel is necessary in certain conditions.
-spinning tires and digging deeper is detrimental in some situations.
-recover before you dig deeper in most cases

 

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Lots of responses about having 4 hi. My 2016 tradesman doesn’t have it

 

[R.D.J.]

You have a 4 locked? Same as 4 hi. Thats why i dislike the term 4Lock on the switch. All it means is the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft are locked in speed and torque output.

 

[Abell34]

4 locked just means its staying in 4wd hi unlike 4auto that works on slip detection. My mother calls me every time she drives my dads truck in the snow...