Durango 4WD systems

[mikedrgo]

Can anyone explain to me the difference between the standard part time transfer case and full time system ? The Dodge brochure, web site and dealers have pitiful explanations.

I assume the part time system in 4WD hi mode locks the differentials. How does the full time system work ? Is it a 2wd drive system that senses slippage and then transfers torque to the front? Finally, is this system any more noticeable/noisier than the standard system in dry weather (which is most of the time).

Thanks.

[DurangoSLT360]

Part time place 50% of the power to both front and rear wheels, whereas the Full time places about 48% of the power to the front and 52% to the back. Thereby compensating for the front wheels turning corners,ect It acts like All Wheel Drive. It in no way traction sensitive as to which wheel is slipping and transfering torque to the others. Part time is what you would find in hard core offroading (unsuitable if tire slippage is not existant like in dirt, gravel, mud, ect)
I have the Full Time in mine and love it. I use it in Rain,Snow, and dry pavement. If I turn the wheels til lock then they sometimes still "hop" as if using part-time on dry pavement. No extra noise and no other ill effects.
Some people use Part-time in the rain and report no problems I personally don't do it.

Hope this helps.
PS also venture over the WWW.drurangoclub.com and go to the FAQ there.

Todd

[bkcorris]

'New' part time means you can use it only part of the time because it is locked in 4x4, like what SHOULD be full time. 'New' Full time means you can use it all the time becuase it is using the viscous coupling like what should be part time. No offence to anyone but they change the lingo a few years ago so it would "make more sense."

[DurangoSLT360]

Guess terminoloy would be different depending on what year D your refering to.
I guess I'm stuck in the old terminoloy since I have the FT4WD in my 98. It's different now, as "bkcorris" pointed out.
Thanks for the refresher.
Todd

[dakrt'00]

I have a 98, 318 with 4WD. I have 2L, 2H and 4L, 4H. A friend has a 2000, 6 Cylinder 4WD and he says he only has 4L and 4H. Can someone explaine the diff...is that what the 2nd post was referring to and if so, then what about the system in mine??

Thanks!

[dakrt'00]

Guess no one knows! ohkay...