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You are here: Home / 4wd Operation / What’s the difference between Part-Time 4wd and Full-Time 4wd?

What’s the difference between Part-Time 4wd and Full-Time 4wd?

Published March 30, 2014 By Mick Farmer

Note: This is  a very very very brief explanation regarding the differences.

Part-Time 4wd

Part-Time 4wd Gear Selector
Part-Time 4wd Gear Selector
  • Part-time 4wd is selectable from H2 to H4 (see above photo).
  • When in H4, both axles are driven at the same speed which causes axle wind-up when cornering.
  • When travelling on an unsealed road surface in H4, axle wind-up is dissipated through road wheel slip due to travel on a low traction surface.
  • Therefore, H2 must be used travelling on a sealed road surface to avoid axle wind up damage.

Full-Time 4wd

Landrover 4WD CD Gear Lever
Landrover 4WD CD Gear Lever
  • Full-time 4wd has a centre differential (CD) to prevent axle wind-up on sealed roads.
  • The CD allows the front and rear axle to be driven at different speeds when cornering.
  • The CD has a negative effect when travelling on unsealed roads as it tends to want to send all of the drive out of the wheel which has the least resistance.
  • Some full-time 4wds have a manually locking CD (see above photo) while others have an automatic system which engages as and when needed.

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Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: 4wd, 4wd operation

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About Mick Farmer

For the last 20 years, I have been the lead trainer /director for OnCourse. Have played a leading role in developing their courses into, probably, the best off road training courses, globally.

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