removing rear bumper to find tow hook threading

[B-Dog15]

This thread took an interesting turn………. Recovery point to AWD vs. 4WD.

I always love when this Happens!? I’m honestly watching this thread though to hopefully learn about it. I know Ford calls the BS a 4x4 but I’m not even really certain on how AWD and 4WD are different… Like what makes the Bronco Sport a 4x4 but a Subaru Forester an AWD? Might be a dumb question

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[sajohnson]

I always love when this Happens!? I’m honestly watching this thread though to hopefully learn about it. I know Ford calls the BS a 4x4 but I’m not even really certain on how AWD and 4WD are different… Like what makes the Bronco Sport a 4x4 but a Subaru Forester an AWD? Might be a dumb question

Not dumb at all. It's often just marketing. "4WD" sounds tougher, more capable to some people -- and it is in some situations. So some mfrs use 4WD when referring to even the most basic AWD systems.

Here's an article and a video explaining the difference:

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/awd-vs-4wd-whats-the-difference-and-which-to-choose.html

 

[B-Dog15]

Not dumb at all. It's often just marketing. "4WD" sounds tougher, more capable to some people -- and it is in some situations. So some mfrs use 4WD when referring to even the most basic AWD systems.

Here's an article and a video explaining the difference:

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/awd-vs-4wd-whats-the-difference-and-which-to-choose.html

Thank you for this!

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I always love when this Happens!? I’m honestly watching this thread though to hopefully learn about it. I know Ford calls the BS a 4x4 but I’m not even really certain on how AWD and 4WD are different… Like what makes the Bronco Sport a 4x4 but a Subaru Forester an AWD? Might be a dumb question

They are basically the same as far as the NPS is concerned. The Badlands version does have a locking rear differential “rear locker” but it does not like to run that way long. I have a 2dr Heritage with a 7 mt. With the transfer case in low and transmission in “c” , I’m at 94:1 gear ratio. Most transfer cases get you to 50:1. The fact that I can take change it from 2H, 2L to 4H, 4L makes that a true 4 wheel drive. It also helps that I can lock both front and rear axles.

That’s not to say the Sport can’t get many places other cars can’t. As I’ve said many times, it’s a great little vehicle. It’s just lacking longer legs and a lower gear. You can get away without a front locker in many if not most situations. You might have to give it the beans, but a front locker is more of a luxury than a necessity IMO.

 

[B-Dog15]

They are basically the same as far as the NPS is concerned. The Badlands version does have a locking rear differential “rear locker” but it does not like to run that way long. I have a 2dr Heritage with a 7 mt. With the transfer case in low and transmission in “c” , I’m at 94:1 gear ratio. Most transfer cases get you to 50:1. The fact that I can take change it from 2H, 2L to 4H, 4L makes that a true 4 wheel drive. It also helps that I can lock both front and rear axles.

That’s not to say the Sport can’t get many places other cars can’t. As I’ve said many times, it’s a great little vehicle. It’s just lacking longer legs and a lower gear. You can get away without a front locker in many if not most situations. You might have to give it the beans, but a front locker is more of a luxury than a necessity IMO.

Very interesting. Thank you!

 

[Bill G]

This thread took an interesting turn………. Recovery point to AWD vs. 4WD.

Glad I’m not the only one . . .

 

[sajohnson]

They are basically the same as far as the NPS is concerned. The Badlands version does have a locking rear differential “rear locker” but it does not like to run that way long. I have a 2dr Heritage with a 7 mt. With the transfer case in low and transmission in “c” , I’m at 94:1 gear ratio. Most transfer cases get you to 50:1. The fact that I can take change it from 2H, 2L to 4H, 4L makes that a true 4 wheel drive. It also helps that I can lock both front and rear axles.

That’s not to say the Sport can’t get many places other cars can’t. As I’ve said many times, it’s a great little vehicle. It’s just lacking longer legs and a lower gear. You can get away without a front locker in many if not most situations. You might have to give it the beans, but a front locker is more of a luxury than a necessity IMO.

As you said, that 2 door Heritage has a *true* 4WD system.

That's not to take anything away from the Badlands. It will get the vast majority of people (Including my wife and I) anywhere they want to go.

The NPS/NFS should update their definition of "4WD" and have a couple sub-categories:

* The Badlands and other similarly capable vehicles
* Other more basic AWD systems
* "High clearance" (typically 2WD pickups) -- many roads out west are designated that way.

As it is, the NPS definition of "4WD" is incomplete. It describes the most basic 4WD system -- a transfer case and low range gearing. That's essentially 2WD -- one in front, one rear (with open diffs). There should be a category for true 4WD systems, like your Heritage has.

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