Go ahead. Kick me out of the Gen I club. AWD is pretty cool.

[wjoutlaw]

thx. i’m just talking’

gen i isn’t going anywhere. it’s just getting nasty enough for serious off-road work. by “add to the stable”, i mean ADD.

i understand how a t-case works and the magic of correct tire pressure. but even in the land of close and amazing trails, i’m on the street 90% of the time.

awd is just a very different driving experience. not better or worse. but very different. just ruminating on that as the pavement got wet today. and snow season is looming….

I traded in my Cadillac Escalade for my Raptor and it had the GM 6.2L V8 with AWD. It was great in the rain, off road, and even performed phenomenally during our Snowpocalypse last February here in Texas.

I even gave a few people ride home from work the night the ice and snow was at it's worst the first night. Never had an issue slipping or sliding.

I've taken my Escalade offroad more than a few times and never once had any issues with mud, sand, or even freezing conditions.

AWD is pretty useful in day to day driving. I feel like the vehicle is more responsive to quick steering changes and is more difficult to over correct and easier to keep under control if you do have to take evasive action.

I completely agree with switching over to 4x4 when road conditions are not optimal like rain, ice, or snow. Just makes sense. You're paying for the added benefit of 4x4, might as well get your money's worth.

 

[GWBush]

I still do not consider a Gen II or III an upgrade compared to my truck, not stock for stock.

When and if the R comes out, then we'll talk.

This.

 

[FordTechOne]

I drive 100% street for 11 years.
When you switch to 4x4 hi it's the same or better than awd.
My wife and daughter drive awd, I don't feel the difference you're talking about.

I was just going add, changing the stance from factory rake to level made a big difference on how the rear handles.
Plus I added a rear sway bar, that really planted the truck
and putting the front shocks on mid perch further stabilized any roll.
I can weave in and out of traffic about same as with my wife's Audi Q5.

Good tires is key, once the bfg's are half gone they are kind of worthless, especially in the snow.
Or are too old, they turn into plastic basically and you can do donuts like a big wheel in the rain.

The difference is that Gen 1 is part time 4x4; it’s not designed for use on pavement. It’s only intended for off road, snow, and ice.

When 4x4 high is engaged, there will always be a difference in wheel speed when turning. That causes the tires to slip/scrub in turns, causing tire wear and increasing turning radius.

 

[MTF]

The difference is that Gen 1 is part time 4x4; it’s not designed for use on pavement. It’s only intended for off road, snow, and ice.

When 4x4 high is engaged, there will always be a difference in wheel speed when turning. That causes the tires to slip/scrub in turns, causing tire wear and increasing turning radius.

4x4 can be engaged and used on wet road services.
4x4 is not intended for "DRY" pavement!!!..............Key word is "DRY"
Having said that, I do turn off 4x4 when parallel parking or making a U-turn in the rain.
That is something I've learned driving all kinds of 4x4s in the past 45 years.
You have to use a little common sense using a 4x4 on pavement.
You'll feel it right away when the pavement is not slippery enough to keep 4x4 engaged.