RWD vs 4WD

[shane_th_ee]

Ford should offer the auto as a lower priced option compared to the 4WD.

They do. You check the 4WD box, you get 4 auto. You only get a "true lock it in 4×4" if you pay *another* ~$1500 (for either the HD towing package or the FX4 package).

 

[Epps]

I just ordered my first Expedition to replace my T-150 conversion van. I went with a 4x2 with the trailer tow for better mpg and less maintenance. Living in SE PA the snow is not that great and I've never had the need for a 4x4.

Less for trade in doesn't bother me. I didn't pay for it to start off with.

 

[Red Raider]

They do. You check the 4WD box, you get 4 auto. You only get a "true lock it in 4×4" if you pay *another* ~$1500 (for either the HD towing package or the FX4 package).

I have a FX4 and use the off road 4x4 and even the low gear setting a few times a year. I keep it in auto most of the time. There are a lot of vehicles that offer all wheel drive to increase traction but were never meant to be driven off road. Ford offers the option on the EcoSport, Lincoln Aviator, and the Ford Transit Van. With the Expedition you have to pay for a complete 4x4 system to get the all wheel drive or stick with a 2 wheel drive.

 

[Rancidlunchmeat]

I have a FX4 and use the off road 4x4 and even the low gear setting a few times a year.

What tires are you running on those OEM FX4 rims? Do you have another picture other than the one in profile?

 

[JExpedition07]

I have a FX4 and use the off road 4x4 and even the low gear setting a few times a year. I keep it in auto most of the time. There are a lot of vehicles that offer all wheel drive to increase traction but were never meant to be driven off road. Ford offers the option on the EcoSport, Lincoln Aviator, and the Ford Transit Van. With the Expedition you have to pay for a complete 4x4 system to get the all wheel drive or stick with a 2 wheel drive.

The AWD systems in the Transit vans and Edge’s like you mention are starkly different than the 4WD systems in our Expeditions, they are also quite cheaper to make. The Expedition since it’s intro in good ol ‘98 has used a Borg Warner TOD (torque on demand) proper clutch and chain driven transfer case. It’s a rear wheel drive bias magnesium case with an individual micro-processor that can send torque in increments from 0-100% front or back as needed (Hence the name). Those AWD systems you mention use a little PTU (Power transfer unit) and unlike our Expeditions can only send 20-30% of torque to the rear wheels. The PTU is a smaller mechanism and are much more problematic than the Transfer Cases on the full size auto.

 

[Rancidlunchmeat]

The AWD systems in the Transit vans and Edge’s like you mention are starkly different than the 4WD systems in our Expeditions, they are also quite cheaper to make. The Expedition since it’s intro in good ol ‘98 has used a Borg Warner TOD (torque on demand) proper clutch and chain driven transfer case. It’s a rear wheel drive bias magnesium case with an individual micro-processor that can send torque in increments from 0-100% front or back as needed (Hence the name).

Reading this gave me a ******.

 

[FormerGermanFan]

Hey OP! I sought an Expedition that had 4WD with the Tow Package only because on a previous day I owned a Land Rover that had AWD without the rear locker. Got stuck in a level field driving across it. The F150 driving in front that had a locking rear diff? Made it. For a 3-4% increase in MSRP you can have a vehicle which is more capable off road/in slippery conditions. Let's be honest, if you are budget conscious you'll be looking at a 07'-17' Expedition or an Explorer. Take the plunge, and if you really want a deal there are over 300+ new 2019 Expeditions available across the country for purchase right now.

 

[Red Raider]

BFG 275/70/18 ko2.

 

[MxRacer965]

All our daily drivers are AWD and have been for well over a decade (04 Grand Cherokee LTD, 08 Infiniti M45x, 11 Grand Cherokee Summit, 15 Lincoln MKS AWD, 19 Max Platinum). Can’t beat them when you need the traction. More Southern states agreed you may not need it for snow, but it could help in wet conditions as well. We won’t buy anything not AWD because, after a stint in Chicago for 12 years, we reside in West Michigan and AWD is a must in the Winter. For the hell of it I left the Expedition in 2WD a couple weeks back and drove around. Then put it in Auto. Felt unstoppable in the nasty conditions with it in 4A. 2WD was a little sketchy but the traction control really interfered abundantly so nothing crazy could happen. Even if I didn’t live where snow happens regularly I’d want a daily driver with AWD. Just like carrying my gun for protection; I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. For a spare vehicle it’s less of a concern. Our spare vehicle/beater is a 2WD F150. I drive it to the MX track and airport mostly.

 

[Red Raider]

All our daily drivers are AWD and have been for well over a decade (04 Grand Cherokee LTD, 08 Infiniti M45x, 11 Grand Cherokee Summit, 15 Lincoln MKS AWD, 19 Max Platinum). Can’t beat them when you need the traction. More Southern states agreed you may not need it for snow, but it could help in wet conditions as well. We won’t buy anything not AWD because, after a stint in Chicago for 12 years, we reside in West Michigan and AWD is a must in the Winter. For the hell of it I left the Expedition in 2WD a couple weeks back and drove around. Then put it in Auto. Felt unstoppable in the nasty conditions with it in 4A. 2WD was a little sketchy but the traction control really interfered abundantly so nothing crazy could happen. Even if I didn’t live where snow happens regularly I’d want a daily driver with AWD. Just like carrying my gun for protection; I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. For a spare vehicle it’s less of a concern. Our spare vehicle/beater is a 2WD F150. I drive it to the MX track and airport mostly.

Agree. Most good AWD systems can figure out and respond to mild off road
conditions.