Drive Train Specifications?

[MuttonChops]

Register to stop seeing this ad!

Hello,

Has anyone found drive train data beyond the engine specifications?

4x4 system.
Is it an AWD or heavier duty part-time system with a Hi/Low transfer case?

Limited-slip options ?
Assume the standard "traction control" is some type of a use the brakes to shift power from the spinning wheel system.

Auto 6-sp and differential gear ratios ?
With the claimed payload and towing numbers these must be shifted toward the off-road usable end.

If the answers are AWD, no limited-slip, and more MPG ratios that's not going to be a deal killer.
Just would like to know the off-pavement limitations (or strengths) before hand.

[topgut]

Hello all,

I have rec'd info from one dealer about the drive train.

These were facts awhile back and may have changed since I had our discussion.

The engine as you probably know is a common rail fuel injection system with urea injection for NOx reduction. There is no timing belt, it is gear driven.

The transmission is built by a German Co. called ZF.

The transfer case is built by Borg-Warner. The axles are DANA limited slip differential. Im not sure if thats true for the front an rear.

The trucks have rear leaf springs and the front suspension is a sort of tortion bar system.

I think the SUV has a rear coil spring suspension.

Thats what I know from reading whatever I can find and talking to whoever will talk.

J

[MuttonChops]

That all sounds positive and like a truck.

[Bugman]

It is a type of full-time 4x4.The front is only disengaged at the transfer case, which causes more drag an less MPG's. To bad it don't have manual hubs, but unfortunatly no small truck have manual hubs anymore?

[blue7.3]

Originally Posted by Bugman

It is a type of full-time 4x4.The front is only disengaged at the transfer case, which causes more drag an less MPG's. To bad it don't have manual hubs, but unfortunatly no small truck have manual hubs anymore?

I didn't know they were doing a torsion bar setup up front. That's interesting, GM does that. But I'm pretty sure the TRs have auto hubs AND a standard transfer case.

My Super Duty has manual hubs. I think they're annoying. Especially around here where we get on and off weather/road conditions. If u lock them in before u head-out the whole front end is sucking fuel, even if u don't engage the case. If ur not locked in and u all-of-a-sudden need both axles engaged, ur screwed, at least until u can pull over. I've had both manual hubs and auto hubs over time. Manual may be better for whamma-jamma mud-bogging, but for the real world most of us live in, auto is better.

cheers,
-pete

[Duluth Diesel]

All 2002+ 3/4 ton and 1 ton Dodge Ram pickups have no center axle disconnect or hubs. They are called "live front axles" and are quite reliable. Hubs can fail, axle disconnects can fail. I like the fact that my 2002 2500HD Dodge Cummins just has a lever on the floor to engage four wheel drive. Even when in 2WD, the front axle and driveshaft spin. When I pull that lever, I know I will have four wheel drive and no fuse or vacuum lines will be leaving me stranded.

-Chuck

[Bugman]

The old full time truck in the 70's wore gas hogs, in the 80's they went to an auto hub, the ones you had to back-up to unlock. Sometime in the 90's most truck makers switched to a more modern full time with less drag than the early ones did. They don't like to call it a full time front axle because of the old gas hog full times from the 70's left a bad taste in your wallet. Some call the new version a live axle, and it would have to be stronger due to less moving parts and no disconnect.

[TXBlackKnight]

I know I don't plan on doing anything too hardcore with my next truck purchase. I used to drive my friends CJ7 which had manual hubs. Its nice if you can predict when you are going to need them, but I wouldn't want to have to stop in a situation which warranted 4WD. I think the auto systems in most modern trucks work well anyways.

[blue7.3]

Originally Posted by Duluth Diesel

All 2002+ 3/4 ton and 1 ton Dodge Ram pickups have no center axle disconnect or hubs. They are called "live front axles" and are quite reliable. Hubs can fail, axle disconnects can fail. I like the fact that my 2002 2500HD Dodge Cummins just has a lever on the floor to engage four wheel drive. Even when in 2WD, the front axle and driveshaft spin. When I pull that lever, I know I will have four wheel drive and no fuse or vacuum lines will be leaving me stranded.

-Chuck

"*sigh*, yeah but it's still a Dodge" said the Ford man (wrt leaving one stranded...) LOL!

So Chuck, what happens when you throw the lever? What locks the hubs in?

When I lock the hubs, I can feel when the drag from the front end spinning, whether I have the stick pulled into 4H or not. Not that it probably makes that much difference in fuel mileage in a 7000 lb diesel, but it does make it feel even heavier then when the hubs aren't locked in.

-pete

[TerryVT]

I have all the same questions and if the things you mentioned are not included that's a deal breaker for me too.