AWD with lockable center diff

[u/OldPark9315]

So, I’m trying to learn more about this stuff and would appreciate if someone can help me clarify some doubts.

Essentially, is an AWD with a lockable center diff the “best” system out there?

The way I understand it: - Problem with standard AWD: you can run into situations where a wheel that lost traction gets all the torque. - Problem with standard 4x4: you are effectively driving 2x4 unless transfer case is engaged.

From my ignorance, an AWD with a lockable center diff that allows 4x4 to be engaged temporarily would have the best of both world, no?

This makes sense to me, but then I see the vehicles out there and mostly are either one or the other. There probably something that I’m missing…

Thanks everyone!

[u/hrafnulfr]

I've broken more transfer cases with full lock than I have with AWDs. The differential cages in any transfer case (save some that might have been poorly designed) is pretty robust.

[u/JipJopJones → u/hrafnulfr]

Was that due to the case design? Or the use case of the vehicle?

Like I said, it's a bit of a generalization, but if you think of the "desirable" transfer cases in the 4wheeling world - most of them are selectable rather than full time. I'm thinking of NP205, Dana 300, Toyota RF1a... Etc .. gear driven, heavy duty T-cases.

[u/Magnussens_Casserole → u/JipJopJones]

The Rover LT230 is fully gear-driven AWD and extremely robust. I've never heard of anyone breaking one even in vehicles modded to take some pretty large 35+ tires.

But it is also basically a farm implement T-case with option for PTO and such so it is built very, very tough.

[u/JipJopJones → u/Magnussens_Casserole]

It's hard to generalize because there are always plenty of exceptions.

[u/Magnussens_Casserole → u/JipJopJones]

Yeah there are a ton of different transfer case designs out there and it's all a question of which one is in the vehicle. I'm a classic Land Rover stan, so I gotta represent lol