> The big lie about four-wheel drive is that often times, neither drive
> axle has any limited-slip or locking feature. Even though both axles
> may be locked together by the design of the transfer case, if both
> axles have open differentials, you may find yourself in situations
> where one rear wheel and one front wheel (usually on the opposite
> corner) spin and the other wheels do nothing. Go trail riding with your
> buddies in Jeeps and other light, short wheelbase four-wheel drive
> vehicles and you will see this a lot. I remember one time on a trail
> ride when a Suzuki Samurai got hung up on a rough part of the trail.
> Opposite tires were on solid ground while the other opposite tires were
> either in the air or on loose dirt. The Samurai just sat there with
> opposite wheels spinning. A couple of guys jumped on the bumper of one
> of the corners that was spinning and the Samurai dug itself out.
My 2001 Tahoe has three-wheel drive (open diff in front), at least until
the Track-Lock blows up in back. It's stock, and has been up or down just
about every black diamond trail at Hollister Hills, albeit very slowly.
The Jeep guys hate me. ;)
It also gets exactly the same gas mileage as my 1993 Miata - 18mpg. Of
course, I drive the two somewhat differently. The Miata guys hate me too.
;)
KeS
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