How 4WD (4x4 - Four Wheel Drive) Works - 2H, 4H, 4L, LSD, Centre Diff, Diff Locks, Traction Control

A complete and thorough explanation on how four wheel drive (4WD) 4x4 systems work. This video will look into depth on how part time and full time four wheel drive systems work, operate, what to expect and when to use it. It will cover in depth the following:
0:00 - Intro to Four Wheel Driving
0:39 - Drivetrain Fundamentals
1:58 - Open Differentials
2:22 - Transfer Case Function
2:44 - Part Time 4WD
3:01 - Full Time 4WD and Centre Differential Lock
3:18 - 2H (Two Wheel Drive - High Range) Explained
4:01 - 2H and Open Differential Problem Demonstrated
4:16 - Rear Differential Lock
5:15 - 2H Off Road Demonstration
5:27 - 4H (Four Wheel Drive - High Range) Explained
5:53 - Wind-Up Phenomenon Explained
7:00 - Centre Differential Function in Full Time 4WD
8:19 - The Diagonal Effect Explained and Demonstrated
9:08 - 4H Off Road Demonstration
9:18 - 4L (Four Wheel Drive - Low Range) Explained
10:54 - 4L Advantages
11:24 - Crawl Ratio Explained
12:37 - 4L Off Road Demonstration
12:52 - Free Wheeling and Permanent Locked Hubs Explained
14:03 - Overcoming the Open Differential Problem
14:21 - True 4WD (Locked Differentials) Explained
14:45 - Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) Explained
15:19 - Brake Traction Control (BTC) Explained
16:08 - BTC Demonstration
16:17 - Conclusion
*Please note: In this video I have incorrectly mentioned that Torque is distributed/split based on wheel resistance. In reality, in an open differential Torque is split evenly 50%-50% to each axle regardless of wheel resistance. However, Power is split based on wheel resistance in an open differential, not Torque. Power = Torque x Angular Velocity. Therefore, in an open differential, if a wheel is in the air and freely spinning, the other wheel which isn't rotating isn't transmitting any Power (as Angular Velocity = 0, but Torque is still present).
Please refer to Part 2 video 'Open and Locked Differentials Power and Torque Transfer': • How 4WD Works Part 2 -...
Thank you for watching! Please subscribe: / @njsinstructional
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#4wd #4wd247 #4wdadventure #4x4

[@NJSInstructional]

*Please note: In this video I have incorrectly mentioned that Torque is distributed/split based on wheel resistance. In reality, in an open differential Torque is split evenly 50%-50% to each axle regardless of wheel resistance. However, Power is split based on wheel resistance in an open differential, not Torque. Power = Torque x Angular Velocity. Therefore, in an open differential, if a wheel is in the air and freely spinning, the other wheel which isn't rotating isn't transmitting any Power (as Angular Velocity = 0, but Torque is still present). Watch out for a future video which further clarifies this.

[@NJSInstructional]

@Ralph Reilly Exactly, so you have zero Power distributed.

[@charleslupain]

Thanks man

[@mehrajmohan173]

@@charleslupain thank you

[@10ZZzzZZzzZZzz01]

Man this is one hell of a well made video, I have been doing offloading for over 8 years now & even made it to advance level riding with the big boys but honestly this is the first time I actually understood what is going on under the hood, why & how to possibly deal with it. Although I watch many videos about the topic, this by far is the most informative, comprehensive and simple to follow one. Thanks a million.

[@stephenpartridge686]

Except the description of part time 4wd systems!!!

[@kylercarl3871]

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[@gannonnathan7058]

@Kyler Carl instablaster ;)

[@kylercarl3871]

@Gannon Nathan Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@kylercarl3871]

@Gannon Nathan it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@kagobonestalker1487]

This video is where failed car advertisement scenes end up. Very well done video!

[@nnamdibond3139]

Just, Thank You. Just, Thank You. Thank You. God bless You. Grateful. Calm, detailed presentation. Very Grateful You Exist. Thanks for this video.

[@RM-rz3ph]

One of the best instructiona and educational videos I have heard in a long time and the honesty in self correction is appreciated. Thank you Sir for your service. Wish we had more people like you.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to check out my latest video which I clarify the Torque distribution in Open and Locked Differentials.

[@jonathanmason2569]

This video is just wow. I need to drink some whiskey and watch it. Well done!

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, be sure to check out my Part 2 video also.

[@thomvogan3397]

I am definitely going to have to watch this a few times to grasp all of it. This guy should be a teacher

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped!

[@kevinirlam8927]

I swear I NEVER comment on videos but I had to give a shout out for this brilliant explanation. I’m new to 4WD and this is the first decent explanation I’ve found. The simple graphics helped one hell of a lot too. Can’t thank you enough.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped

[@mattd9102]

Clear, precise and easy to understand because of your excellent delivery and accompanying videos and animations. Well done.

[@canyonoverland5003]

The part when you talked about front locking hubs clarified things for me. Thank you!

[@jackluke6209]

I feel like a deserve some kind of physics certificate for watching and understanding this video. Thank you

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@perikulum6102]

Hi, very well made video, although I noticed a mistake on 3:30 minute mark about open diffs. It will be easier to explain if I just directly quote from CarThrottle website. "Open differentials are the most basic form of a differential. The purpose is to allow for different speeds between the two wheels, while torque split is held constant at 50/50. A common misconception with open differentials is that when one wheel is lifted, 100 per cent of the torque is sent to it. This is not true, however the amount of torque sent to the wheel with traction is very low because the amount of torque required to spin a wheel is also low. Remember, both wheels always receive equal torque, but if one has no resistance (eg. if it’s in the air), the amount of torque sent to the drive axle as a result is very low." So, open diff will always split the torque 50/50, even if one wheel is off the ground. We just get the illusion that 100% of the torque is going to one wheel because it is spinning but in reality diff is still applying the same ammount of torque to the non-spinning wheel (It is still trying to turn it). There is also a mistake in the video about locked rear diff. I will quote again: "Locked differentials are on the opposite side of the spectrum versus open diffs. The purpose is for wheel speed to remain constant between the two wheels, and the major benefit here is that torque will go to the wheel with traction, up to 100 per cent at a single wheel." That means that when the rear diff is locked, torque is not split 50/50 (that's open diff), but it varies up to 100% on one wheel. For example if one wheel is in the air, wheel on the ground will get 100% of the torque. Or if one wheel is on the ice and other on pavement, the wheel on the ice will get lets say 23% of the torque while wheel on the pavement will get the remaining 77%. Engineering Explained goes really in depth on this topic, I recommend watching some of his videos about this. This one is good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXmykmOXh7-Mptk&ab_channel=EngineeringExplained

[@edewaal97]

Your explanation is more true, but a bit harder to understand for someone who hasn't had a more higher class in physics. I get however what NJS is talking about. That way it's easier to understand for me (as a noob) what's happening. It would've been better if he didn't use the phrase 'torque', but more something like 'movement or momentum'. However, thinking about that, it could also be interpreted wrong. The video's from engineer explained go waaaay more in depth and use all the correct terms and calculations, but are harder to convert to driving in the real world. NJS covers way more topics in the same time that Engineering explained used to talk only about diffs.

[@WhynotMinot]

I am new to 4wd and this is the 2nd video ive watched about 4wd systems, and it doesnt make much sense. This comment that i am replying to might be a little more comolicated then the video, but aeast it makes sense. This video was saying that open diffs have a big flaw, and closed diffs have a big flaw which dosent nake much sense, since cars are to old to have big problems like that. How it was explained makes it sound like a really ineffective design, almost like a new technology, which it's not. With that being said, is it really that bad to go on grippy surfaces in 4wd if torque is applied differently and the wheels are spinning at different speeds if its a locked diff? Am i missing something or what?

[@perikulum6102]

@@WhynotMinot If the rear diff is locked, rear wheels will always spin at the same speed. Torque on the other hand will be split differently between them.

[@martinsv9183]

@@edewaal97 How is it better or easier to understand something that is completely wrong? You want to understand how a radio functions. You turn it on and then gasoline runs to the injectors turning the volume on... No it doesnt. Doesnt matter if that is "easier" to "understand" than what is actually happening. That's a completely meaningless and waste of explanation that cant be used for anything..... since its wrong......

[@perikulum6102]

@@martinsv9183 True 😂

[@chrisscibisz9231]

Best video I have ever seen on how the 4x4 drive systems work. You not only have a very good understanding of how these systems function, but you are also very good at communicating your knowledge.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

Q

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

5:43

[@traderintraining9048]

a simple and easy way to understand of 4x4 use and diffrential! thanks mate.

[@nomadicoverlanderdiiprojec5545]

Absolutely fantastic explanation - thanks for going to tremendous effort to explain this in an informative and easy to follow diagram! So so good!

[@RyanFloranda]

Finally understood all the different terms used in 4x4

[@mijlal.haider]

This video is the best thing one can ever get on these topics. Cheers mate

[@gulshanchaurasia2233]

I have never driven any 4 wheeled vehicle, yet this video is informative and very easy to understand for me, you have explained it perfectly with animated diagrams and real sample drives!! well done and thank you!!

[@NJSInstructional]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@stephenpartridge686]

@@NJSInstructional except it's not well explained!!! Sorry

[@robertosantana2775]

This should be a video shown to everyone before purchasing a 4x4 vehicle, like the safety videos you watch before you start a Go Kart race haha.

[@AK-ky3ou]

My goodness, a channel that actually explains and shows examples of when to use 4 low or 4 high. Gotta see an example if you’ve never done off-roading. Thx

[@NJSInstructional]

You're welcome!

[@nicolaisurm7078]

Wow, the most instructive video i saw in a long time. Thanks!

[@santiagomatamoros7885]

Excellent presentation! My cousin and I would jump out and lock the hubs of a Toyota Pickup as kids when going to the ranch.

[@muralidharamysore2549]

Nice video. Btw your voice is so soothing that I slept half way through and had to re watch the video again !

[@theKhumbaguy]

Very instructional video. Watched every minute of it. 👍🏾

[@johnshumate6132]

Thank you for this great information. It clears up so much confusion about four-wheel-drive systems.

[@brielobeats8744]

Ok

[@hazlbri]

Great video, mate ! This is the most comprehensive panorama of the topic I've ever seen. As a follow-up, you might want to cover the gearing system in the wheel hubs of Unimogs and Hummers. My first offroad fun was in 1974 in Ethiopia driving a Gaz, a robust Russian military jeep: side-valve engine, 3 forward gears, part-time 4WD with high and low ratios, + freewheeling hubs. I had incredible adventures especially in the Danakil Desert.

[@leequist2908]

Never seen the explanation of the 4W modes this comprehensive.

[@juniorduda6102]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I HAD NO CLUE HOW THESE THINGS WORK. YOURS IS THE 1ST VIDEO THAT REALLY MADE ME EASYLY UNDERSTAND.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped! Be sure to check out my Part 2 video also!

[@AllTerrainAction]

This is #1 video to explain this over years of watching YT. Great Job!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you think so!

[@JAARoshan]

Simple and excellent explanation. Great job.

[@bjamesm]

Thank you. Very clear, and easy to follow!

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thx. Cleared up some misconceptions I had.

[@cassin11]

Excellent video. Professionally done. All the important information you need to know with visual aids and real life examples without annoying background music!

[@fuzzion78]

Very good ty. Covers the basics of it very well.

[@tkdiver6158]

This truly was the best explanation of 4WD Systems I ever watched. Big thanks and keep on going 😉

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, be sure to check out my latest Part 2 video which focuses in on open and locked differentials!

[@rjl110919581]

MY ISUZU 300 4X4 TRUCK IS PART TIME WITH LSD WITH MANUAL HUBS THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO AS GREAT WATCHING

[@himedia5354]

THE best video for explaining 4x4

[@Ghostrider-71]

Excellent synopsis and explanation of the the different drive systems.

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers thank you, be sure to check out my Part 2 video released last month!

[@timothywartim1078]

Thanks dude, your video have become my 4wd bible.

[@haziq90]

Ive been having 4x4 for years, yet i did not know this much knowledge. Thank you for the explanation.

[@NJSInstructional]

No problem!

[@luthers_janitorial1995]

Easy to follow examples and broken down in simple terms that almost anyone can understand…fantastic lecture on 4wd!

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, thank you. Be sure to check out my Part 2 video on this!

[@alexandertabagari8564]

Realy very well explained. Thanks and good luck

[@shaundragt6870]

One of the best descriptions I've come across. Great video

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you liked it!

[@Kelvin555s]

Thanks, this is the most informative video on diff I saw. Cool

[@dannylopezcalderon7825]

This is the best explanation about 4WD I ever see, thank you very much.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TotoTb]

I finally understood the 4WD modes of my Grand Vitara! Thanks a lot!!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped!

[@stevenm.njogu2014]

Very educative and well elastrated continue with the great work.

[@somendra_wpradhan8638]

The best explanation I ever found. Thanks. It is simple yet extremely informative and in less than 20 minutes you have covered such a vast topic. Thanks again and best wishes.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sisichiang206]

Thank you very very much, I am so grateful for your sharing of information, now I know something that I never knew before, no wonder I always have problem with my old 4 wheel car, Hahaha..

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sootmann]

FANTASTIC summary. Great job. Thank you for making this.

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

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[@truthspeaks651]

Impressive video and very informative. Thank you.

[@tharakaswalpita]

Thank you so much. Just what I needed

[@EWOverland]

Thanks for sharing this video, it is the best I have seen and make the issue clear

[@NJSInstructional]

Great to hear!

[@korybeckwith834]

Excellent presentation. Concise on explanation making easy to comprehend.

[@Petemitchell0341]

Great video! Thank you. Watched a ton of videos on this yours really tied everything together and let me understand how these systems all work. Thanks brotha!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hirak_JT]

I love to know about 4wd system. Thanks buddy... From india 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@davidjohn9006]

Simply said, an well presented and informative explanation…. Much appreciated 👍🏼✌🏼

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AdnanKhan-ky3jp]

Very nicely explained, thank you.

[@aseselavolavola7455]

Thank you for taking the time to explain, much appreciated.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mineratron]

Great video. Found it very useful in re-educating myself in moving from Pajero SS-2 system to good ol’ transfer case 4H on the Raptor.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful! Please also check out my Part 2 video!

[@jamesdonovan7863]

What an awesome video! Very very clear! I learned something new today thank you

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BustedBoomer]

Excellent video for me. New to 4WD and had no real idea what was really going on with the system. Thank you!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped!

[@donks5306]

Great video, as a newbie to 4WD'ng I didn't really understand the difference between 4H and 4L but now I do. Thank you for such an informative video.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kitsukeita]

Great explanation, a very well made video with practical examples from real vehicles, subbed.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you liked it!

[@kevinshay5810]

This video was very informative and well put together. You earned my like, sir.

[@NJSInstructional]

Thank you, be sure to check out the Part 2 video!

[@simonkizitonjaye4209]

The information provided here was very helpful to me thanks.

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to check out my Part 2 video also.

[@arnouthpessoa]

Que AULA! Parabéns pelo conteúdo de qualidade. Estava com dificuldades de achar algo com tanta acurácia de informação na net. Obrigado!

[@alexandertabagari8564]

So well explained!! Thank you for that!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lockhandle8276]

This video is supreme quality.

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, thank you!

[@shrenikkole770]

Great vidoe to understand 4x4 4 by 4

[@PBradleyRobb]

This is a phenomenally well done video. Thanks for the serious knowledge drop. I don't feel like I could work on a 4WD vehicle, but I am definitely less likely to screw one up by driving in 4WH/L in high traction scenarios.

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, thank you!

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

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[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

Q

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

W

[@loannguyen-lj4ff]

P

[@jdr03272]

This is the very best video on this topic

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, be sure to check out my Part 2 video.

[@muhammadbilal4078]

Dude Explained a difficult topic with so ease and clarity. Thums up 👍

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to check out my Part 2 video also.

[@RahulB009]

Wow 👍🏻 very well explained 👏🏻 straight to the point.

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers

[@adamlaw3432]

Wonderful video. Very informative and concise. Great job!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VICTORRODRIGUEZ-lg4kw]

Thank you soooo much for this video I just bought a 4x4 truck and I had no idea how it works

[@NJSInstructional]

No problem 👍

[@PictureChasers]

Love your level of detail, going to look at your channel!

[@NJSInstructional]

Awesome, thank you!

[@docmak-1256]

Excellent video. More power and knowledge to you sir. Keep helping us and youre doing a great job.

[@NJSInstructional]

Thank you, glad you found it helpful!

[@blackbird3297]

Thank you for adding my knowledge about 4wD

[@NJSInstructional]

No problem 👍

[@brentonkelly3780]

Bloody brilliant video. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you liked it!

[@vnox4346]

best video on 4wd. well done

[@buhlembongo3939]

This video is teaching me a lot of things especially now that my Toyota FJ Cruiser is giving me problems. I'll be sending it back to the dealer with the hope that they can somehow sort out the issues as I believe it has something to do with traction of some sort.

[@dadsgarage420]

That was an awesome amount of info thanks bud

[@jamesplatt9323]

Great video and excellent explanation of 4wd systems 👍

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@powerranger3713]

Worth watching! Very interesting subject.

[@Toddpeekence]

The mighty patrol. Excellent coverage in this video. Cheers!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mikebarrett5890]

Great video. Answered all my questions about diff lock. 👍

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it helped

[@xkdavid1451]

Thank you, excellent instructional video!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lennonanasnasamu9527]

Video is very insightful..... good job

[@robjackson5243]

Fantastic and simple explanation. Thanks

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to check out my Part 2 video!

[@nigelssurfshop]

Mahalo, just learned something new!

[@anagracebarba8900]

thank you for sharing this topic

[@csampal1169]

This video help me a lot as a starter working on off road vehicle

[@NJSInstructional]

Cheers, glad it helped!

[@bisadelara5933]

Thank you for this video !! Well explained !

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fernando-zr4os]

Excellent video!

[@nuwankm4433]

Well, very informative and useful described to the bottom. Thank you very much for the explanation! Cheers!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@enyawrebbuj9458]

Excellent tutorial......thanks for sharing!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bojanbpt98]

Great explanation!

[@luisespanola]

Thank you so much. Very informative video!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@salsamancer]

I never knew what the difference between 4H and 4L is, although I intuited that 4H is meant for higher speed and 4L for lower. Thanks for the concise and clear explanation!

[@NJSInstructional]

Glad to help!