The Truth About 4 Wheel Drive In Trucks And Suvs

[@tapufool]

Thank you for making it so easy to understand!!! Salesmen should watch your videos!!!!

[@Jason-Samko]

@tapufool thanks. Glad you enjoyed it

[@traebishop3846]

I will never not have a truck without a front locker again. I've only had the truck a little less than a month, but that front locker has been worth it's weight in gold. I just used it today to get over a snow covered mountain to get to work, and I can't even believe how useful it's been helping get through the thick, dark chocolate like mud I go through to hunt and cut wood.

[@Jason-Samko]

@@traebishop3846 agree 100%

[@dwightbernheimer331]

I just told the salesperson the same thing the other day... He actually agreed with me😊😊😊

[@ronhaynes1532]

Great explanation Jason. Thank you and the best truck channel in my opinion. 👍🏻👏👏

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@tsstarlin]

It’s crazy, I’m from statesboro. I saw a clip of you on TikTok and you were not tagged in the video, but I recognized Statesboro. It took me forever to find you on KZbin because I wanted to finish the review.

[@Jason-Samko]

Thats crazy. I never been on TikTok don't even have an account or the app. But glad you found the channel

[@tsstarlin]

@ might want to think about it. I looked back and that video has 66k views. Either way. I love car reviews

[@Jason-Samko]

@tsstarlin wonder who is using my videos and not linking my channel? Might have to have my daughter look it up

[@kevinmcmillen2148]

I Custom ordered 1979 Ford Bronco with twin positive traction I did at that time have a need & used it. I also tried in some instances to see how effective it was, after digging some deep ruts in muck or sand I locked in front hubs put in low pulled out like you stated. Over the last 40 years I have not needed or even paid attention to 4WD vehicles I have owned. I currently have a 2021 Lexus GX460 it’s 4WD but never use it, I also Custom ordered 2013 Double cab 1500 6.2 Silverado LTZ with HD package 4WD. 4WD has knob on dash it has low but not sure if it would have twin positive traction. I have used it in all modes over the last 12 years Auto 4WD, High 4WD & Low 4WD it works great & this has been the most reliable awesome truck now have 117,000 still have only had oil & filer changed along with a new battery, wipers (2) & set of Michelin LTX 17” Tires that have improved ride over the standard Goodyear AT Wranglers. MPG Highway average 18-20 full load & with trailering 4000lb boat 10-12 . Best Highway MPG 22 no load premium fuel. I am considering ordering 2025 Silverado Double cab 2500 6.6 Gas 2WD LT trim with 18” rims. Looking for smoothest ride in HD I want a natural aspirated cast iron block V8 for highway travel with option towing my boat. I do like the new technology but don’t like the way you are stuck getting options I don’t want on the higher level trims. I have a preference for LTZ but it’s not even available in Double cab. When I optioned it price was $56,475. LTZ was about 66. Jason thanks for putting out excellent information.

[@Jason-Samko]

Great info. And love the ltz. Chevy builds so outstanding trucks

[@kelviskelvis7140]

Jason - those electronic software controls you mentioned for everyday driving make use of brake dampening to help transfer power from spinning wheel to non-spinning wheel in slippery conditions even on rear drive trucks in 2025. This is considered a standard safety feature today. So your "one wheel drive" is actually enhanced like two wheel drive. That works on both axles front and rear all the time so lockers are less needed except in extreme conditions.

[@Jason-Samko]

@kelviskelvis7140 but they very from brand to brand and how well they do. Ford requires a ton of wheel spin for traction control to kick in...too long in my opinion,. Rams is super tight and fast so is jeep and toyota. So they all vary and require wheels to break free before kicking in and are limited by traction control kicking in and robbing the truck of power by computer shutting down the throttle to allow for traction control to stop wheel spin. That's why you always turn off traction control in mud, sand, and deep snow.

[@kelviskelvis7140]

@@Jason-Samko No argument it is nice to turn off traction control and engage lockers in mud, sand, and deep snow.

[@Jason-Samko]

@kelviskelvis7140 agree 100

[@jrhunt414]

Got my 2wd Ranger with welded 7.5” rear. True 2wd. Got my power wagon with front, rear, and center lockers. True 4wd. Those G80s actually work, my buddy refuses to use 4wd in his AT4, that G80 will get you out of a lot and keep you from stopping to engage 4lo and lockers. In the Ranger I have learned to just find cheap used jeep tires and accept that it can’t turn on asphalt. Without that welded rear the truck would be almost useless off the pavement. Lighter truck than a 4wd too which helps. Good vehicle for ice fishing.

[@Whiskeybende]

I just can't believe people don't understand open diffs! I grew up knowing this!

[@Jason-Samko]

@Whiskeybende most don't today. And that's ok. We all have to learn it somewhere some time. Glad I got the opportunity to help them understand it.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

one leger

[@Topo7787]

Hi Jason, awesome content! What's the difference between 2hi and 4hi, and when u use it? Thanks!

[@tommays56]

Yes on 2WD and the G80 locker is limited because it takes so many revolutions to engage and this ices up the surface

[@Jason-Samko]

Agree. G80 is excellent as they give it to so many gm trucks. But the 100rpm wheel spin makes it trick and tough to use sometimes. Especially in technical terrain or like you said stuck in snow

[@timothymcvay7286]

Awesome video buddy amazing information ❤

[@Jason-Samko]

Thanks

[@juanguiter7972]

Great info on 4 wheel drive simplified

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you

[@icelandtraveladventure]

Great content. I'm watching from Iceland, we have some American trucks here but more common here is Land Cruiser or Hilux for example. I wonder if the Japanese SUV's are common in USA? Land Cruiser is a fantastic for off-road.

[@robertm8058]

Thanks for the info Jason, deffinatly things ppl need to know , I wish more trucks had 4 wheel auto so they don't crab in 4 wheel when they turn.

[@kabloosh699]

I don't know if I like this description simply due to that the vehicles still sends powers to each respective wheel and with more advanced power delivery systems (especially with AWD systems). A proper AWD system will send power to the wheels that still have grip. So yeah, in the event you find yourself in a scenario where you have 3 wheels with zero grip some vehicles will try to apply more torque that single wheel in an attempt to get you unstuck. It will use things like brake torquing to help accomplish this. 4WD is different since in that situation you get a true 50/50 split between front and rear wheels in power delivery. This can be problematic on road since there is too much grip which can cause crabbing and the system binding up. So a truck that is 4WD and doesn't have a 4 Auto mode is kind of at a disadvantage in variable driving conditions since you will need to manually engage the 4WD system when you hit a slippery spot while something like a Subaru with an AWD system will have a more seamless experience driving in places like up north here where the roads can be clear and snowy at the same time or in the rain where conditions can be variable. I think this is the scenario where people underestimate a 4WD truck's capabilities versus a AWD passenger car. Also, why I like GM trucks because you don't need to buy the top trim model to get 4 auto in their trucks. 4 auto relies on clutch packs to engage the front wheels when the truck detects slippage with the rear wheels and helps avoid the binding between the front and rear wheels that 4WD may cause when turning on high grip surfaces. Lockers help with ensuring that no matter what the condition is you get a 50/50 split on each side. With an open diff and no brake torquing your car is going to spin the wheel with the least amount of grip due to that being the path of least resistance. The locker solves this issue and now both the left and right side will spin its wheels equally. Engaging the lockers on road can be very dangerous so it's something you don't want to do. If you aren't mudding or climbing rocks you probably do not need locking diffs. So in 4WD and AWD drive vehicles you still get power to all 4 wheels especially when all 4 wheels have grip. It's just went you run into situations where not all 4 wheels have grip is when you will see the benefits of lockers and advanced AWD systems with brake torquing. It's just all about power distribution to each individual wheel. The value in these systems is really the ability to apply the power to the wheels that still have grip. You would be surprised how well a front wheel drive car with good tires handles slippery conditions. Maybe, not the best for off roading, but you can get through some horrible snow storms in a front wheel drive car with quality winter tires. Also to note, none of these systems help you slow down. That all depends on the tires and brakes. So while a 4WD and AWD system will get you up to speed, they will not help you slow down.

[@okniceguy]

1) Is a TorSen differential NEEDED to be present in the center or rear of a vehicle in order to have front and(both) rear lockers activated? 2) Is TorSen differential superior enough to not need a rear/front locking differential?

[@Jason-Samko]

@okniceguy 1. No a standard torsen clutch style transfer case is not needed to have both front and rear lockers. 2. No a torsen limited slip front and rear axle is not as good as a true e locker. The torsen is a good second choice and does a great job. The e locker is instant and usable with zero wheel slip. The torsen requires a wheel to slip before it engages.

[@countryboyScott3929]

Hey lockers require a wheel to slip before it engages unless you get a selectable locker not all lockers are selectable so need to put that out there for people if you talking about lockers

[@fbermeo]

Does A-Trac on my rear locker only 4Runner, in a way, act as a front locker? I would think so as it brakes the weak wheel to send power to the other....not sure but its gotten me out of jams multiple times. Especially since I'm a newbie and don't always end up choosing the best lines.

[@humzilla707]

You didn't talk about the downsides of lockers, especially in the front where it can do a lot of damage. Rear lockers can be very useful IF you need it, not so much in the front. I've got front and rear ARB lockers in my built jeep fyi.

[@Jason-Samko]

Front lockers are behind a safety wall on new trucks. 4 low reuired and they turn off at a certain speed

[@eglide55]

Hi Jason, thinking of getting a 2025 Maverick Tremor with a 4 wheel drive switch & a rear locker, what's your opinion? Thank you

[@SEPA.1973]

Great video. In your opinion, if you're not off-roading, would a 2 wheel ridgeline be a better option because it's a front wheel drive. Assuming you don't need a big bed and your ego can handle driving it.

[@Jason-Samko]

Yes. Front wheel drive is always better in slippery situations as all the weight of the motor helps with tracking.

[@Going4BrokeOutdoors]

Informative video, Jason! I'm about to buy a zr2 with the 3.0L duramax. Hope it doesn't suck!

[@Jason-Samko]

@@Going4BrokeOutdoors its going to be amazing!

[@mendoafgoo420]

Great video 👌🏻

[@Jason-Samko]

@@mendoafgoo420 thanks

[@dangerfield85]

What’s your thoughts on driving in snow, slush, ice or any combination of those three? You lived in Michigan at one point, correct?

[@Jason-Samko]

@dangerfield85 yep spent my whole life driving in all the slop. Use 4 auto if you have it for the mix of dry pavement and ice or snow spots. When the snow is covering the road everywhere use 4 high and leave traction control on. If you get stuck in snow, 4 high and turn off traction control to get out.

[@darrintyacke4833]

Great walk through and explanations Jason... super helpful!

[@Jason-Samko]

@@darrintyacke4833 thanks

[@montefiveforty1]

Miss the good old LSD with clutch pack.

[@planeteclipse5171]

Thanks for the breakdown Jason! Always keep it simple to understand. Do you think its worth investing converting a 2wd truck into 4x4 or just getting lockers for trailriding? I have a 21 ram 1500 bighorn 2wd 😢 thanks, brother.

[@Jason-Samko]

@planeteclipse5171 i would just put good off road tires on it and throw a winch on a hitch mount in the bed incase you need it. Search portable winch on my channel. I don't think it's worth converting to 4x4

[@planeteclipse5171]

@Jason-Samko thank you for the advice brother . I will search and watch the video. On another video you said you really liked the Falken Wildpeaks for off-road ill slap on a pair of those

[@Jason-Samko]

@planeteclipse5171 love the falkens

[@duanehamdorf2228]

The frontier sv, i think is a 4wheel drive without lockers . That stops me from buying one. Thanks for your info. 👍

[@Dirty-Mike]

Yeah you need to get the Pro-4x trim on a Frontier to get a rear locker. SV trim does not have the locker

[@johngreen9864]

If I could get a killer deal on an SV I'd have an off-road shop add front and rear lockers. Had it done in my Jeep (with new gearing) and it wasn't crazy expensive.

[@ismaelramos8687]

The exception is Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. In this case one of the front wheels is pulling and if that tire slips (like on ice) it will always activate the rear wheel that is on the opposite side of the one that is slipping. Some models of Subarus (like the STi) you can even select the percentage of power sent to the front and to the rear (like 50/50, or 40/60)...

[@EdgarJChavez]

Best AWD system out there.

[@williamheinsinger7390]

​@@EdgarJChavezStill open diffs.

[@Jason-Samko]

Love Subarus

[@Gadfly2025]

How about an AWD platform ? Gonna need Low Range with 4 banger

[@Jason-Samko]

@@Gadfly2025 depends on what you are going to do with the vehicle

[@randysavage8963]

Always great information thanks Jason

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you

[@erik-g9d]

I'm in the market for a truck--what I want is a GMC Canyon Elevation with 4H but with Denali trim--it doesn't exist or even updated more modern Ridgeline would be nice. So until then, since I don't go off roading and go to the snow occasionaly , I'll just stay with my 2014 Highlander XLE AWD V6 with 100K miles--it handles the snow on I80/Donner Summit/Lake Tahoe quite easily. Hilll descent control, AWD lock mode, etc....try it--you'll like it!

[@danav3387]

This isn’t exactly how it works out all the time. In most off road situations that aren’t extreme a vehicles tires have nearly the same traction in all 4 wheels. I hate it when someone says my 2x4 truck is just as good as any 4x4 because I have big tires or even a locker in the rear.

[@kurtrussell5228]

The 2wd Tacoma with rear locker was kind of cool, it'll do in most situations....but the the 4x4 Tacoma with rear lock isn't that much more.... so i got the 4x4.....but those 2wd with the lockers still intrest me, they're cool.

[@Jason-Samko]

As soon as one wheel breaks loose it sets the max torque parameter foe the other wheel on the axle. If one tire slips at 40 pounds of torque the other wheel will not get more than 40.

[@MrJoJoJoJo]

Do you still have your 4 runner

[@Jason-Samko]

Yep. Not planning to list it until the 2025s come out. Thays what happen with the tacoma. New came out and prices for old shot thru the roof.

[@rockie307]

A 2wd means 2 wheels can drive the truck. 4wd like the name states means 4 wheels can drive the truck. Even with open diffs all 4 wheels can spin when traction is simular in best case they all turn. In worst case with no locker only one tire pulls on each axle. All off road trucks should atleast have the option for front and rear lockers. Lockers make a huge difference in capability.

[@TrailBossTatum]

Great video knowledge is pricless

[@phillyfathead]

Thanks, well stated!

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you

[@noniespam]

Good explanation, I need to have my wife watch this a few times. Also from experience in Upper Michigan with a 2 wheel (rear) drive vehicle with a rear locker or as they used to call it positive traction, is totally useless on ice. But if you can get off to the side of the road far enough so you have one wheel in the gravel you got it made, but if both rear wheels are on the ice you’ll never keep it straight as the back will constantly try to pass up the front. Great for spinning donuts on a frozen lake though, something you can’t do where you’re at.

[@Jason-Samko]

Yep agree. One difference between posi or limited slip vs a locker is the lsd or posi requires one wheel to break free and spin before it engages. A locker is instant and requires no wheel spin allowing you to creep out of the situation with both wheel getting true 50/50 power

[@noniespam]

@ nice, didn’t know that. THANKS

[@tomclams3689]

When in 4 wheel drive and snow is equal on the road which 2 wheels spin.

[@kurtrussell5228]

Yes

[@Jason-Samko]

@tomclams3689 the first wheel that breaks loose per axle is the wheel that sets the max torque value that is applied to the other wheel. If all wheels on the axle are not breaking loose that equal torque is applied to both. If one wheen breaks free and spins at say 50 pound feet of torque the wheel with traction will not get more than 50 lbs torque

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

2025 expedition 4x4 is a one leger open rear axle , unless one pays $83k for the fully loaded 3 row luxury family school bus "tremor"with every power opt , we want a more utility true off road models for us true off roaders , car camper ,overlanders who need to go off road and don't need a luxury car /truck

[@Jason-Samko]

@youtubecarspottersguide1 yep wish they would give more off road based stuff in lower trims

[@phillipmorton6020]

Why the hell do they call it 4 wheel drive then???

[@shaneburch6418]

The average joe has no idea what you're talking about. You just complicated this concept. Old school folks understand what you're saying.

[@countryboyScott3929]

And the good days of 2 high 2 low 4 hi 4 low Lock in out hubs Also a lot of paperwork will say positive traction Track lock ( or whatever but it doesn’t say a locker You have selectable posi units in 4 wheel drive so ask if’ it a locker or posi unit

[@countryboyScott3929]

And with all the traction controls on trucks and jeeps if you know how to use them you are as good as lockers unless you doing some hardcore stuff most people that will turn lockers on on the pavement will end up ruining there tires and parts to there truck every one don’t need them for daily use I’m locked front and rear and unless I’m hardcore 3 wheels in the air I may use my front locker 2% of the time and also IFS and half ton trucks have smaller R&P and smaller axles than the rear that Will break easily