Can someone straighten me out the the 4WD features of the H3

[SWPA Snowboarder]

From looking at the dash controls, theres 4 high, 4 high locked, and 4 low locked.

I take it to mean that the 4 high --- is similar to the Subaru AWD whereas its 2 wheels turning, and others will help out when needed (during slipping)

4 high locked ---- i take is similar to any 4wd truck, where you lock the hubs and all 4 wheels are turning all the time..for when roads are snowcovered..going less than say 40mph

4 low locked ---- I understand is for ultra offroad driving, going very slow

Is this all true? are there any other featues that would help out in winter weather?

And...i guess my biggest Q, comparing with the other mid sized SUV class, Trailblazer, 4runner, Exterra, Jeep Cherokee is there really any difference as far as the 4WD system..and winter weather performance?

THANKS as always

[SWPA Snowboarder]

From looking at the dash controls, theres 4 high, 4 high locked, and 4 low locked.

I take it to mean that the 4 high --- is similar to the Subaru AWD whereas its 2 wheels turning, and others will help out when needed (during slipping)

4 high locked ---- i take is similar to any 4wd truck, where you lock the hubs and all 4 wheels are turning all the time..for when roads are snowcovered..going less than say 40mph

4 low locked ---- I understand is for ultra offroad driving, going very slow

Is this all true? are there any other featues that would help out in winter weather?

And...i guess my biggest Q, comparing with the other mid sized SUV class, Trailblazer, 4runner, Exterra, Jeep Cherokee is there really any difference as far as the 4WD system..and winter weather performance?

THANKS as always

[nmikes]

Kinda depends if you are looking at an automatic or a manual when it comes to traction on the '3. Manual is a bit better at crawling, and automatic has a stabilitrac and a few extra pounds of towing capacity.

It is an all wheel drive vehicle with a 40/60 split. This is where you'll be at most of the time. Until you start having fun... then you can starting working your way over... to ulitmately 4low locked.

[SWPA Snowboarder]

Yea sorry...all of the above what theorizing with an automatic transmission

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SWPA Snowboarder:

I take it to mean that the 4 high --- is similar to the Subaru AWD whereas its 2 wheels turning, and others will help out when needed (during slipping)

No. The H3 is a full time four wheel drive system. In 4 High, you are getting an ~40/60% power split between the front and real wheels.

4 high locked ---- i take is similar to any 4wd truck, where you lock the hubs and all 4 wheels are turning all the time..for when roads are snowcovered..going less than say 40mph

"4 High Locked" locks the transfer case/center diff and delivers a 50/50% split between the front and rear. You'll can use this when you are on non-pavement surfaces with marginal traction quailites (deep snow, rocks, sand, mud, gravel) You only want this use this when there can be some surface slippage. You do not want to use this setting when on pavement.


4 low locked ---- I understand is for ultra offroad driving, going very slow

Same as above. Low gear, more torque.

Is this all true? are there any other featues that would help out in winter weather? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

For some basic background info on this sort of stuff try http://www.4x4abc.com