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awd dakota

2554 Views 25 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  ThisOldDak
I am thinking of getting a dakota with the nv244hd or nv244genII transfer case. I have owned part time 4 wheel drive trucks but had a friend with
an awd dakota that handled so great on wet roads and in the snow that
I was hoping to find one. Not many listed on ebay or auto trader. Is
there any way to tell if the dakota is awd from the vin # or model #.
Was this a rare option--any hope of finding one.
Thanks, Gino
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Look for anything 2001+, I think.
It was available on the older models as well, usually upper range models. CC and QC mostly from what I've seen, though I'm sure it was optional on RC's as well.

It wasn't a standard part of anything except R/T Durangos.
Just a word of warning, just like when in 4x4 in snow/rain/slick... the AWD will NOT SAVE YOU in ANY way shape or form. Literally just last night a dusting of snow almost made me lose my baby.. 45mph not on the brakes or gas and the ass end came past 45deg before I could recover.. made me pucker up a bit.


It IS a nice thing to have 2wd... you only lose two tires at once versus all four and being on a ice skating rink.
yah i have the AWD its great!!!!!!! 2002 qc 4x4. alittle tricky getting it into 4low sometimes and out of 4low for that matter but.... worth every penny
97-00 the option was called Full Time and it also had selectable 2wd. 01+ It was called AWD and there was no 2wd.
97-00 the option was called Full Time and it also had selectable 2wd. 01+ It was called AWD and there was no 2wd.
Correct. I believe it's derived from the Jeep Quadra-trac system, or is the same in itself. 01+ has no 2wd, only AWD/4x4HI/4x4LOW.
i know that every 5.9 quad cab dakota (kind rare but every one i've seen has the full time AWD)
Correct. I believe it's derived from the Jeep Quadra-trac system, or is the same in itself. 01+ has no 2wd, only AWD/4x4HI/4x4LOW.
No, it was the same as the Jeep Selectrac NP242 system.

The Quadratrac systems used either a viscous coupling(NP249) or Gerotor clutch packs(NV247) to to bias the torque frt/rr.
My 2000 Durango has AWD. Its great in the snow and in the rain. I know I would get better fuel milage and have some fun buring out.
I know I would get better fuel milage and have some fun buring out.
No real difference in mileage between AWD or part time 4WD since the front gears are turning all the time anyway.
So whats the point of AWD?
Traction and stability in any condition.
i love the awd on my durango. when its snowing and the roads are less then favorable i can drive in comfort knowing my truck wont slide out and will have traction. ice is a different animal, unless you have studs or chains not much will save you there. stopping is a different story, the rear only abs is a joke.
the rear only abs is a joke.
That's why in addition to AWD, I ordered 4 wheel ABS.
ehm, I think the AWD system in Durango's is stupid.

It sends /all/ power to the tires of least resistance, fine. Only problem is, is when the front tires have the least resistance, those are the ones spinning = not going anywhere. Doesn't happen /always/ though.
AWD is what I miss most about my Blazer. It had 2hi/4hi&lo/awd. The awd worked GREAT during snow storms/snowy roads in the winter, as I didn't have to worry about harming the transfercase going 60+ in 4hi for extended periods, I could set the cruise and not worry about the ass end swinging out on me, and I could pass cars with that little bit of slush in the middle without worrying about it. I already almost lost the Dakota hitting a patch of snow in a shaded spot on an otherwise clear road. I looked down to change songs on my MP3 real quick, felt the steering wheel turn to the right, looked up and saw I was already going sideways into the other lane. I love how both wheels get power like that when you want it the least...
Put it in 4wd then. Cruising down the road, it doesn't matter. Just don't use it on tight corners and high traction. You'll be able to feel it if it starts binding up.

You can go 120mph in 4hi if you want, the entire driveline is all spinning anyway.

Also, I've noticed braking is much more predictable in 4wd as well...
Our 1998 Jeep GC had the NP 242 case in it, 2hi, 4hi part time, 4hi full time, N, and 4 low part time in that order. The full time mode was nice for winter driving when the roads are mix of bare asphalt and snow and not having to shift in and out of 4wd part time constantly, and it was a quick bump forward to the part time mode if I needed to lock in it for deep drifts or bad side streets. I want to swap a 242 into our 1988 Dak instead of the 231 it has now.
4wd is only for slipery surfaces (dirt, gravel, snow), since there is nothing in the driveline to relieve binding between front and rear. More wear on the rear tires for example, will cause them to want to spin at a slightly different speed than the front tires. the driving surface will allow the tires to slip a little and releive this stress. Driving on pavement with 4wd engaged will bind and accelerate wear on the driveline.

Awd uses essentially a clutch/torque converter that can slip itself between front and rear axles so it can be in effect all the time.

The rear wheel ABS is only there to keep the rear end from swinging around. Not to allow you to steer under brake lockup situations as normal ABS allows.

What confuses me is the whole "auto-4wd" idea. is it just a slip sensing system that engages the transfir case on the fly?
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