Educational
Four Wheel Drive Systems
Not all Truck and SUV’s systems are the same and we have some reocmmendaitons on what you SHOULD have when off roading trails in Virginia.
4WD vs AWD
The difference between 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) and AWD (All-Wheel Drive) comes down to how power is distributed and what kind of driving conditions each is best suited for.
Four Wheel Drive
Best for: Off-road, rugged terrain, deep snow, mud, and rock climbing.
How it works: Power is sent to all four wheels but is usually driver-controlled (manual engagement). Many 4WD systems have high and low gear ranges for better traction in extreme conditions.
Common in: Trucks and off-road SUVs (e.g., Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Bronco).
Downsides: Can be rougher on paved roads, lower fuel efficiency, and more expensive maintenance.
All Wheel Drive
Best for: Everyday driving, wet/slippery roads, light off-roading, and snow-covered streets.
How it works: Power is automatically distributed to all four wheels as needed, usually with an electronic system that adjusts traction in real-time.
Common in: Crossovers, sedans, and some SUVs (e.g., Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Audi Quattro system).
Downsides: Less rugged than 4WD, not ideal for extreme off-roading, and can be more expensive than 2WD options.
What are Lockers and do I need them?
Lockers, or differential lockers, in a 4WD vehicle are devices that lock the wheels on an axle together, forcing them to rotate at the same speed. This is crucial for off-road driving, as it helps maintain traction when one wheel loses grip.
How Lockers Work
Normally, a vehicle’s differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds, which is useful for turning but can be a disadvantage off-road. If one wheel loses traction (e.g., in mud or on rocks), power is sent to that wheel, and the other one doesn’t turn. Lockers solve this by mechanically connecting both wheels, ensuring they spin together regardless of traction.
Types of Lockers
Not all lockers are the same, learn about the different types and what they do.
Automatic Lockers
Engage when needed, providing traction without driver input (e.g., Detroit Locker).
Selectable Lockers
Electronically or pneumatically engaged by the driver (e.g., ARB Air Lockers, Eaton E-lockers).
Limited-Slip Differentials (LSDs)
A middle ground that transfers some power to the wheel with grip but doesn’t fully lock.
Do you really need lockers on your rig?
It depends on your use case:
Casual off-roading? Probably not. A good set of all-terrain tires and 4WD will get you through most situations.
Rock crawling, deep mud, or extreme off-roading? Yes, lockers will make a huge difference in keeping you moving.
Overlanding or moderate trails? You might not need them, but a rear locker could help in tricky situations.
If you’re mostly on-road or light trails, lockers may be overkill. But if you’re tackling serious off-road terrain, they can be a game-changer.
Four Wheel Drive Type
Popular 4WD Models
Learn about popular models that many off-roaders use on our trails here in the Commonwealth
