How important is 4A for driving in snow?

Question
21

Val said:
@Francis
The Bronco switches between 2WD and 4WD pretty easily, right? I drive a manual, so I’m comfortable managing traction and gears, but I don’t want to assume it’ll be that simple.

It’s literally a button click, no gas pedal needed. It’s all good!

22

4A isn’t better than 4H except for being more convenient. With 4H, you have to turn it on and off as needed, but 4A manages that automatically to avoid transmission binding. You can even use 4A in dry conditions.

23

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want more upgrades later. Basic 4x4 is fine, but having lockers would be better than just relying on 4A.

24

It’s not, just use regular 4WD.

25

Tobin said:
It’s not, just use regular 4WD.

4A and 4H are very different.

26

Rowan said:

Tobin said:
It’s not, just use regular 4WD.

4A and 4H are very different.

Yeah, I know. I was just answering the original question.

27

Rowan said:

Tobin said:
It’s not, just use regular 4WD.

4A and 4H are very different.

I’ve heard this a lot, but haven’t seen anything that proves it.

28

Zander said:

Rowan said:
Tobin said:
It’s not, just use regular 4WD.

4A and 4H are very different.

I’ve heard this a lot, but haven’t seen anything that proves it.

Check this out: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/more-vehicle-topics/engine-and-transmission/drive-with-four-wheels/

29

@Rowan
So, 4A and 4H really aren’t that different after all. 4A just turns off the front wheels when not needed.

30

Zander said:
@Rowan
So, 4A and 4H really aren’t that different after all. 4A just turns off the front wheels when not needed.

The key difference is that 4A does it electronically, preventing binding.

31

Just use slippery mode. It’ll do the work for you.

32

4A is the main reason I went for a 23 OBX Non-SAS instead of a 24. Sure, 4A and 4H are similar, but when you’re switching between unplowed and plowed roads, who wants to keep toggling 4H on and off?