Badfish740

I don't know jack about new-fangled 4WD/AWDs. Every 4x4 I've ever owned has had manual hubs and a t-case shifter on the floor and quite frankly, I like it that way. However, those days are pretty much gone when it comes to anything less than a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. I'm looking for a 2006-2007 Ford Escape for my wife and I understand that they are AWD, but I also read that (not sure if this is standard or not) there is a "central locking differential" that is activated by a switch on the dash. I understand the concept of AWD (limited slip that transfers power to the wheels not slipping), but does anyone know of the "central locking differential" turns the AWD into a full time 4WD in the Escape? In other words, I envision that once one flips the switch for the CLD, that power goes to all four wheels all of the time until it's turned off. Is that correct? If so it would make me feel better about buying it knowing that in situations like snow or mud I could operate the vehicle much as I would my regular old 4WDs (minus low range of course-which still sucks)-any ideas?

scuba

You are correct. The center diff lock makes it 4wd.

snobdds

I thought the center diff lock just put power 50% to the front and 50% to the back independent of it being 4wd or AWD? I could be wrong though.