How to tell if the truck is 4X4 | Best Ways With Their Working

If you are in the market for a 4×4 truck, it is important to make sure that the vehicle you pick can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Fortunately, there are a few techniques you can use to determine whether a truck is 4×4 or not. In this guide, we will be discussing the best ways “How to tell if the truck is 4X4”, from dashboard symbols to physical features like raised height and transfer case shifters.

How to tell if the truck is 4X4

Driving a truck can be an exciting adventure for many people. Whether you are hauling construction materials, taking off-road trails, or simply need extra space for cargo, owning a truck can make your life easier in many ways. But how do you know if your truck is 4X4?

Here are some of the ways that help you out

Checking the axle shaft

One of the easiest ways to know if a truck is 4X4 is by checking the axle shaft beneath it. The axle shaft in a 4X4 truck will run from the front to the rear axle, and it’s usually larger than that of a regular two-wheel-drive vehicle.
To confirm that you are looking at an axle shaft, you need to get under the vehicle and locate it. It’s typically located close to the center of the chassis and above any other parts such as exhaust pipes or drive shafts. Once you have identified the axle shaft, look for any differential covers as they can also help in determining whether the truck is four-wheel drive or not.

Identifying FWD, RWD, or 4WD with Axle Shaft

Identifying the type of drive train in your truck can be a bit tricky, but it is important to know whether you have a front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or 4-wheel drive (4WD) system. One way to determine this is by looking for an axle shaft underneath your vehicle. The axle shaft is connected to the differential and wheels, and its presence can help identify which type of drivetrain you have.

If you notice that there is only one axle shaft at the front of the undercarriage, then chances are you have an FWD system. This means that power is delivered from the engine to the front wheels, allowing for better traction and stability when driving on slick surfaces. On the other hand, if there are two axle shafts at the rear of your vehicle, then it’s likely that you have RWD.

Cylindrical Metal Shaft Linked to Wheel Knuckles

Another key thing to look for is the cylindrical metal shaft linked to the middle of the wheel knuckles. This shaft serves as the axle for the wheels and will be approximately 1 inch in diameter. By checking for this feature, you can quickly determine if a truck has four-wheel drive capabilities.

While identifying the cylindrical metal shaft, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for a rubber cone that sits at either end of the shaft. These cones help absorb shock and protect against wear and tear during rough terrain driving. If both of these features are present on your vehicle’s wheels, then you can rest assured that it has four-wheel drive capabilities.

Decode Your Truck’s Engine Size with Your VIN

I hope you’ve probably heard of the VIN or vehicle identification number. This unique code is like your truck’s DNA; it contains all the essential information about your vehicle, including its make and model, year of manufacture, and even engine size. In fact, by decoding your truck’s VIN, you can quickly determine just how big or small your engine is.

The VIN is made up of 17 characters that include both letters and numbers. The tenth character in this sequence holds a crucial piece of information that identifies the engine size for most vehicles. By finding this letter or number in the VIN, you can easily decode it to determine what type of engine powers your truck.

The first three digits represent the manufacturer of the vehicle, while the next six digits are specific to your truck’s make and model. The final digit is known as a “check digit” and helps ensure that the VIN is valid.

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Drivetrain Options

Another important feature you’ll want to consider is the drivetrain. The drivetrain refers to the system that delivers power from the engine to the wheels. There are several different types of drivetrains available on trucks, including 4X4, 4-wheel drive, two-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.
To determine whether a truck has a 4X4 drivetrain or not, you can start by looking at the vehicle’s specifications or asking a salesperson. Another way to check is by examining its mode selector switch or shift lever – typically located on the center console or dashboard.

Look for Locking Hub

Locking hubs are an important feature of 4×4 trucks that allow drivers to manually lock the front wheels to the axle for improved traction. This means that when driving on uneven or slippery surfaces, the driver can engage the locking hubs which will ensure that both front wheels rotate together, providing maximum traction and stability.

However, it’s not sure whether locking hubs are always found on all 4×4 trucks. They are typically an optional feature that is only available on certain models. So if you’re in the market for a 4×4 truck, it’s important to check whether it has locking hubs installed before making a purchase decision.

Here’s a short video on Four Wheel Drive Hubs working.

Check the Vehicle History Report

Another way to check its vehicle history report is from trusted sources like Carfax or AutoCheck.
A comprehensive vehicle history report will provide vital information about the truck’s specifications and features, including its 4X4 capabilities. You can easily access this information by providing the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the truck on these platforms. Once you do this, you’ll be able to see if the truck has ever been involved in any accidents, how many owners it’s had, and if it was regularly serviced among other things.

Look for a Neutral Position

The neutral position is an essential feature of a 4X4 truck as it allows you to shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes easily. To ensure that your vehicle is equipped with this feature, look for the transfer case under the truck.

To locate the transfer case, crawl under your vehicle and search for a metal box that sits between your transmission and rear differential. Once you find it, take a close look at its shifter mechanism. If there is a separate position marked “N” or Neutral on the shifter, then it means that your truck has a neutral position on its transfer case.

Look for a 4X4 Badge

You can also look for a badge or emblem on the body or tailgate of the truck. This badge will typically display the words “4X4,” making it easy to spot and identify.
When searching for this badge, keep in mind that it can vary depending on the make and model of the truck. Some badges may be larger and more prominent than others, while some may be located in different areas such as on the side panels rather than on the tailgate. Regardless of where it’s situated, finding this badge will give you peace of mind that you’re driving a 4X4.

Look at the Wheels

A 4X4 truck will typically have larger, more aggressive tires with deep treads designed for off-road use.
Typically, 4X4 trucks have higher ground clearance than their 2-wheel drive counterparts, which allows them to traverse over rocks and boulders without getting stuck or damaged. These types of trucks often have specialized suspension systems that provide better stability and control on uneven surfaces.

Final words

Knowing how to tell if the truck is 4X4 or not can be quite tricky. However, these tested methods should make the process much easier. By taking a few extra steps to investigate, you can ensure that you get the most out of your truck in terms of off-road driving and towing capabilities. Knowing whether a vehicle is 4X4 or not is an important factor when deciding which truck to buy.

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