I saw this Jeep today, a big “4 x 4” written in large letters on the back. So I got to wondering, why not just say 4WD for four wheel drive? Presumably one of the 4’s mean it is 4WD, but what’s the purpose of the other “4”? I mean, think about it, no secret it has 4 wheels like any other passeng…

Ooh that would be fun to have. Never really heard the 6x6, just mostly deuce and a half which I guess was 2 1/2 ton. Certainly no air suspension though. Hard as rocks to ride in.

^If I had to pick one surplus vehicle as a toy, I’d probably want a GAMA goat.

I always thought 4x4 meant 4 powered wheels and a four speed (manual) transmission.(as opposed to a 3 speed). I could be wrong, but that is my memory.

^If I had to pick one surplus vehicle as a toy, I'd probably want a GAMA goat. That is by far one of these most dangerous vehicles ever built. Very easy to flip. You turn right by locking the right wheels as the left wheels continue to turn…and visa-versa to turn left.

TSM: I agree. I suspect that when 5 speed transmissions became common, someone had to find a new meaning for the other “4”.

Bill, you’re probably right. The meanings of lots and lots of terms have changed in my lifetime. This is just one of many.

Never heard of either ‘4’ referring to transmission speeds. Always number of wheels X number driven. Now ‘442’ is another matter…

marketing has muddied the waters regarding 4 wheel drive equipped vehicles. To the me terms mean 4 X 4 – is a vehicle with 4 wheel drive that is activated via a transfer case where the driver selects from 2 wheel drive (rear wheels), 4 wheel drive high range, and 4 wheel drive low range. This sys…

What does "4 x 4" actually mean?

General Discussion

the_same_mountainbike March 29, 2016, 5:55pm 13

When I was a young man 4X4 meant 4WD, 4 speed transmission. The meaning has morphed over the years to be used for any 4WD vehicle.

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What does "4 x 4" actually mean?

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