exactly. this is NOT a "shift on the fly" 4WD system. this is an AWD system with a computer controlled clutch. The more amperage sent to the clutch, the less it slips. At a certain amperage, it slips no more (until its maximum torque is reached, and I have no idea what that is.. Im sure its will into the thousands of ft/pounds, though.).
the componants are always in motion. The clutch just determines the amount of torque transferred from the propshaft (being spun by the transfer case) to the rear differential/axles (being spun by the tires).
No amperage = no transfer of power. Like reving your car engine in nuetral.

quite possible. I did think of one potential therory, though.. its POSSIBLE that the transfer of torque through the propshaft and rear differential is LESS efficient than through the front tires. So instead of 100 percent going to the front wheels with a lesser degree of parasitic loss, 50 percent (or whatever the ECM decides) of the power will go to the rear, but suffer a slightly larger loss of energy. As such, the engine will need to create more torque equal to the percentage of parasitic loss associated with torque transfer though the rear. Friction losses dont change, but energy losses may.
really, that could just be the case.

 

I didnt know that. I just thought you drank a lot of beer and had waytoo much time on your hands [sm=partyparty.gif][sm=smiley2.gif]

 

Hey Manybrews!

You're a "Good Sport"!

But I still believe that the difference in MPG exists!