Nomenclature/Decal Question

[Blacksmith]

Just returned from a long road trip to the camp (560 miles one way). Saw a lot of trucks (I have a two wheel drive F150 myself). I understand the 4x4 on the rear fenders of countless 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks, but why do the 1 ton duallies with power to both axles say 4x4? Shouldn't it be 6x6, or do two of the rear wheels fall off when they engage the transfer case?

[Black Wolf]

Think of it as 4 (wheel positions) x 4 (wheel positions driving)
See if that makes more sense. It's the same on the Class 8 side. Tandem steering axles & tandem driving axles with all wheel positions driving is called an 8x8. It's just how it is.

Later,

[BWS29128]

A 2X4 uses one differential.
A 4X4 uses two differentials.
A 6X6 uses three differentials.

I suppose you could label it a 4X6, but technically speaking, a "Dual Rear Wheel" is a composite assembly combining two rims into one, so you still only have two differentials turning a total of four hub/wheel assemblies.

Army "Deuce 'n a Half" trucks and 5-Ton Trucks are good examples of true 6X6's: three seperate axles with three seperate differentials.

[Blacksmith]

Thanks. I see the logic now. I remember the old 6x6 military trucks with 2 rear drive axles.