Dog clutch with synchronizer and method

A vehicle comprising:

• a base transmission including a plurality of transmission range clutches, gears, and shafts;
• a front differential selectively coupled to the base transmission;
• at least one front axis transfer mechanism configured to transmit torque from the base transmission to the front differential;
• a dog clutch assembly including:
• a synchronizer configured to synchronize the base transmission and the front differential;
• and
• a dog clutch hub having a first hub surface and second hub surface, and at least one mechanical engagement feature that extends from the second hub surface, the dog clutch hub being configured to be coupled with the synchronizer;
• a dog clutch apply plate having a first plate surface, a second plate surface, and at least one mechanical engagement feature that extends from the second plate surface;
• a clutch apply mechanism configured to axially displace the dog clutch apply plate and engage or disengage the dog clutch apply plate with the dog clutch hub;
• wherein the dog clutch assembly is configured to selectively couple the base transmission and the front differential when the dog clutch apply plate is engaged with the dog clutch hub;
• and
• wherein the dog clutch assembly is configured to selectively decouple the base transmission and the front differential when the dog clutch apply plate is disengaged from the dog clutch hub to allow the base transmission to operate in a low loss state.