I need some help i have a 1999 dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.2l when i am turning the steering wheel while the 4x4 is on it feels like the front axles are binding up and doesn't let me turn that far left or right. One of my friends she that it could be the u joints but wouldn't it do it when the 4x4 was off two if the u joints were bad. It works great when the 4x4 is off. I have all so jacked up the truck and had the 4x4 on and turned the wheel and it dont bind up it turned lock to lock.

 

Were you on a high traction surface at the time? If so, that's normal, and you really shouldn't do that. Front and rear wheels follow different paths in turns, hence, they travel different distances.... that puts the driveline into a bind condition. If you are on a high traction surface, and do that to much, things break. NEVER use 4x4 on bare pavement.

 

no it does it in the mud

 

It won't bind because there's no resistance on front tires. As HeyYou said, when in 4wd there's speed difference between the front and rear axle, and since the t-case has no central diff you feel the jerking motion on steering wheel and it might feel that front is binding. It's more noticeable in 4 low, and short wheelbase is more jerky than LWB.
But check the U-joints, they could bind if they are dry of grease. Although they would make noise in 2wd also.

 

I will check them out but like i said if it was grease or bad u joints it would do it all the time but going to check anyway

 

My guess is that you were getting more traction than you thought you were. When it happens try going back to 2wd. If you have no issues (ie you can move without getting stuck) then more than likely all four tires were getting traction.

 

I dont know its about foot or more of mud

 

Then you were probably fighting against the mud to turn. Dirt isn't real compressible.

 

They make a higher ratio steering gear box if your having issues off-road.

 

Be carefull in the mud, so you don't end up with steering parts like this: