4x4 drive train problem
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4x4 drive train problem
Truck is a 2004 Ram 1500
Last winter I drove my truck in 4 High quite often. I started noticing some unstability when I would turn but nothing when I was going straight. I havn't done anything about it yet besides just driving in 2 High.
Today I tested it again on dry pavement backing out of the driveway slowly in 4 High. No problem going straight. But once I start turning, the truck stops like I was hitting the brakes.
It's as if the dif or something isn't allowing slippage to compensate for the arc in the turn. But it's fine in 2 High. I'm guessing transfer case?
Last winter I drove my truck in 4 High quite often. I started noticing some unstability when I would turn but nothing when I was going straight. I havn't done anything about it yet besides just driving in 2 High.
Today I tested it again on dry pavement backing out of the driveway slowly in 4 High. No problem going straight. But once I start turning, the truck stops like I was hitting the brakes.
It's as if the dif or something isn't allowing slippage to compensate for the arc in the turn. But it's fine in 2 High. I'm guessing transfer case?
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From: South Georgia/East Florida
4 wheel drive is NOT to be used on dry pavement. Worn tires, premature failure of steering components and damage to transfer case and transmission can result. The only 4 wheel drive system that can be used on dry pavement is an All-Wheel-Drive, also known as a "Full-Time" system. That's owning a 4 wheel drive "101"...
From the book:
When shifting from two- to four-wheel drive in a vehicle with a part-time four-wheel drive system, the system locks together the front and rear axles, so the front and rear wheels rotate at the same speed. This improves straight-line traction.
Since the part-time system has no center differential, there is no way for the two axles to rotate at different speeds in a corner. Part-time systems shouldn't be engaged unless the vehicle is on very slippery road conditions such as deep snow and mud where wheels can slip as necessary for turning.
Driving your vehicle on dry pavement with four-wheel drive activated, you will likely feel an awkward, binding sense as you turn a corner. It's also very likely that damage to drive system components on these vehicles and premature tire wear will result if you travel in four-wheel drive on dry pavement.
From the book:
When shifting from two- to four-wheel drive in a vehicle with a part-time four-wheel drive system, the system locks together the front and rear axles, so the front and rear wheels rotate at the same speed. This improves straight-line traction.
Since the part-time system has no center differential, there is no way for the two axles to rotate at different speeds in a corner. Part-time systems shouldn't be engaged unless the vehicle is on very slippery road conditions such as deep snow and mud where wheels can slip as necessary for turning.
Driving your vehicle on dry pavement with four-wheel drive activated, you will likely feel an awkward, binding sense as you turn a corner. It's also very likely that damage to drive system components on these vehicles and premature tire wear will result if you travel in four-wheel drive on dry pavement.
Last edited by HammerZ71; May 24, 2011 at 06:47 AM.
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Thanks Hammer. I don't remember it being that bad before. I've had the truck for two years. But I'm glad it turns out there is no problem. Incidently though, having it in 4 high got me out of the way of a sure accident last winter. I might have to go shopping for an AWD.
Incidently, if you have a Dana 44 on the truck, it would be ok to keep it 4 high all the time (in spite of the wear and tear)?
Incidently, if you have a Dana 44 on the truck, it would be ok to keep it 4 high all the time (in spite of the wear and tear)?
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From: South Georgia/East Florida
No, it doesn't matter what axle you have, a part-time 4 WD system is a part-time system. AWD isn't in 4 high all the time either, it's in 2 wheel drive, but sensors determine wheel slippage and diverts power to the front wheels (or rear wheels if it's a FWD vehicle) for you.
Or in a system such as the Jeep Quadradrive which utilizes a gerotor coupling in the Quadra-Trac II transfer case and in the Vari-Lok front and rear progressive axles to send torque to the front driveshaft and/or from side-to-side within each axle when wheel slippage occurs allowing all 100% of the vehicles power to go to a single wheel with traction if necessary.
Your truck probably feels worse now because you've worn out some components due to improperly using your 4WD system so you're feeling the bind more. Yes, if you want to drive on pavement with a vehicle that will "sense" trouble and shift itself into 4WD for you, then you want an AWD vehicle and not a true off-road system...
Or in a system such as the Jeep Quadradrive which utilizes a gerotor coupling in the Quadra-Trac II transfer case and in the Vari-Lok front and rear progressive axles to send torque to the front driveshaft and/or from side-to-side within each axle when wheel slippage occurs allowing all 100% of the vehicles power to go to a single wheel with traction if necessary.
Your truck probably feels worse now because you've worn out some components due to improperly using your 4WD system so you're feeling the bind more. Yes, if you want to drive on pavement with a vehicle that will "sense" trouble and shift itself into 4WD for you, then you want an AWD vehicle and not a true off-road system...
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I second 100% what Hammer said.
While I was away last winter for some training, my little brother (he's 18) used my truck for a few weeks. He told me he engaged 4HI during a snowstorm (no problem) but left it engaged on dry pavement for those few weeks. I came home and took the truck for a ride to the store and noticed a loud knocking coming from the front axle...
Took her to the mechanic and ended up dishing out $1200 for a new differential. The dry pavement (and him taking sharp turns) shredded up the differential. Before the repair, took me a few minutes to just disengage it from from 4HI...
I am VERY cautious when driving with 4HI. Unless i'm in a few inches of mud or snow, I leave it off.
While I was away last winter for some training, my little brother (he's 18) used my truck for a few weeks. He told me he engaged 4HI during a snowstorm (no problem) but left it engaged on dry pavement for those few weeks. I came home and took the truck for a ride to the store and noticed a loud knocking coming from the front axle...
Took her to the mechanic and ended up dishing out $1200 for a new differential. The dry pavement (and him taking sharp turns) shredded up the differential. Before the repair, took me a few minutes to just disengage it from from 4HI...
I am VERY cautious when driving with 4HI. Unless i'm in a few inches of mud or snow, I leave it off.
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(Just re-reading what I wrote earlier. I sure seem to be liking the word 'incidently')
I've been driving 4x4 for most of my life. My dad bought our first one back in 1978. It became my ride when I turned 16 in 1987. He's always had a 4x4 since then. Now I have my own. I wish I would have known a long time ago not to use the 4 high so often. I guess I've worn out my share of tires and transfer case components.
Thanks for the lesson guys.
I've been driving 4x4 for most of my life. My dad bought our first one back in 1978. It became my ride when I turned 16 in 1987. He's always had a 4x4 since then. Now I have my own. I wish I would have known a long time ago not to use the 4 high so often. I guess I've worn out my share of tires and transfer case components.
Thanks for the lesson guys.
