4x4 hi and low, drags when turning...

[puddle hunter]

When I switch to 4hi or 4low, and make a turn, it feels like the system is binding. The truck actually wont even move unless you give it a decent amount of throttle and/or straighten out the wheel. If you're already moving and make a turn, this "binding" will actually slow the truck to a stop.

I haven't used the 4x4 system in awhile, but the last time I used it, this wasn't happening. The REALLY strange part, is that it continues to "hang up" even when you switch back to 4x2. It almost feels like the parking brake is on, but that isn't the case.

I have no suspension modifications... anybody experience this, or have any ideas? Computer? Mechanical? I'm going to try and get it into Ford tomorrow, hopefully they'll have some input. I'm just glad I'm only a year into my warranty.

 

[jdowens1]

Do you put it in four wheel drive on pavement? If your turning from lock to lock it will bind up due to angels of cv at wheel.

 

[whtrapta]

Thats because the truck is binding up. There is no center diff in these to eliminate that.

 

[puddle hunter]

Do you put it in four wheel drive on pavement? If your turning from lock to lock it will bind up due to angels of cv at wheel.

I experienced it at first on pavement, then took it onto some hard packed clay and it still continued there.. albeit less so because of the wheel slip in the dirt. Still noticeable though.

Thats because the truck is binding up. There is no center diff in these to eliminate that.

So this is completely normal and I didn't notice it before? The quick fix is more pressure on the right pedal?

It just feels so odd... even my wife noticed it and she's the furthest thing from mechanically sensitive..

 

[whtrapta]

You shouldn't be doing it on the street. In the dirt and snow is fine. Street is putting a lot of stress on stuff

 

[Squatting Dog]

I notice it more when traction control is on and offroad is mode off. Might be my imagination though...

-Greg

 

[puddle hunter]

You shouldn't be doing it on the street. In the dirt and snow is fine. Street is putting a lot of stress on stuff

Yea, I know... I turned it on when we got our first rains in a long time and the roads were slicker than snot. Thats when I noticed it... but if its all normal, then I'll let it be. Just have to pay a little more attention when I finally get it out and flog it in Death Valley in a couple weeks.

 

[JP7]

I have a feeling this will be a popular thread.
I have binding too, and Ford can't figure it out so far. But I have the same experiences as you and agree that it isn't exactly right - my tech keeps telling me to break stuff so they can replace it under warranty.

 

[Ranger]

My understanding is if you use 4wd on pavement you are gonna brake something eventually by turning like that.

 

[Steve-O]

either all my 4x4 trucks had this same problem or its normal. with your rear wheels, only one spins unless the limited slip kick in, and those wheels are always facing the same direction (they dont turn). when its in 4x4, both wheels are spinning together at the same speed. when you turn, one wheel goes a further distance (the outside wheel). if they attached, spinning at the same speed, going different distances (only by a few inches), one is going to drag. if its in the dirt, its not a big deal cuz theres less holding it back. on pavement, its a lot harder to drag something. hope that makes sense. im not the best at explaining these things.