MAJOR Crabbing
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 172
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From: Berks County, PA
MAJOR Crabbing
I recently serviced my differential on the front axle. I switched into 4x4 today and when turning, the truck has severe crabbing, as in the whole truck shakes. The harder the turn, the worse it gets. I didn't keep it in 4x4 very long (only had to get out of the grass) but it felt like the entire front end was lifting and then dropping. I actually think it was doing the same thing when I test drove the truck but i tested the 4x4 on sandy soil so it was not as noticeable. On the dry pavement it is VERY noticeable.
When I serviced the differential I used Royal Purple Max Gear 75w 140. The front axle is the standard one for the truck (Dana 50 I think?). Any thoughts on what to do / check / test ? I'm at a bit of a loss on this one.
UPDATE - I used the RP and did not add any friction modifier as it has it in it already. The fact it may have been doing it prior to purchase does make me think it's something else.
JP
When I serviced the differential I used Royal Purple Max Gear 75w 140. The front axle is the standard one for the truck (Dana 50 I think?). Any thoughts on what to do / check / test ? I'm at a bit of a loss on this one.
UPDATE - I used the RP and did not add any friction modifier as it has it in it already. The fact it may have been doing it prior to purchase does make me think it's something else.
JP
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 172
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From: Berks County, PA
Forgive me, I'm new at this issue. If the u-joints are bound up, would they be "frozen" in place? I'm not quite sure I'm getting it. If you could explain that would be great.
JP
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 128
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From: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
The bouncing and binding in 4x4 is pretty normal because we have solid axles, idealy if you are using 4x4 you are using it in a situation where the ground is slippery enough that it does not matter. This is my theory, but I could be wrong...it has happened before....
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
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From: Wallingford, CT
Sounds like OP was on a hard surface trying to turn in 4x4. It's entirely normal to have things bind up and jerk around in 4x4 on a hard surface.
If it did that in mud or snow or another loose surface then I'd be concerned.
On dry pavement the front end will bind up with just the hubs engaged nevermind the transfer case actually being engaged.
If it did that in mud or snow or another loose surface then I'd be concerned.
On dry pavement the front end will bind up with just the hubs engaged nevermind the transfer case actually being engaged.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
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From: Northern Indiana
Unjoints do sound like the problem, but on another note I dont think that 75/140 is the right weight for the front axle. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure you are supposed to use 90 weight up front. Forgive me if I am wrong.
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
As stated the 4x4 is not designed to be used on dry pavement, in fact it usually don't like wet pavement either. It is designed for slick, slippery, and traction challenged surfaces. If it was on dry pavement it sounds normal. Was the grass dry or slick?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Berks County, PA
JP
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
4x4 is fine on dry pavement so long as you're not trying to turn. 4x4 is GREAT for launches at the drag strip. The 2wd trucks are still spinning tires while the 4x4 trucks are already halfway down the track. But that's a different type of situation and you are correct in that it wasn't designed for use there... but it works great.
