4x4 High usage
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
4x4 High usage
So we finally got some snow here in southern Indiana and I used my 4x4 high for the first time. I switched it on at about 40mph on an icy road and heard a quick grind as it engaged. After it was active I noticed that I the truck sounded different. Not bad necessarily but I could definitely hear that the front drive shaft was engaged as I drove along. Is this normal? In my last Ram, the truck didn't sound any different as it operated in 4x4.
Before anyone asks, it wasn't being used on dry pavement at all. Completely iced over roads.
Thanks
XPD77
Before anyone asks, it wasn't being used on dry pavement at all. Completely iced over roads.
Thanks
XPD77
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
you will hear a slight tone change, more moving parts. sounds totally normal to me.
all my trucks are locked in 4 high for about 6 months out of the year. so it doesn't bother me much.
all my trucks are locked in 4 high for about 6 months out of the year. so it doesn't bother me much.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 56
Yep, normal. I used my 4x4 hi yesterday for quite some time, central Ohio. Mine made a clunk when the transfer case kicked in the front and then there was a whining noise from the power going to the front through the drive train, not bad. Every one of my 4x4 trucks had similar behavior.
I know you're not supposed to use it on pavement because it can put excess wear and drag on the drive system. However, some of the roads I drove on had patches of snow-blown cover and then clear for a bit and more snow, and they were pretty straight. I left the truck in 4x4 until I hit a turn, then back to 2wd, then back to 4x4.
I know you're not supposed to use it on pavement because it can put excess wear and drag on the drive system. However, some of the roads I drove on had patches of snow-blown cover and then clear for a bit and more snow, and they were pretty straight. I left the truck in 4x4 until I hit a turn, then back to 2wd, then back to 4x4.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
The 4wd on my '11 is far louder than that of my '00. My '00 never whined and clunked like my '11 does... As others said, I'd say it's normal for these trucks.
I do as fixdent mentioned, hubs are engaged all winter. I could care less whether or not it effects mpg's (which sucks to begin with).
I do as fixdent mentioned, hubs are engaged all winter. I could care less whether or not it effects mpg's (which sucks to begin with).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,146
Likes: 15,911
From: Wisconsin
Normal, but don't forget to grease the front hubs. I can see the sound being louder than it should if the grease wasn't full. There are two grease fittings there (one per side).
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2012
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That's not a hub, that is a u-joint.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North Central Washington
The only thing that concerns me with XPD77's post is the grinding noise when he first put it in 4x4. It's probably fine as the gears have to mesh up as they go into gear. The noise sound normal once it is in gear. I haven't tried mine at speed yet, turned it in the other day while moving but I was only moving about 15 to 20 mph.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 55
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From: Southern Indiana
Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like mine is working the same your yours then. I remember that my Ram said that 4high could be engaged while moving up to 70mph. I don't remember my F350 manual saying a speed but I assumed it was ok to engage it on the fly. I will have to go back and re-check. I will have to look into greasing the hubs/U-joint.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Technically, it won't go into 4 wheel high if it thinks its a bad idea. The light will just blink if you're going too fast or something like that. I think the limit is 50mph.
I usually try to engage it when I'm going real slow just to be sure everything goes smoothly.
I usually try to engage it when I'm going real slow just to be sure everything goes smoothly.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
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From: Stafford Virginia
I had mine engaged today. I took my step-son out archery shooting today. I am recovering from back surgery so I really didn't shoot much. Anyway I have a good open field close to my house that has a large burm of dirt, mud, and mulch so I set up my decoy fake deer in front of the pile. Of course there was quite a bit of puddles and mud so I had to put my truck in 4x4 high and lock the differential. Once I turned off the traction control these trucks can really drive off-road very very well. Tomorrow I'm gonna have to pressure wash the red clay mess I made out of my truck!