When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
In 4hi the transfer case is locked front to back. Any difference in the size of the tires and when turning it causes strain on the drive-train until either the front or rear wheels slip. I have AWD mode but on my truck where its just 4-hi I try to only use 4-hi when its mostly snow covered.
Small noises & vibrations are fairly normal when you are in 4 wheel drive especially on older trucks. I would think if something is wrong, you would hear the noise even when you are in snow. Maybe an alignment problem giving the vibration when the transfer cases are locked.
Even with the same tire sizes, if one axles tires are slightly more worn than the others it could be putting a little bind on the drivetrain... Nothing you should worry about but a good reason to stay out of 4x4 unless you need it. Snow allows for a bit of slip so you dont have any bind.
As a general rule of thumb, I only use 4x4 to get unstuck or perhaps to avoid getting stuck. I think they say to keep it under 35 mph to avoid to much wear. Anything faster really doesn't need 4x4. I submit that anything over 10 doesnt if your not slipping.
I am sure different people will have their own take on this... For me, occasionally when I go out to have fun in the truck, I find 2wd is way more fun cause your steering left to go right.
Are your front and back tires the same brand they very in size despite the markings? I've even experienced this with two new tiers on one end and used on the other.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.