4x4 Problem?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Castine, ME
4x4 Problem?
Hi there, I posted this in the off road and 4x4 forum, but didn't get much response. I dont't have a lot of 4X4 experience, so this should be an easy question. When I put the truck in 4hi (or low) and and make lock to lock turns, the front wheels seem to jump and hop. It gets progressively worse as you turn the wheel. I know it dosen't have a locker or anything and it only does it when engaged in 4x4. When driving in 2wd with the hubs locked in, it's fine. It is slightly less in deep snow or mud, but it really feels like something is binding and going to break. Is this normal? any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 SWB 300I6
NP205
4 speed
Thanks,
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 SWB 300I6
NP205
4 speed
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Stafford USA
4x4 Problem?
Hi,
Did you check the u-joints in the axles at the steering knuckles? I've had to replace those before. Sounds similar to your problem. Bad wheelbearings will do the same thing but they do it all the time, not just in 4 wheel drive. Good luck.
Rodger
Did you check the u-joints in the axles at the steering knuckles? I've had to replace those before. Sounds similar to your problem. Bad wheelbearings will do the same thing but they do it all the time, not just in 4 wheel drive. Good luck.
Rodger
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: LeClaire IA
4x4 Problem?
the front axles are inherent to binding with the sigle u-joint it becomes very evedent at the extremes of the turns. with the transfer case disengaged it will not be as bad because the axle is not fighting the diff it would not hurt to change the u-joints , i have seen a broken u-joint first make it impossible to turn the wheel one way and then because it broke in the manner that it did the whole diff had to be replaced. take care of it cause its not cheap if you dont.
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: washington
4x4 Problem?
It's perfectly normal for this to happen. The u-joints are binding up and causing it to hop or skip. I would suggest not to turn sharply with the 4x4 and hubs engaged. This puts excessive wear on the joints and the diff. Try making shorter turns and avoid excessive turning on pavement with everything engaged. This will just make everything live longer!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
4x4 Problem?
on some trucks it's supposed to do that (on my 87 it does it and its normal), your not supposed to have it in 4wheeldrive on the street mainly cause its bad for it (stress) and also for the reason that you cant turn it.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
4x4 Problem?
4WD will cause the tires to be jerky like that on dry pavement or anything where they can't slip enough to prevent the jerking, also gets worse with tighter turns. When you turn, the inside wheel travels less distance than the outside, the tires will slip to compensate for the different distance. This even happens when standing still. That is why the manual recommends not using 4WD on dry pavement. You really don't need 4WD until it is muddy or snowy anyway. Even rain isn't enough reason to use 4WD in most cases.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Castine, ME
4x4 Problem?
hey.....thanks for all of your inputs. I just realized that I posted this in the wrong forum (should have been 80-86 trucks), but I greatly appreciate the help. My u joints seem ok, but maybe I'll change them just to be safe. Again, thanks for the help
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 SWB 300I6
NP205
4speed
captntim
'86 F150 4x4 SWB 300I6
NP205
4speed
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