'98 Navigator, 4WD problems
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
'98 Navigator, 4WD problems
98 Navigator with 70K miles
Winter is almost here, and I've found a problem in my 4WD when I tried to use it this morning in the snow. <O
Admittedly, its been a while since I used it (not much need in the summer) and when did put it into 4WD I was having problems on tight turns (think parking lot tight). It seemed in my limited experience like the front differential was not working, as I was getting noise and a little hopping on the tightest turns. It seemed like both wheels were turning at the same speed and not allowing those tight turns.
Is this pretty common? I’ve got zero problems in 2WD and A4WD which would make sense if it was the front diff, since that axle would not be engaged. My next question is what type of $$$ am I looking at for this. If it’s a big time fix I’m going to deal with not having it for a while, but maybe it’s a simpler fix. Any input would be appreciated.
Winter is almost here, and I've found a problem in my 4WD when I tried to use it this morning in the snow. <O
Admittedly, its been a while since I used it (not much need in the summer) and when did put it into 4WD I was having problems on tight turns (think parking lot tight). It seemed in my limited experience like the front differential was not working, as I was getting noise and a little hopping on the tightest turns. It seemed like both wheels were turning at the same speed and not allowing those tight turns.
Is this pretty common? I’ve got zero problems in 2WD and A4WD which would make sense if it was the front diff, since that axle would not be engaged. My next question is what type of $$$ am I looking at for this. If it’s a big time fix I’m going to deal with not having it for a while, but maybe it’s a simpler fix. Any input would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
It's Supposed to be grabby
Have you ever really used it in 4hi before? My truck, and every other 4wd that I have owned feels weird when in real 4wd because the inside and outside wheels are now moving at the same speed...even though the inside wheel is not traveling as far as the outside wheel. The steering feels very grabby....it's a good signal that you ARE in 4 wheel drive. And it's the reason that you only use 4hi and 4lo in slippery or offroad conditions, and never on dry pavement. I think you are exactly correct..it's the side effect of a locking diffential.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
What you are experiencing in 4 hi is normal. Both driveshafts are turning the same speed, locked together. You get wheel hop and steering jerk. Only use 4 hi/low on very slippery surfaces (mud or snow or boat ramp). Using 4 hi/low on non slippery surfaces will eventually cause more damage than you will like to pony up for.
A4WD pretty much does the job 95% of the time without any wheel hop or steering jerk because the driveshafts are allowed to turn at different speeds.
A4WD pretty much does the job 95% of the time without any wheel hop or steering jerk because the driveshafts are allowed to turn at different speeds.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LGS
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
Sep 24, 2016 08:08 AM
serussell
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
5
Sep 4, 2016 08:58 AM
BigGreen7.3swap
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Sep 28, 2014 09:21 PM
