4x4 binding
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 44
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From: DFW
4x4 binding
I have a 2004 4x4 Screw Larait. When I am in 4 wheel drive and making a
turn, the truck wants to come to a binding halt. Like the breaks are on.
I'm not talking about a sharp turn either. My warranty is almost out and
was wondering if anyone is having this problem.
turn, the truck wants to come to a binding halt. Like the breaks are on.
I'm not talking about a sharp turn either. My warranty is almost out and
was wondering if anyone is having this problem.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
"rain and dry pavement"
You use your 4x4 in rain, and on dry pavement? That will ruin your 4x4 system right quick. I dont know what gears you have, but ALL 4x4 setups have slightly staggered gearing (for example, 3.55 rear gears, 3.54 front gears). When you use this setup on tar, there is no give or slip, and nasty things happen. This is not a problem on snow or mud, because it is naturally slipperly, so the overdrive effect is negated. Do you drive in rain or on dry tar with 4x4 often??
You use your 4x4 in rain, and on dry pavement? That will ruin your 4x4 system right quick. I dont know what gears you have, but ALL 4x4 setups have slightly staggered gearing (for example, 3.55 rear gears, 3.54 front gears). When you use this setup on tar, there is no give or slip, and nasty things happen. This is not a problem on snow or mud, because it is naturally slipperly, so the overdrive effect is negated. Do you drive in rain or on dry tar with 4x4 often??
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: DFW
No. This isn't my first 4x4. I have had the binding occur a couple times accidentally. After the binding occurred on ice, I decided to test a couple times on dry payment. Apparently, you can't turn a F150 that is in 4 wheel dr. My jeep will turn. My explorer would turn. My waggoneer would turn.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
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From: In my House
In your 4x4 supplement that comes with your truck, it specifically tells you not to use 4x4 on dry pavement. These are not AWD vehicles. AWD vehicles have a viscous clutch in the drivetrain to allow for speed differences that occur when turning and the like.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
using that 4x4 system on that type of surface will ruin the components. Ice would be fine but i would not use it in the rain or on dry pavement.
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Freshman User
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From: DFW
Originally Posted by ford390gashog
using that 4x4 system on that type of surface will ruin the components. Ice would be fine but i would not use it in the rain or on dry pavement.
during an ice storm. Is that normal?
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: DFW
Originally Posted by WheelMA1
It could have been at that exact moment, you werent on a patch of ice. Have you taken it to the dealer for this concern at all before?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
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Originally Posted by jmizell49
Ice, rain and dry pavement. Havn't tried mud yet.
i have no problems turning my f150s. of corse i dont use 4x4 on the road neither. i have never needed to. i mainly use 4x4 to keep from tearing the ground up in the pasture on in the yard.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
It is because of the staggered gearing I mentioned a few posts above. Also, it is not oil floating on the surface that causes rain to be slick, its the rain that causes rain to be slick. Whether you put a truck off the road due to a puddle, or slip and slide taking a corner, it is all varying degrees of hydroplaning. Back to the gearing, with the staggered gearing mentioned, the front end will actually spin faster, and 'drag' the rear end along...to a point. This is not noticed in the snow or mud, because of the constant slippage, so the bind is corrected. The static traction that tarmac provides is far greater than the other mediums, so there is no chance for the 4x4 system to unbind. This is done for safety in winter driving. It forces the vehicle to oversteer, giving greater confidence driving into slick winter corners and hills. It literally turns the vehicle into a puller momentarily, instead of the normal RWD pusher.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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i live in central ny ,my driveway has snow all winter,and i noticed my truck(reg cab f150)also binds more so than my old truck.i only have 4000 miles,seems i'll have to pay more attention next winter if this isnt normal.