'01 4x4 traction problem
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'01 4x4 traction problem
Hi all,
I've been having a traction problem with my '01 4x4 Ranger...I live in the midwest and we just got hit by a pretty big snowstorm so of course I turned on the 4x4 24/7. It handles great but it seems like whenever I'm making a tight turn in forward or reverse the tires want to get caught up, almost like there's chunks of snow on the tires keeping it from staying on course. I got under the truck and looked at the tires and tread and so forth, even looked at the control arms and suspension connections to see if maybe there was ice or snow on them but they are pretty clean. Does anyone know what this could be? Is it normal?
Thank you for your help,
fl
I've been having a traction problem with my '01 4x4 Ranger...I live in the midwest and we just got hit by a pretty big snowstorm so of course I turned on the 4x4 24/7. It handles great but it seems like whenever I'm making a tight turn in forward or reverse the tires want to get caught up, almost like there's chunks of snow on the tires keeping it from staying on course. I got under the truck and looked at the tires and tread and so forth, even looked at the control arms and suspension connections to see if maybe there was ice or snow on them but they are pretty clean. Does anyone know what this could be? Is it normal?
Thank you for your help,
fl
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
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4x4's do that when thier locked in and your trying to make a tight turn, it's like it's binding, the tires start scuffing, may even wheel hop a tad, completely normal. If your allready use to that and are describing something else, I'm clueless, maybe a little more info would help.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
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From: So. Cal.
You shouldn't be using 4WD all the time. To do that, you need AWD (All Wheel Drive), something that has a differential in the middle. What you are feeling IS the drivetrain binding, because the front & rear travel different distances when turning a corner.
Look in your drivers manual. It specifically says not to use 4WD all the time. You'll damage the transfer case if you keep it up.
Pat
Look in your drivers manual. It specifically says not to use 4WD all the time. You'll damage the transfer case if you keep it up.
Pat
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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You can run it in 4wd all the time as long as the road conditions are such that you need it. We've been in 4wd since tuesday when the blizard hit. Just today they had the roads cleaned off enough to go back to 2wd. I believe what reddog99 is trying to say is that you shouldn't be in 4wd on dry pavement, the wheels need to be able to slip a little when turning becuse of the different wheel speeds between the inner and outer wheels. If the roads are bad, by all means use it, thats why you have a 4x4. If the roads are dry, don't use it, like has been stated, it's hard on the transfer case. A straight strech of road is ok, it's turning where the harm comes in. Like reddog99 has said, make sure to read your manual, it will help you get an understanding of how your 4x4 system works.
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Originally Posted by reddog99
You shouldn't be using 4WD all the time. To do that, you need AWD (All Wheel Drive), something that has a differential in the middle. What you are feeling IS the drivetrain binding, because the front & rear travel different distances when turning a corner.
Look in your drivers manual. It specifically says not to use 4WD all the time. You'll damage the transfer case if you keep it up.
Pat
Look in your drivers manual. It specifically says not to use 4WD all the time. You'll damage the transfer case if you keep it up.
Pat
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Slatington PA
Yea, my truck use to do that to. sometimes it would do it so harshly, the front end would bounce up in the air. it did it on dirt road too.
Oh the wonderfull advantage of AWD.
Oh the wonderfull advantage of AWD.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Wisconsin
I agree with the other guys, sounds normal for a 4wd. My 01 does exactly the same thing. Sharp cornering with 4wd engaged seems to be the culprit. It must be binding up in the drive system. 4wd is sweet in snow!