Front Binding Up when i'm in 4x4

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May 15, 2010 | 10:08 PM

bigmike7272

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Front Binding Up when i'm in 4x4

I have a 1991 ranger when i'm in 4x4 and turn sharp my front end binds up is this my differential or just a bad hub? I have lock-out hubs on it. I only does it when it's in 4x4 i can have the hubs locked and in 2-wheel and it's fine. Please help

May 16, 2010 | 09:42 PM

reddog99

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From: So. Cal.

It sounds like you're trying to drive 4x4 on dry pavement. If so, then that's the problem (it shouldn't be done).

Maybe I misunderstand you. What do you mean by the front end binding up?

May 16, 2010 | 09:53 PM

bigmike7272

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I'm not driving on dry pavement it's in the back woods only when i need 4x4. It only does it when i turn sharp no matter what way. By binding up i mean the front wheels will almost stop turning completely, i have to give it more gas just to keep it from stalling out. It makes a terrible knocking noise and bounces like it binds and releases. Sorry i wasn't more informative in my initial post.

May 16, 2010 | 11:25 PM

g_k50

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It might be that the tires are traveling on different radiuses, this means that the outside tire travels farther than the inside tire. So something has to jump to catch up. It's your diff but it's normal.

May 18, 2010 | 08:27 PM

reddog99

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From: So. Cal.

What you describe isn't normal for off-road driving. The only thing I can think of on a '91 would be a bad U-joint in one of the front axle shafts. It should be fairly easy to diagnose, and you might be able to see something abnormal by just looking at it. It sounds like it could do some damage to something if you keep driving 4WD.

May 19, 2010 | 10:58 AM

wtroger

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I can always tell when I am in 4x4 by the way the front end behaves when turning the harder the turn and the dry the surface the more push or scrub you are going to feel.