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What year is your truck? Have you tried parking without 4WD?
It's normal and if your steering is binding, you shouldn't use 4WD (the surface has too much traction).
'96 F250 5.8L Supercab Long bed. I have tried parking without the 4WD and I cannot get into the space, it does not "bind" when just using 2WD though. As I said earlier, it still worked, just seemed like it was binding or something. Maybe that's the normal behavior and I just don't know it. This is my first truck and first 4WD.
Not enough traction in 2wd. 4wd was fine until I reached the extreme end of the steering, even then it worked, but it seemed like I was running over a small tree (even though none was there).
Yeah, probably your axle u-joints binding a little. I wouldn't hoss on it, just back 'er in easy. Should be OK, IMO. Also, if you scroll down a little further on the forums page, you'll find this 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums which is the 87-96 F150 and larger truck forum. You'll be more at home there, as this is the 2009-up F150 forum. Good luck, and welcome to FTE!
i may be slightly uneducated in the 4x4 department, but does the front axle work like the limited slip rear end? or is it a solid(well not solid, due to the independent suspension, but like a live axle with no LS)?
The front end on an IFS vehicle must be an open differential because the wheels articulate separate from each other, which cause them to constantly be traveling as slightly different distances/speeds. If they where locked together (say in a LS or locker) the half shafts would snap pretty quick.
A lot of solid front axle trucks use a selectable locker up front for mud or really steep hills where you don't have to turn much. Like putting our trucks in 4x4 on pavement, driving anything with the front locked will bind when steering.
The OP did not mention which trim level truck he has. If he has an FX4 or Raptor (giving him a rear locker) he should try not to turn too sharp with the locker engaged. Use 4x4 hi with no locker and there will still be some binding, but a lot less than if you were locked up.
Yeah, probably your axle u-joints binding a little. I wouldn't hoss on it, just back 'er in easy. Should be OK, IMO. Also, if you scroll down a little further on the forums page, you'll find this 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums which is the 87-96 F150 and larger truck forum. You'll be more at home there, as this is the 2009-up F150 forum. Good luck, and welcome to FTE!
Thanks D8chumley...The only reason I posted here is that the topic was almost exactly my problem. I did however, go over to the 87-96 forum and asked the same question. They were better able to respond. Thanks for the tip...I'll be sure to use that in the future!!
The front end on an IFS vehicle must be an open differential because the wheels articulate separate from each other, which cause them to constantly be traveling as slightly different distances/speeds. If they where locked together (say in a LS or locker) the half shafts would snap pretty quick.
A lot of solid front axle trucks use a selectable locker up front for mud or really steep hills where you don't have to turn much. Like putting our trucks in 4x4 on pavement, driving anything with the front locked will bind when steering.
The OP did not mention which trim level truck he has. If he has an FX4 or Raptor (giving him a rear locker) he should try not to turn too sharp with the locker engaged. Use 4x4 hi with no locker and there will still be some binding, but a lot less than if you were locked up.