Question about 4H

I was driving in 4H just my monthly maintenance. I made a uturn and all wheels locked up and did a 2 feet skid. Is this normal for a wheels to lock up at full turn?

 

were you on dry pavement? Don't want to make turns in 4x4 on dry pavement, you're going to break something.

 

FTFY

 

Got a nice rush from that huh

 

As always.

 

Yes on dry pavement, so if I was on sand make a full turn would it still lock up?

 

Our 4WD systems are part time 4WD, meaning we don't have a center diff like AWD or full time 4WD vehicles do. Turning on hard packed surfaces creates binding in the drivetrain and puts unnecessary stress on it - it will break something if you do it frequently, if you're lucky just a CV axle but it could be much worse.

The wheels were "locking up" because they were binding up around the turn...on slippery surfaces they are allowed to slip which eliminates the bind. On hard surfaces, they can't slip until they either force it or something gives/breaks

If you must use 4wd on dry pavement then try to stay in as straight a line as you can

 

Turning on any surface more slick than wet pavement will do you good. On hard packed dirt, you might feel some bind, but there will be no problems. Sand will not slide due to 4wd alone.

Driving in 4Hi / 4Lo straight on wet or dry pavement is fine. Get into 2Hi before any turns.

Good explainer:

 

Remember you don't have full time 4x4. Leaving it in 4H at all times is not the best idea.

FROM YOUR OWNERS MANUAL

“2WD” (high speed position, two-wheel drive) Use this for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads. This position gives greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.

“4H” (high speed position, four-wheel drive) Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide, like off-road, icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than two-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive indicator will come on.

“4L” (low speed position, four-wheel drive) Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “4L” for climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow. The four-wheel drive and “4LO” indicator will come on.

 

Gotcha thanks for the reply.

 

Truck owning 101; lesson 3: Don't engage your four wheel drive on dry pavement.

 

I do that weekly if I'm not using 4wd enough. Just have to understand the system and be on a straight road.