We get a bit of snow here, and I have been using 4 hi lately on the highway. When I get opportunity to turn sharp at low speeds, it seems that the front end "plows" and shudders, like the gearing doesn't match. Is this normal for a crew cab due to the wheel base, or should I look into getting a front end alignment?


Shrubber

When your in four hi your front and rear axles are locked together. when you make a turn they have to travel at different speeds so it has to slip some. if your doing this on sections of pavement thats not slick your running the risk of breaking something. if ya can't get traction then put it in four wheel drive. if its not real deep snow or really slick the truck should do ok in two wheel drive. Just my .02 but be careful running in four wheel drive if the tires can't slip something else has to give.

I have felt this to some extent with my other 4 wheel drives, but it seems much more pronounced with the crew cab. I agree with the advice to only use 4x4 when needed with a road surface that will allow for some "slippage". Do you think that a front end alignment would help in this case? Tread wear seems to be pretty even.


Shrubber

Front end alignment won't affect what you're talking about. It's usually just called "front end hop" and as burkm said, it's caused by the fact that the front outside tire has to travel quite a bit further than the rear inside tire.


These trucks have a conventional four wheel drive system that's not designed to be used on surfaces where some slip is not happening. If you've noticed this on other four wheel drives, it depends on whether or not they are the full time type. My Cherokee has a full time system and if you really crank it over hard on dry pavement, you'll notice just a little hop. But the transfer case on it is designed to allow for different speeds between the front and rear differentials when needed. That's the way all the full time systems are set up, but not your truck....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

You can have the alignment checked just for your peace of mind but I don't think it will change the what your feeling. what your feeling just means your trucks drivetrain is in good condition and doesn't have much slack in it. My 93 doesn't do it as noticable as my 03 does. Overtime it will get some slack. I wouldn't worry to bad just be aware of how slippery a surface your driving on and switch from 2 to 4 wheel accordingly to save wear and tear. Also a little off subject but I learned recently that if you turn our trucks off while their in 4-wheel drive the front axle disconnect disengages until the power turns back on. just used to the old manual I used to have. dont ya love electronics. I used to have problems on the 93 freezing and not wanting to go into 4 wheel drive in real cold weather. Anyone had any problems on the newer models?

Thank you for the information! I haven't noticed any unusual wear on the front tires, so I agree that a front end alignment probably isn't necessary. Interesting about the front end disengaging when the vehicle is shut down!


shrubber

You notice it more on the crew cab because of the long wheelbase. The longer the wheelbase, the more difference there is in the path that the front and rear axles take, and therefore the quicker the drivetrain will bind up.