4x4 Advice

[PJD]

Sorry if this has been covered in the past. I am new to using 4 wheel drive. When I engage 4x4H a green light comes on the dash to say this has been done. I notice the T2 struggles to reverse in particular round a corner. If I drive forward and disengage the 4x4 the green light goes off then I can reverse fine. Is it operator error or is this a problem? Thanks

 

[Fez_uk]

Are you driving on grippy surfaces like tarmac? If you are don't, It can only be used on slipped surfaces like mud, gravel etc as theres no differential in the transfer box.

 

[PJD]

Are you driving on grippy surfaces like tarmac? If you are don't, It can only be used on slipped surfaces like mud, gravel etc as theres no differential in the transfer box.

Yes I was initially.

 

[jims-terrano]

Yours will have fixed hubs, my old 05 plate had fixed hubs and I did notice although I had taken it out of 4wd the green light stayed on for a short time. I used to back it up a few feet just like when I had the auto locking which seemed to turn the light off.
Personally from what you have said I think you experienced transmission wind up which is stress and tension build up because none of the wheels could slip a little to relieve the tension.

There are some how to use 4wd guides in the downloads section I believe.

 

[Blocky10]

Yes, Fez and Jim has it spot on.
Transmission wind up for sure. As there's no centre diff the front wheels travel further than the rears so they start fighting each other until front or rear wheels can slip, which is why you don't usually notice it on slippery surfaces.:thumb2
By the way, its completely normal:thumb2 unlike a lot of folk on here :lol

 

[elty001]

I'm sure there are instructions on the back of the drivers side sun visor on how and when to use the 4wd.

 

[macabethiel]

Three penny bit steering effect !

Some refer to it as three penny bit steering (lost on those who are too young to remeber them as currency lol ) effect.

I get it on my Jeep if I navigate a very small roundabout tightly and likewise when reversing with a lot of lock on.
I have found that reducing your road speed to a trickle can help.

On our old Merc 4-matic 300TE you could stop it by light cadence braking that would disengage the LSD momentarily I guess that was specific to that model.

 

[PJD]

Yes, Fez and Jim has it spot on.
Transmission wind up for sure. As there's no centre diff the front wheels travel further than the rears so they start fighting each other until front or rear wheels can slip, which is why you don't usually notice it on slippery surfaces.:thumb2
By the way, its completely normal:thumb2 unlike a lot of folk on here :lol

Thanks for the replies again. That explains a lot and indeed the difficulty in reversing on normal ground with 4x4 engaged. I always use 2wd in everyday normal driving.

 

[Blocky10]

Be careful as something could break using 4 wheel on roads or similar

 

[glanrichbex]

This is one of those rare occasions where I actually read what not to do and therefore prevent it occurring in the first place rather than come on here after it's done and asking you guys how to fix it.:thumbs

 

[PJD]

This is one of those rare occasions where I actually read what not to do and therefore prevent it occurring in the first place rather than come on here after it's done and asking you guys how to fix it.:thumbs

I know that too now! :clap

 

[PJD]

Now I know not to engage 4x4 when not on rough ground etc. I have noticed that the transmission is quite noisy particularly when warm after a decent run. Notice more when cornering and there is a distinct whine from the front end at higher speed. It's not cv joints as there isn't the usual clicking you get with that and the wheel bearings are OK as I jacked each corner up to check. In 2wd are the rear axles driven or front?

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Rears are driven, I don't think yours will have auto hubs so the front drivetrain will still be moving when 4x4 is not engaged

 

[jims-terrano]

How about seeing if there is a member close to you and having a meet up so you can compare noise on another truck.

Now I'm not saying this would be your issue but it happened on my 05 plate.
Just under 50 I got a vibration start complete with noise too. This turned out to be two problems with the front propshaft. Firstly one of the uj's was buggered. Secondly there is a sliding joint along the tube of the shaft, this had worn. Whilst the propshaft is in place you could grab the front propshaft and pull it side to side, there was a tiny bit of sideways movement in the sliding joint. Removed the shaft and noise disappeared. Replaced the faulty propshaft but this only a partial fix. Replaced with a shaft from an older truck fixed my issue.

Maybe worth checking the front propshaft just incase.

 

[perelaar]

Check the propshafts for play...